Voluntary Norfolk is delighted to be working in collaboration with Norfolk County Council on a new phase of the Workforce Development Project which has run at Voluntary Norfolk for several years.

At the end of 2009, Norfolk County Council funded a survey to identify the key future training needs of Chief Executives and leaders in Norfolk’s voluntary sector. We are using the knowledge gleaned both from this research and from the work of the original project to move into a new phase of delivery.

The Background

The cultures of both the voluntary and public sectors are shifting rapidly. The severe challenges of the economic climate coupled with the massive changes being brought about through the personalisation agenda are impacting on the way that all of us work. We need more than ever to be adaptable and to have the skills and abilities to work together and to offer people in Norfolk a choice of quality, sustainable, person-centred services. 

What will Inspire to Change deliver?  

An innovative and responsive programme of training, coaching, mentoring and Action Learning for Chief Officers, leaders and key volunteers in the voluntary sector in Norfolk. The emphasis of the programme will be on looking forward and equipping delegates with the skills and knowledge that they will need to adapt, survive and thrive. The speakers and presenters will be from both local and national organisations, chosen for their depth of knowledge and experience, their skills and insight and their ability to inspire other to effect change.

The Launch 

The programme began with a launch event in Norwich on Monday 4 April. The launch included presentations and Master Classes. After the event, the evaluation showed that 98% of attendees rated the relevance of the topic areas as 'Excellent' or 'Good'.  97% of attendees rated the overall event as 'Excellent' or 'Good'.  

What Next? 

Voluntary Norfolk asked the event delegates to suggest areas of training with the most relevance. This information, combined with the survey data has led to the development of a very exciting programme which will kick off in the very near future. 

Sessions will be led by local and national speakers, all experts in their field. 

Topics will include:

• Funding and sustainability
• PR, Marketing and Media
• Risk Management
• Business and Enterprise Development
• Monitoring and Measuring Outcomes
• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Collaboration and Partnership Working

The programme will also offer the opportunity for delegates to apply for a package of five one-to-one coaching or mentoring sessions for just £50. 

New Website

A new website dedicated to Inspire to Change is now live at www.inspiretochange.org.uk with:

• News
• Updates on forthcoming training events and Master Classes
• Slides and presentations from past events  
• Resources 
• Information on Coaching and Mentoring

 

For more information call 01603 762523 or email inspiretochange@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk