Training and Events

Find upcoming workshops, group meetings, events and training sessions


Former Places of Worship: Community Right to Buy
Apr
29

Former Places of Worship: Community Right to Buy

This event is part of DTAS’s New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a church across Scotland.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
Apr
30

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
Apr
30

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
May
1

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
May
5

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Plan, measure and report social impact
May
7

Plan, measure and report social impact

Why measure social impact? Every organisation can and should measure their social impact, especially in these uncertain times, because evaluation is key to securing both continued and future funding. Indeed, funding often depends on reporting your social impact clearly and concisely to funders who want to know their investment is making a real difference.

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Social Enterprise Scotland Learning Exchange - Lifelink
May
8

Social Enterprise Scotland Learning Exchange - Lifelink

Lifelink is a leading mental health and wellbeing social enterprise, based in Glasgow, dedicated to helping individuals and communities thrive. They offer tailored services designed to support emotional resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. Their programmes, for young people, adults, businesses and public sector clients, include one-to-one counselling, group sessions, webinars and training that address a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and work-life balance challenges.

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Former Places of Worship: Churches into Community Ownership – First Steps
May
15

Former Places of Worship: Churches into Community Ownership – First Steps

This event is part of DTAS’s New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a church across Scotland. This is in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship that are due for disposal over the next several years.

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Stirling – Legal Launchpad: Supercharge Your Social Enterprise’s Success
May
16

Stirling – Legal Launchpad: Supercharge Your Social Enterprise’s Success

In order to be successful in starting and running a social enterprise it is important to develop the necessary skillset to assist you in your journey. One vital area is the wide-ranging subject summarised as “Legal” the do’s and don’ts, the guidance and the facts you need to be aware of for your social enterprise to operate. This interactive session will take deep dive into these issues allowing you to assess your own organisation, set goals and incorporate a blend of coaching and mentoring alongside the legal advice and business support that will provide the best possible outcome for your organisation.

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Meeting Centres Scotland Conference - The Big Social
May
19
to 20 May

Meeting Centres Scotland Conference - The Big Social

Come join Meeting Centre Scotland for two days filled with networking, learning, and fun at The Big Social conference. The conference takes place on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May 2025, starting at 9.15am each day. Attendees will connect with individual meeting centres from across Scotland and find out how each one is unique but linked through the evidence-based '11 Essential Features' model. There will also be presentations from international speakers, informative sessions, and workshops. You can take part in social activities, conference energisers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while celebrating all of the social clubs for people living with dementia and their care partners.

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Children Affected by Parental Substance Use
May
20

Children Affected by Parental Substance Use

  • Haddington Road Musselburgh, Scotland, EH21 8JJ United Kingdom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This training offers an opportunity to hear from a person with lived experience and for practitioners to reflect on how the guidance is helpful as a framework for intervention when working with families where there is problematic use of alcohol and other drugs.

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Responding to harmful sexual behaviour in education settings
May
20

Responding to harmful sexual behaviour in education settings

There is a range of common and healthy sexual behaviour that children may display at different stages of development. If their behaviour is considered to be outside this range, it may be called ‘harmful’ because it harms them or others. Working effectively with children who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour – sexual discussions or acts that are inappropriate for their age or stage of development – can be challenging, complex and emotional. It is vital that professionals feel equipped to help children and families understand this behaviour, and have the confidence to address this behaviour both effectively and constructively.

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Introduction to people management: essentials for team leaders, supervisors and managers
May
21

Introduction to people management: essentials for team leaders, supervisors and managers

People management is often the biggest concern of team leaders, supervisors and managers, which is understandable given that it is a fundamental to being a great manager. This course with Mark Douglas from Blue Ptarmigan identifies what it means to be a great people manager, exploring the roles, responsibilities and skill sets required.

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SCVO Comms Network: Meet the Third Force News team
May
21

SCVO Comms Network: Meet the Third Force News team

Come along and meet the Third Force News (TFN) team! This informal session will introduce you to the TFN team members and explain their roles. You will also hear about the different ways there are to get your organisation’s news and views into TFN. And finally, you will have an opportunity to chat to the team - to tell them about your organisation and ask questions.

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Employee leave essentials: what employers need to know
May
22

Employee leave essentials: what employers need to know

Have you heard of 'pawternity', or 'me-ternity'? There are so many different types of employee leave it can be difficult to figure out which is which sometimes. This webinar session, facilitated by SCVO's HR service, will provide an overview of all types of leave your staff may request. We'll talk about annual leave and parental leave, as well as more progressive options we're hearing about, like 'pawternity' for looking after new pets or 'me-ternity' for child free women to travel or write.

