In this interactive session, you will have the chance to explore how to develop opportunities for young people in your organisation.  

Volunteering is changing, with more young people eager to get involved. But are your opportunities accessible to them?

We’ll explore the practicalities of involving younger volunteers, from implementing the right policies to identifying suitable roles, with opportunities to network and learn from peers.

During this session, you will have the opportunity to register for a personalised follow up from a member of the Go Volunteer Glos team. This short follow-up will give you dedicated support to write and upload your role onto Go Volunteer Glos, ensuring your opportunity is live and ready to engage with young volunteers.  

Gloucestershire County Council has partnered with whatimpact, the National Social Value Marketplace®, to connect local VCSEs with suppliers delivering mandatory social value in the county.

This partnership ensures that supplier resources – including funding, volunteering, and pro bono support – are directed to organisations making a positive local impact. VCSEs in Gloucestershire now have the valuable opportunity to set up a free profile on whatimpact, attend upcoming webinars and training sessions, and begin building partnerships with corporate and public sector suppliers.

Setting up a profile gives your organisation visibility, but the real value comes when you use the platform to connect with suppliers, tell your story, and showcase the difference you make. Being proactive will help ensure your organisation is chosen for new partnerships.

Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance is delighted to host this training session on 'Maximising Social Value' :

Session overview:

• Hands-on support in setting up and optimising your organisations whatimpact profile.

• How to demonstrate best practice in engaging suppliers and maximising partnership opportunities.

• Understanding mandatory supplier social value commitments.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Create and manage an effective whatimpact profile.

• Identify opportunities for partnership with suppliers.

• Confidently showcase their work to attract funding, volunteering, and in-kind resources.

• Understand how impact reporting works and why it is valuable for both VCSEs and suppliers.

Important information:

• Places are fully funded for VCSE organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire.

• To enable as many organisations as possible to access this event, we have limited bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

• We only accept bookings from individuals attending the event and are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name.

• Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking to book a place asap.

• Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place: Terms & Conditions of Booking

• If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this event, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 27 November.

Gloucestershire has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. This half-day safeTALK training session will be delivered by Sunflowers Suicide Support. Sunflowers is a Gloucestershire charity dedicated to reducing suicide and supporting those bereaved by suicide. The training aims to create a supportive workplace culture and equip frontline staff with the skills to recognize and respond to suicide risks among service users.

Course objectives

• Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present

• Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked

• Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide

• Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe, and Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further suicide-safer help.

This training is ideal for frontline staff and volunteers working in the VCSE sector who want to build confidence in supporting people at risk of suicide. It provides practical skills to make a real difference in your workplace and community.

Tea and coffee will be served on arrival (from 9am). Lunch will not be provided, please bring your own.

Important information

This course is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire. To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:

Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 2 December.

Strong governance is essential for building a resilient and well-managed VCSE organisation. This workshop will explore the core principles of effective governance, highlight its impact on organisational success, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of board members and trustees. Attendees will also learn strategies to strengthen transparency, accountability, and overall organisational effectiveness.

Outcomes:

• Understand the key principles of effective governance.

• Learn how governance impacts the management and success of your organisation.

• Gain insights into roles and responsibilities of board members and trustees.

• Discover strategies for maintaining transparency and accountability.

• Improve organisational effectiveness through strong governance practices

Important information

This course is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire. To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:

Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 3 December.

Our understanding of philanthropy is rightly evolving. Recent developments have brought increased attention to how philanthropists, companies, and trusts have accumulated their wealth—and what this means for the charities and social enterprises they support. But how much should this influence your organisation's decisions?

In a difficult financial climate, when is it appropriate to turn down a donation? And how do you balance the need to protect your organisation’s reputation with the responsibility to secure vital resources?

This presentation and Q&A session will help you navigate this complex and often sensitive area—where opinions can vary widely and be strongly held.

This session will cover:

• Examples of potentially problematic philanthropy, including ‘grey areas’ that may raise ethical questions

• Real-life cases of organisations that have accepted or declined contentious donations

• How to open up difficult conversations within your board or team

• Practical guidance on what to consider—and what to avoid—when making tough decisions about donations

Important information

This course is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire. To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:

Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 4 December.

Explore Employer Supported Volunteering, gain practical tips, and connect with peers to boost your organisation’s ESV programme.

Join us for an interactive session focused entirely on Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV).

Whether you’re new to ESV or looking to strengthen your current approach, this session will give you the tools and insights you need to make the most of employer partnerships. Together, we’ll explore the benefits of running an ESV programme and share practical tips on how to develop one that works for your organisation.

You’ll have the opportunity to connect, network, and learn from your peers. Through group activities and discussions, we’ll look at creative ways to showcase your volunteering opportunities and engage new audiences through employer-supported initiatives.

You’ll also have the chance to book a personalised follow-up with a member of the Go Volunteer Glos team. This short, one-to-one session will give you dedicated support to write and upload your volunteering role onto Go Volunteer Glos, ensuring your opportunity is live and ready to connect with local companies.

