The programme has been praised by First Minister Rhodri Morgan as ‘affordable and accessible’, and hailed by participants as helping to strengthen the sector during the funding and other difficulties likely to occur in the near future. ‘Courses for Communities will help make the sector fit to face the challenges that lay ahead in these uncertain times,’ said Clive Curtis, Partnership and Development Manager with Vale Council for Voluntary Services. Topics covered include formalising organisations, organising a committee, monitoring and evaluating the organisation’s work, getting the best out of IT and working with others. There will also be training in effective communication skills, working with the statutory sector and volunteering, appointing trustees and management committee members, employing and managing people, and finding and managing money. WCVA Training Manager Kate Thomas said: ‘It became clear to us that while there was a wealth of training being delivered to the sector, there was little consistency in provision of core training to support voluntary groups in setting up and developing their organisation, supporting staff, volunteers and trustees, fundraising, managing their assets and delivering better services.’
16 October 2008
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