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Time management in the workplace
May
28

Time management in the workplace

Time management is about making the best use of your time. However this is easier said than done – particularly when organisations are being required to do more with less. If you think time management approaches will help you keep control of your workload then this interactive and participative online course is for you!

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SCVO member only: making the most of your membership
May
28

SCVO member only: making the most of your membership

Whether you’re new to SCVO or you’ve been part of its membership community for a while, SCVO would love to see you at their membership welcome meeting, exclusively for SCVO members and supporters. Come along and learn about accessing and making the most of your membership benefits, chat with the SCVO team and ask questions, and connect with your fellow members and supporters.

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Governance - A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach
May
28

Governance - A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach

This is an introduction to what a human rights and equalities approach means for third sector boards and committees. It’s for people who have a say, or give advice and support, on how boards or committees are run: trustees, board or committee members, managers, capacity building officers etc. – and will provide you with the tools you need to integrate human rights and equalities into the work of boards and committees.

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Connecting communities: village halls conference
May
29

Connecting communities: village halls conference

Connect with fellow hall workers and volunteers; learn about how to connect with service providers and funding opportunities; discuss new ways to connect with your communities. Share stories, tips, and experiences; share positive experiences and celebrate the impact you’re making on your communities; share difficulties you’ve faced or are facing, problems you’ve encountered and ways to address these. Inspire others with creative solutions to common village hall issues; get inspired to apply for funding or investigate new income streams; feel inspired by the wonderful community-building going on in rural and urban communities across Scotland.

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Digital wellbeing in the workplace
Jun
3

Digital wellbeing in the workplace

SCVO recognises that simply transitioning everything from the office to a virtual space is no longer enough and that the hybrid work place has now become the norm for many of us. This transition has inadvertently had a negative impact on our mental well-being. Issues like staff stress, burnout, an incessant sense of always being on, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life have left us feeling drained, and in many ways still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic. Nonetheless, there are tangible steps we can take today to restore balance and cultivate contented, healthy hybrid workplaces.

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Former Places of Worship: Finance and Fundraising
Jun
3

Former Places of Worship: Finance and Fundraising

This event is part of DTAS’s New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a church across Scotland. This is in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship that are due for disposal over the next several years.

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Social media fundamentals
Jun
4

Social media fundamentals

Are you thinking about getting started on social media, but aren’t quite sure how to go about it? Well, get ready to enter a whole new world of communication that will help you reach your members, networks, and the voluntary sector in times of crisis and beyond. This online course with Ross McCulloch from Third Sector Lab will get you started on a social media strategy and show you how to use social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter) and blogging more effectively and make every post, reply, like and comment count!

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Introduction to safeguarding
Jun
5

Introduction to safeguarding

The aim of this three-hour SCVO course is to build participants’ knowledge of safeguarding for the Scottish voluntary sector. You will be able to learn more about the regulatory requirements for safeguarding and good practice in proactively preventing harm, building a positive safeguarding culture and responding well to concerns.

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Briefing: Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse  Scotland (DSDAS) – Claire’s Law
Jun
5

Briefing: Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) – Claire’s Law

This briefing will give you an introduction to the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DS DAS) - also known as Claire’s Law – with time for questions. DS DAS gives people the right to ask about the background of their partner. It allows concerned relatives and friends the right to ask if someone’s partner has been abusive in the past. It also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they may be at risk, even if it is not asked for.

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Adapt and develop your management skills: managing people in the modern world
Jun
10
to 27 Jun

Adapt and develop your management skills: managing people in the modern world

The world we live and work in is changing at an ever increasing pace. Both employees and clients have different expectations and needs to those of 12 months ago, with much going online and remote management becoming a norm. You will have to continue to adapt your ways of working to these new norms, remote working and the increasing pace of change, it is a truth that we are all facing.

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Emergency first aid at work (SCQF6)
Jun
10

Emergency first aid at work (SCQF6)

The qualification is assessed through practical demonstration of these activities, with oral questions and set scenarios, which you must satisfactorily complete to pass the practical assessment. The trainer will instruct, guide and support you throughout the day within an informal setting, and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Making online meetings better
Jun
10

Making online meetings better

In today’s work environment, meetings have significantly increased, with the average person spending twice as much time in meetings compared to 2019. Hybrid workers, in particular, spend about 50% of their time in meetings, making it crucial to ensure these meetings are productive. However, 71% of people feel that most meetings are pointless, leading to frustration and disengagement. Excessive meetings also contribute to higher stress levels, negatively impacting well-being and overall productivity.