Who should attend:
Volunteer managers, coordinators, and anyone involved in engaging employers in community volunteering.

What you’ll gain:
- A clear understanding of Employer Supported Volunteering
- Practical tools to develop and promote your ESV opportunities
- Peer learning and networking opportunities
- Optional 1:1 follow-up support with Go Volunteer Glos

This event is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations in Gloucestershire.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Booking information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 13 January.

Develop leadership skills in this practical workshop focused on vision, resilience, and coaching to lead with confidence.

This dynamic and interactive workshop, delivered by Tandem Consultancy, is designed to equip both aspiring and established leaders with essential skills, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to thrive in challenging environments and inspire those around them.

What You Will Learn

During this engaging and informative session, you will:

• Explore the fundamentals of effective leadership – Understand the principles that set inspiring leaders apart, including the importance of vision, alignment, and execution, and how these elements drive successful teams and organisations.

• Develop situational leadership and coaching skills – Learn how to adapt your leadership approach, strengthen your ability to coach others, and recognise the key differences between leading and managing.

• Build resilience and manage pressure – Take part in practical activities to help you develop personal resilience, thrive under pressure, and distinguish between healthy challenge and harmful stress.

Why Attend

Leadership can often feel isolating. Taking time away from day-to-day responsibilities to focus on personal development offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your effectiveness and drive organisational success.

Expect an engaging, hands-on learning environment where you can practise new skills, share experiences, and gain insights from facilitators and peers. Whether you aim to inspire your team, navigate change, or strengthen your leadership impact, this workshop will provide fresh perspectives and renewed motivation.

You’ll leave with a comprehensive workbook filled with practical frameworks and strategies to implement immediately, along with 28 days of post-workshop support via Tandem's habit builder app to help embed your new practices.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for anyone in the voluntary and community sector seeking to develop or enhance their leadership capabilities. It is particularly relevant for:

• Chief Executives (CEOs)

• Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members

• Senior managers and team leaders

Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own lunch.

Booking information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 20 January.

This workshop is designed to equip you with the essential skills for crafting strong grant applications. You will learn how to analyse requirements, tailor your submissions effectively, and enhance your writing to be clear and persuasive. Additionally, you’ll discover how to avoid common pitfalls and build the confidence needed to create competitive bids that stand out.

Outcomes:

• Learn the essentials of a strong grant application

• Understand how to analyse requirements and customise submissions.

• Improve clear and persuasive writing skills.

• Avoid common mistakes.

• Gain confidence in creating competitive bids.

Important information

This course is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire. To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:

Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 21 January.

Have you recently been appointed as a charity trustee?
This interactive session with governance expert Lynn Cadman will help you build the knowledge and confidence to become an effective and informed member of your charity’s board.

You’ll gain a solid understanding of your roles and responsibilities, learn practical tools for developing your charity’s strategy, and receive a concise introduction to charity finance.

About the Trainer

Lynn Cadman brings over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. Her career has included roles at the Charity Commission, as Head of Department at a large charity, and as an external governance adviser. She has led numerous governance and board effectiveness reviews, facilitated away days, and delivered trustee training for charities of all sizes.

Lynn has also written key sector guidance, including Getting on Board’s How to Recruit Trustees and How to Become a Charity Trustee, the first ICAEW Trustee Training modules, and Reach Volunteering’s Trustee Recruitment Cycle. She is a regular trainer for Civil Society Media.

Alongside her freelance work, Lynn is Senior Associate (Charity Adviser) at Edward Connor Solicitors and a trustee of BMS World Mission (1174364) and Mill Grove Christian Charitable Trust (1078661). She holds an MSc in Voluntary Sector Management from Bayes Business School, awarded with distinction.

What You’ll Gain

• A clear understanding of your legal duties and core responsibilities as a trustee

• Tools and frameworks to support effective governance and strategy development

• A practical introduction to charity finance and financial oversight

• Increased confidence to contribute effectively to your charity’s board

This session is specifically designed for individuals who have recently joined a charity board as a trustee.

Book your place now to strengthen your skills and make a confident start in your new trustee role.

This event is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations in Gloucestershire.

Booking information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 21 January.

Inclusion Gloucestershire is led by and represents people who face a range of disabling barriers, including people who are disabled, neurodivergent, autistic or have mental ill health.

Their training and development services are helping create a society that values, respects and understands how to work with disabled people, which is why courses are designed and led by our Experts by Experience.

Session aims:

• Lead with confidence in an inclusive way

• Attract diverse talent to your organisation

• Value and develop diverse talent effectively

• Focus on disability inclusion

• Apply approaches that create an inclusive workforce for everyone

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the value of a diverse workforce

• Learn how to make recruitment processes accessible

• Foster an inclusive workplace culture

• Implement reasonable adjustments in the workplace

• Address systemic inequalities

• Identify and remove disabling barriers

Important information

This course is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations delivering services in Gloucestershire. To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:

Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 4 February.

