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Big Issue, 16 June 09 Some options for training: VDS accredited programme Action Learning. Useful references. Volunteer Development Scotland, information about their intermediate accredited VM training: www.vds.org.uk (Managing Volunteers)
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Big Issue, 16 June 09 Some options for training: VDS accredited programme Action Learning
Useful references • Volunteer Development Scotland, information about their intermediate accredited VM training: www.vds.org.uk (Managing Volunteers) • Basic online VM learning from VDS: www.vdslearningzone.org.uk • Action Learning: lots of resources on the internet by searching for ‘Action Learning’ or ‘Reg Revans.’ Some is quite academic; a good standard intro book if you’re keen is: Action Learning: A Practical Guide by Krystyna Weinstein (Amazon stock it).
Volunteer Development ScotlandCoordinating Volunteers SQACustomised Award • Customised, modular course • Part of VDS’ programme of learning opportunities • Links with IiV • Links with NOS • SCQF Level 6 (=SVQ level 3)
The Modules • Planning strategically for volunteer involvement • Effective Volunteer Recruitment • Matching Volunteers to roles and tasks • Increasing Volunteer effectiveness through Training and Development • Supporting and supervising volunteers
Module 1Planning Strategically forVolunteer Involvement • Develop awareness of the principles and values which underpin volunteering • Explore an understanding of the volunteer management role • Build knowledge of how to create a volunteer framework appropriate to their organisation • Explore the development and use of a volunteering policy
Module 2Effective Volunteer Recruitment • To explore the principles of recruiting volunteers to motivating opportunities within their organisations • To examine a range of recruitment methods and marketing approaches • To build knowledge and ideas of how to develop an appropriate recruitment strategy
Module 3Matching Volunteers to Roles and Tasks • The principles of matching and selecting volunteers • Explore the importance of understanding the motivations of volunteers • Explore a range of matching and selection methods • Investigate issues around counselling out unsuitable volunteers at selection stage.
Module 4Increasing volunteer effectiveness through Training and Development • Develop knowledge of how adults learn • Explore methods used to identify training and development needs of volunteers • Examine different training methods and techniques for use in a volunteering programme • Build knowledge of the evaluation and effectiveness of training and development
Module 5Supporting and Supervising Volunteers • Develop understanding of the value of an organisational strategy for supporting and supervising volunteers • Explore the skills required in providing appropriate support and supervision • Investigate strategies, techniques and good practice in supporting and supervising volunteers
Adopting a standard London programme • Could be the first step towards an accredited programme • Could put us in a stronger position re funders • Would mean working together even more • Wouldn’t exclude delivering other topics or modules • Would give participants more choice
Action LearningThe essentials • Long established development method (especially for managers) • Work based learning – real, current issues • Small group + facilitator, meeting over several months • ‘Airtime’ concept is essential
Benefits to participants • Peer support and networking • Improved skills in: active listening, constructively giving feedback and advice, problem solving, group processes • Peer input into tackling workplace issues • Encourages new approaches and lateral thinking • Personal growth and development
How it could work • Sets of 5-6 good practice workers + facilitator, meeting for 6 sessions • Regional good practice forums continue as now • One or two sets could be designed to train participants to become AL facilitators themselves – more sets could be rolled out to VC workers and/or VIOs.
Issues! • Potential set members (and their managers) reluctant to commit • Set members dropping out/moving on • Sourcing suitable and affordable venues • Would replace proposed quarterly good practice workers’ forums – EiV funded