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SCVO Lunchtime Learning: improving cyber awareness
Jun
12

SCVO Lunchtime Learning: improving cyber awareness

Staff and volunteers are using digital systems every day. Giving them the right awareness and training to spot cyber risks and take appropriate action is key. Only 18% of UK charities have some form of cyber staff training in place, so during this session we will discuss how you can effectively promote cyber resilience within your organisation and learn more about our third theme - phishing.

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Managing digital change
Jun
17

Managing digital change

Digital change isn’t just for top executives or tech experts - it can happen anywhere, by anyone, at any time. The key is to simply get started! In this session, we’ll break down how digital transformation works, why it matters, and how you can make an impact no matter your role. We’ll cover practical ways to spot opportunities, take action, and navigate any challenges along the way.

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Making the most of LinkedIn
Jun
24

Making the most of LinkedIn

Want to understand how to use LinkedIn? Interested in improving your online presence in a way that doesn’t feel awkward or too time consuming? This online course with Tereza Litsa will get you started on how to use LinkedIn, its best practices, and everything you need to know to use it effectively for your role and objectives. As more users leave X (Twitter), LinkedIn offers an alternative for engaging in online conversations with individuals and organizations.

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Inter-agency Child Protection Risk Assessment and Processes (Level 3)
Jun
25
to 26 Jun

Inter-agency Child Protection Risk Assessment and Processes (Level 3)

This course is for multi-agency operational staff and managers who are in regular contact or carry out direct work with children, young people and/or their parents or carers, and who have a requirement to learn more about child protection for their role. This course is suitable for staff who have not previously completed this training as it is not refresher training

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SCVO members only: making the most of your membership
Aug
25

SCVO members only: making the most of your membership

Whether you’re new to SCVO or you’ve been part of its membership community for a while, SCVO would love to see you at their membership welcome meeting, exclusively for SCVO members and supporters. Come along and learn about accessing and making the most of your membership benefits, chat with the SCVO team and ask questions, and connect with your fellow members and supporters.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme
Aug
26

SCVO managers digital leadership programme

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme
Sept
9

SCVO managers digital leadership programme

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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Be report writing ready
Sept
10

Be report writing ready

Been asked to write a report at work, but don’t know where to start? On completion of this online course, participants will be able to produce an effective and reader-friendly report, identify what to include and leave out of the report, use their time more productively to produce the report and have more confidence in their own role of reporter.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme
Sept
23

SCVO managers digital leadership programme

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme
Oct
7

SCVO managers digital leadership programme

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme
Oct
21

SCVO managers digital leadership programme

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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All things financial: budgeting and sound financial management
Oct
22

All things financial: budgeting and sound financial management

This online course with Pamela Redpath will look at financial roles and responsibilities within a voluntary sector organisation, why you need financial information, how to use it and how it impacts on others. It can be studied as a standalone course or in conjunction with the other "All things financial" course Annual accounting, governance and reporting - book both courses, get 10% off the 2nd! *Watch out for the next course in this series going live soon.

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SCVO members only: making the most of your membership
Oct
29

SCVO members only: making the most of your membership

Whether you’re new to SCVO or you’ve been part of its membership community for a while, SCVO would love to see you at their membership welcome meeting, exclusively for SCVO members and supporters. Come along and learn about accessing and making the most of your membership benefits, chat with the SCVO team and ask questions, and connect with your fellow members and supporters.

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Plan, measure and report social impact
Nov
6

Plan, measure and report social impact

Why measure social impact? Every organisation can and should measure their social impact, especially in these uncertain times, because evaluation is key to securing both continued and future funding. Indeed, funding often depends on reporting your social impact clearly and concisely to funders who want to know their investment is making a real difference.

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SCVO managers digital leadership programme (Copy)
Nov
18

SCVO managers digital leadership programme (Copy)

The past few years have been stressful for everyone, particularly those working in management positions within charities, community groups and social enterprises. With increased demand and decreased resources, the pressure of managing staff, volunteers and services has left many middle managers feeling burnt out. This course looks at innovative ways to address this.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
Apr
25

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

View Event →
Disclosure Act Implementation Session
Apr
25

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Disclosure Act Implementation Session
Apr
24

Disclosure Act Implementation Session

April 2025 will see the implementation of a new law, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. This will change the disclosure process for every group that is currently accessing disclosure checks, and for some groups that are not, as well as impacting on the volunteers/staff that you disclosure check. To prepare for the forthcoming changes Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services will be running information sessions about the major changes in the disclosure process and how these will impact on your group and volunteers/staff.

