Upcoming Survive & Thrive events

Survive and Thrive is a free programme of training, events and ‘learning journeys’ for rural community organisations and social enterprises in the South West to help you build a better business, make more money and achieve better social and environmental impacts.

It is delivered by the Development Trust Association and funded by Capacity Builders. Please click on the links below to find out more about our current trips and make a booking.

Please note that places are limited. For more information about the programme, visit www.thrivingenterprises.net

Current events: All events are free to rural community organisations and social enterprises in the South West and bursaries are available to cover the cost of travel Read the rest of this entry »

Beyond Copenhagen

CVSF Beyond Copenhagen Invite

We invite you to help reduce Cornwall’s Carbon Emissions over 2010.

 

The Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, Community Energy Plus and Cornwall Development Company have organised a free event on the 17th February 2010 with the aim to reduce Cornwall Voluntary Sector’s Carbon by at least 10% over 2010.

 

This event is specifically aimed at Senior Managers, Chief Executives and Trustees from voluntary organisations that are consuming a lot of energy – particularly those with an annual income of £½ million or over.

 

The event will be a series of Master Classes in the morning discussing solutions to major carbon producing activities; and also discussing the challenges faced by trying to change your organisation’s habits.   

 

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to book in a 1:1 surgery with someone from Community Energy Plus and Cornwall Development Agency to focus on your specific issues and opportunities available.

 

So if you’re one of Cornwall’s Leaders and want to lead by example on the pressing issues of Climate Change, stay one step ahead of oncoming legislation – and reduce your energy bills, then this event is for you.

 

Please fill in the attached booking form at the top of the page.  You can print and post it should you wish – or simply fill in your details onto the electronic form and click the ‘submit’ button for it to be sent off via cyber space!

 

The deadline for booking onto this event is the 10th February 2010.

A new free service for Community Groups

The Rural Services Network would like to make our community members aware of a free service offered by the ATU to any community or voluntary organisation involved, interested in or considering taking on responsibility for a transferred asset.
 
The Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) helps to empower local people and organisations to transform land and buildings into vibrant community spaces whilst supporting the development of a thriving third sector. They claim to be the leading provider of expert advice, guidance and support concerning the transfer of under-used land and buildings from the public sector to community ownership and management – helping organisations to develop those assets and deliver long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.

The Unit is led and managed by the Development Trusts Association – the UK’s leading network of community enterprise practitioners – in association with Community Matters and the Local Government Association. It is funded by Communities and Local Government.

 
Details of the ATU’s free service to Community members can be seen by clicking here. 
 
 
We hope this may be of interest to some of you,

February courses from Cascade

Financial Management Demystified – 2nd February (Taunton) 

Trainer: David Hancock  Cost: £99

This course is designed principally for non-accountants in the Voluntary & Community Sector to help them understand the key elements of Financial Management. As the title implies, it will not be technical and requires delegates to have limited or no knowledge of the subject.  It should be particularly helpful to those who need to understand the finances of their organisation but feel daunted by the sheer weight of detail and jargon surrounding financial information and reporting requirements. The course will cover:

 

Strategic Planning for Trustees & Senior Management – Tuesday 9th February (Taunton)

Trainer: David Hancock  Cost: £149 **Masterclass Course**

This programme has proved very popular since it was introduced last year in response to a growing demand from trustees and senior management in the Voluntary & Community Sector for help in developing a framework for charting the future direction of their organisations. It is intended to offer participants a rare chance to spend time standing back from the day-to-day demands of running their organisations to look at the opportunities and challenges which may present themselves in the future.

 

Managing Conflict – Wednesday 17th February (Taunton)

Trainer: Debbie Jane (Pardoes Bevins)  Cost: £129

A one day workshop designed to equip you with new strategies and techniques for dealing with difficult relationships in the workplace – both with colleagues and/or service users. The day will include case studies and the opportunity to discuss specific challenges and conflict situations that delegates may be experiencing. By the end of the day you will be equipped with new and effective tools to use in your place of work.

 

Managing Performance & Dealing with Poor Performers – Wednesday 24th February  (Exeter) 

Trainer: Gillian Jeffery  Cost: £129                                                                    

This workshop is aimed at managers who currently supervise staff and are grappling with poor performance issues. We will address various examples of poor performance and absenteeism in the workplace and the impact on team morale. You will learn new strategies to ensure skilled staff are retained and how to motivate and support less focused staff.                             

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Charity club launch – making the most of the media

Welcome to Cornwall Charity Club, a new series of FREE EVENTS supporting small local charities and community groups. Brought to you by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum in partnership with Truro and Penwith Colleges.

Launch event – MAKING THE MOST OF THE MEDIA
Wednesday 20th January, Truro College, Fal Building, 6pm – 8pm

Raising awareness of the work of your charity; promoting an event, raising funds or attracting volunteers – there are so many reasons for wanting and needing media coverage – but what’s the best way to work with the media?

At our inaugural meeting two of the region’s leading editors will provide us with the inside track on how the media works and how best to improve your chances of achieving that important media coverage.

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Daphne Skinnard is BBC Radio Cornwall’s Assistant Editor and will speak about working with the BBC – television, radio and web sites.

Andy Cooper is Editor in Chief for Cornwall and Devon Media Ltd and will talk about working with Cornwall’s Cornish Guardian, West Briton and Cornishman newspapers, as well as web site access.

A light buffet supper will be provided.

Please complete the Charity Club booking form attached (pdf file)

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Training for the Future

East Cornwall Council for Voluntary Service started a new project called ‘Training for the Future’ which is funded by the Big Lottery in October 2009. This 3 year funding allows us to offer FREE training to any voluntary, community group or individual. East Cornwall CVS can tailor our training to meet the needs of these groups, as long as there is a minimum of 6 individuals. If none of the training below fits with your identified training needs, please contact Vicki Horner on 01208 832763 or v.horner@eccvs.org.uk to discuss these further. We have lots to offer!

The following are FREE to any voluntary, community group or individual and there will be a small charge of £25.00 to large charities (income of more than £500,000), statutory and private organisations.
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