Join other Treasurers for an engaging and supportive session designed to help you understand the essentials of charity finance, strengthen your internal controls, and build confidence in your financial oversight role.

This interactive workshop will combine practical guidance with peer-to-peer learning, giving you the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and grow your understanding of what makes a charity financially sustainable.

About the Trainer

Lynn Cadman brings over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. Her extensive background includes roles at the Charity Commission, as an in-house expert and Head of Department at a large charity, and as an external adviser supporting a wide range of organisations.

She has carried out numerous governance and board effectiveness reviews, facilitated away days to support board development, and delivered trustee training across the sector.

Lynn has also written widely used sector guidance, including:

• Getting on Board’s practical guides: How to Recruit Trustees and How to Become a Charity Trustee

• The first iteration of the ICAEW’s Trustee Training modules

• Guidance for Reach Volunteering’s Trustee Recruitment Cycle

She is also a trainer for Civil Society Media, a Senior Associate (Charity Adviser) at Edward Connor Solicitors, and a charity trustee of both BMS World Mission (1174364) and Mill Grove Christian Charitable Trust (1078661).

In 2021, Lynn completed an MSc in Voluntary Sector Management at Bayes Business School, achieving a distinction.

Who should attend

• New or recently appointed charity Treasurers

• Trustees looking to strengthen their financial confidence

• Anyone keen to enhance their charity’s governance and sustainability

You’ll gain:

• A clear understanding of charity finance fundamentals

• Insights into good internal controls and risk management

• Peer connections with other Treasurers facing similar challenges

• Practical tips and resources to take back to your board

• This event is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations in Gloucestershire.

Booking information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 11 February.

Strong relationships and effective dynamics between trustees are key to a board that delivers for your charity. This session is designed to help Chairs and prospective Chairs understand their critical role in providing leadership, direction, and support to bring out the best in their board.

Through discussion, case studies, and peer learning, you’ll explore how to:

• Foster positive board dynamics and collaboration

• Lead meetings that are purposeful and effective

• Support trustees to contribute fully and confidently

• Enhance your board’s overall impact on the charity

About the trainer

Lynn Cadman has over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector, including roles at the Charity Commission, as Head of Department in a large charity, and as an external adviser. She has conducted governance and board effectiveness reviews, facilitated board development away days, and delivered trustee training.

Lynn has written widely used sector guidance, including Getting on Board’s guides on recruiting trustees and trustee roles, ICAEW’s first Trustee Training modules, and guidance for Reach Volunteering. She is a Senior Associate (Charity Adviser) at Edward Connor Solicitors and a trustee of BMS World Mission and Mill Grove Christian Charitable Trust. In 2021, she completed an MSc in Voluntary Sector Management with distinction.

Who Should Attend

• Chairs or prospective Chairs of charity boards

• Trustees seeking insight into board leadership and dynamics

• Anyone involved in strengthening their board’s effectiveness

What You’ll Gain

• Practical strategies to lead your board confidently

• Tools to improve board dynamics and collaboration

• Peer learning from other Chairs and trustees

• Guidance to maximise your board’s impact

• This event is fully funded for VCSE groups & organisations in Gloucestershire.

Booking information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 18 March.

Diverse boards bring stronger decision-making and greater objectivity — but only if every trustee feels safe, valued, and equipped to contribute. This session explores how to move beyond a “tick-box” approach to embedding Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) into your charity’s governance and strategy.

Through discussion, case studies, and peer learning, you’ll explore how to:

• Create an inclusive board culture where all voices are heard

• Integrate EDIB principles into decision-making and strategy

• Identify and overcome barriers to genuine inclusion

• Strengthen your board’s effectiveness and impact

About the Trainer

Lynn Cadman brings over 20 years of experience in the charity sector, including work with the Charity Commission, as Head of Department in a large charity, and as an external adviser. She has carried out governance and board effectiveness reviews, facilitated board development sessions, and delivered trustee training.

Lynn has authored sector guidance, including Getting on Board’s practical guides, ICAEW’s first Trustee Training modules, and guidance for Reach Volunteering. She is a Senior Associate (Charity Adviser) at Edward Connor Solicitors and a trustee of BMS World Mission and Mill Grove Christian Charitable Trust. In 2021, she completed an MSc in Voluntary Sector Management with distinction.

Who Should Attend

• Trustees and Chairs committed to inclusive governance

• Boards looking to embed EDIB in strategy and culture

• Anyone seeking practical tools to improve trustee engagement and decision-making

What You’ll Gain

• Understanding of how to move beyond tokenistic approaches

• Practical strategies for inclusive board culture and decision-making

• Peer insights and real-world examples

• Tools to strengthen your board and enhance impact

Booking Information

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accomodate individual needs where possible.

Our courses are often oversubscribed and we therefore have a waiting list system in place for each course. If this course is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list and we will let you know as soon as a place becomes available.

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosvcsalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on 21 April.