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Volunteer Managers Forum (April)
Apr
24

Volunteer Managers Forum (April)

Get ready to connect, learn, and share experiences with other volunteer managers at the VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum on April 24th 2025!

Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

Our Volunteer Managers' Forums are open to anyone who works or volunteers in East Lothian and who is involved in the recruitment and/or management/supervision of volunteers.

The forum will give you the chance to meet other Volunteer Managers, share ideas and approaches to various issues that are important now within the volunteering sector!

Join us for an enlightening event where we will explore a range of topics and share valuable insights.

This event's focus will be on PVGs, and we are thrilled to welcome Duncan Steeling as our guest speaker, who will be joining us via a Teams link!

Sign up here: https://vcel.tfaforms.net/f/event-reg_volunteer-manager-forum-April-2025

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Former Places of Worship: Place Planning and Engaging with Your Community
Apr
22

Former Places of Worship: Place Planning and Engaging with Your Community

Join DTAS for an exciting event as part of their New Futures Programme! This innovative three-year initiative, generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and Development Trusts Association Scotland, is dedicated to empowering community groups across Scotland. With a wave of former places of worship set for disposal in the coming years, DTAS are there to provide the enhanced support you need to take on these historic buildings and give them a new lease on life.

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Disclosure Changes: Practitioner Webinar - Apex Scotland (Online)
Apr
17

Disclosure Changes: Practitioner Webinar - Apex Scotland (Online)

From 1st April 2025 Scotland's disclosure system is changing, including a restructure of background checks, an update of the PVG Scheme and several process changes that will bring more fairness and transparency for those with convictions.

Both your participants and your organisation could be impacted significantly, with expanded legal requirements for roles requiring PVG and a brand new system for individuals to get familiar with.

This training will address all the key changes and help prepare your organisation for the impact of the new legislation.

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Spring-Fest
Apr
4

Spring-Fest

Growing and Changing have been working super hard and are excited to bring you their next event, Springfest! A youth event FOR young people BY young people!

Celebrating youth voice through fun and engaging activities including crafts, games, music AND a fun Easter surprise!

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Prison and Prison Visiting (Online)
Mar
26

Prison and Prison Visiting (Online)

Families Outside’s Training for Professionals is aimed at any professional whose role means they come into contact with families, and who feel that they would benefit from being able to better support families affected by imprisonment in their own role.

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Green Futures Festival
Mar
22

Green Futures Festival

  • Drive Musselburgh, Scotland, EH21 6UU United Kingdom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This festival will be a space of connecting and learning skills, with themed zones from food, energy, biodiversity to circular economy. There will be spaces focussing on the political landscape and campaigns and collective wellbeing, as well as stalls on green businesses and youth engagement too.

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Introduction to the Basics of Self-Evaluation
Feb
25

Introduction to the Basics of Self-Evaluation

The ‘Introduction to the Basics workshop’ is designed to help you to get started with simple evaluation systems. It is most useful for practitioners who are new to self-evaluation and will also help those who wish to further develop their existing evaluation systems.

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Understanding Co-ops (Edinburgh)
Feb
6

Understanding Co-ops (Edinburgh)

  • 9 Cranston Street Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 8BE United Kingdom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Completely free to attend, this workshop in Edinburgh explores how your business could thrive as a co-operative. Brought to you by Co-operative Development Scotland, part of Scottish Enterprise.


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VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum
Jan
30

VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum

Get ready to connect, learn, and share experiences with other volunteer managers at the VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum on January 30, 2025!

Welcome to the VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum!

Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

Our Volunteer Managers' Forums are open to anyone who works or volunteers in East Lothian and who is involved in the recruitment and/or management/supervision of volunteers.

The forum will give you the chance to meet other Volunteer Managers, share ideas and approaches to various issues that are important now within the volunteering sector!

Sign up here: VCEL Volunteer Managers Forum Tickets, Thu 30 Jan 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

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Reasonable and Realistic Adjustments: Creating Inclusive Environments (Online/Zoom)
Jan
22

Reasonable and Realistic Adjustments: Creating Inclusive Environments (Online/Zoom)

This session is aimed at practitioners who have a base knowledge of neurodivergence (informed level ASD), intellectual disabilities, and the impact of care experience and/or trauma. This session does not advise on supporting those with a vision or hearing impairment, nor does it focus on mobility equipment for physical disabilities.

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