Welcome to the first issue of the E-Training Bulletin - a listing of training opportunities and consultation events of interest to voluntary organisations and community groups in the Bedfordshire and Luton area.

July 2007

The SOUL Record

The SOUL (Soft Outcomes Universal Learning) Record is an effective method of measuring soft outcomes / informal learning in a way which benefits the client. It is useful for the client to help them to see the progress they are making, the worker as an ice breaker and a diagnostic tool; identifying where a client or learner may need some extra help or support, and for an organisation in providing evidence of the fantastic work being undertaken with their clients.

Managing a Budget

Learn how to prepare, submit and agree a budget for a set operating period, involving monitoring actual performance against agreed budget and taking necessary action in case of variances.

Voice volunteering: campaigning and active citizenship

If you are involved as a volunteer in campaigning for: human rights; social justice; the environment or are engaged in active citizenship: in parish and local government; for political parties and lobby groups; in trade unions; on behalf of groups serving disadvantaged communities why not attend this FREE consultation event.

Volunteering for children and young people

What do you think is happening to volunteering for children and young people and what do you think should be happening in the next ten years? If you work in this field – for example, support groups for families with children, parent and toddler groups, playgroups, PTAs, after-school groups, sports clubs, arts and theatre clubs, youth choirs and orchestras, Guides, Scouts, Sea Scouts, Girls and Boys Brigades, etc this FREE consulation event could be of interest.

Public Service Delivery by the Third Sector

This workshop will introduce the steps taken so far by government to encourage third sector organisations to take advantage of oppportunities to design and contract to deliver public services. It will share reflections from the sector on this policy and give details of what will be demanded and how to become involved in public service delivery.

Providing Leadership

This workshop is about providing direction in a clearly and formally defined area or part of an organisation (e.g. a department or team) and motivating and supporting them to achieve the vision and objectives for the area.

Domestic Abuse Awareness

This course is suitable for any practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of domestic abuse in order to feel more able to support victims and families more effectively. The course particularly focuses on the impact of domestic abuse on victims and how this may affect how you are able to work with them. This workshop is also running on 04/09/07, 18/09/07, 08/10/07, 12/11/07, 26/11/07 and 03/12/07.

Developing Productive Working Relationships

This workshop is about developing working relationships with colleagues, within your organisation and within other organisations, that are productive in terms of supporting and delivering your work and that of the overall organisation.

Promoting Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Promote equality of opportunity and diversity beyond compliance with legislation, working towards awareness of, and active commitment to, ensuring equal opportunities and benefits of diversity. 

Consultation on the Bus Network for Leighton Buzzard

This is your chance to hear about the plans and challenges for Bedfordshire County Council and  to contribute your views as to which bus routes are really important, which bus routes would people use so that they can be commercially viable and what is the way forward on buses in Leighton-Linslade.

Recruiting, Selecting and Keeping Colleagues

Recruit and select people, taking a fair and objective approach to ensure that individuals with the required skills and knowledge, and who are likely  to perform effectively, are appointed.

September 2007

Managing & Solving Customer Service Problems

However good the service, some customers will experience problems. Find out how to spot and solve problems before the customer is even aware of them.

Encouraging Innovation

This workshop is about encouraging and supporting the identification and practical implementation of ideas in your area of responsibility. The initial ideas will primarily come from people who work in your area of responsibility, including yourself.

November 2007

Empowering the Voluntary Sector to Influence Public Bodies

Did you know? If a public body tells you that it is going to act in a certain way, the courts interpret this as a promise, and may regard it as an abuse of power (and therefore unlawful) for the body to subsequently change its mind or break its promise to you. This is one of the basic principles of public law, the rules hat govern how public bodies should behave.

What can do about this? Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, this workshop brings together Voluntary and Community Action South Bedfordshire, NAVCA and the Public Law Project (PLP) in an innovative venture to support the voluntary and community sector in understanding the principles and framework of public law.

In order to receive this bulletin click on the following link mailto:info@action-southbeds.org.uk?subject=E_Training_Bulletin and send.

This training bulletin is provided by the Information Service at Voluntary and Community Action. Voluntary and Community Action is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the voluntary and community sector in South Bedfordshire by developing, enabling, promoting and supporting voluntary and community action. It seeks to achieve this through advocacy; capacity building activities; enhancing the provision of volunteering opportunities; the exchange of information; the provision of training; advice and consultancy; and by working in partnership with others. To find out more visit our website at www.action-southbeds.org.uk

Bossard House, West Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1DA
Tel: 01525 850559, Fax: 01525 376281

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