Participation Training

We offer a range of training to support the development of equality and fairness in Local Authority decision making processes, voluntary organisations, forums and groups.

"If people are involved in making decisions about their real needs and priorities and own the solution to the problem then the outcomes will be more effective for everyone."  Sarah Lee

Our training is based on this premise and follows themes of learning by doing and having fun and good food in the process!

We also believe that participation is more than just people being involved in decisions. It's a way of developing personal growth and confidence of all the people involved and should be seen as a way to involve everyone in community life.

All of our courses can be tailored to meet your needs whether you want a course over a few days or spread over a few weeks.

We charge £350 per day per trainer plus expenses and costs of materials. 

Our training programmes include:

PULSE 1

This is a 5 day introductory course for people new to participation. The course aims to build confidence of participants to speak up in planning meetings, fairly represent the views of others and work in partnership with statutory and voluntary services.

The course covers:

• Decision making structures of local and national government

• Key information needed to effectively contribute to meetings

• Partnership working with statutory and voluntary organisations

• Reflecting on own journey

• Identifying own skills, experience and expertise

• Representing the views of others fairly

• Listening and questioning skills

 • Managing difficult emotions in meetings

PULSE 2

A 2 day workshop for people who have some experience in participation to identify key issues, strategies to overcome them and develop their influencing skills.

The course covers:

• Reflection on outcomes and experienes of participation

• Analysis of key issues and well formed outcomes to move forward

• Essentials to good communication and positively influencing                 including rapport and communication styles 

• Thinking in groups - words that empower and disempower in strategic    planning groups

 

Inclusive Decision Making

A 2 day course for community forum organisers and chairs to develop their communication and facilitation skills to better include and involve members.

The course covers:

• Equality in action

• Group development processes and group dynamics

• The art of getting the most out of group thinking

• Advanced communication and facilitation skills

• Understanding differences in people

• Listening and questioning skills

 

Building Participation in Decision Making - for participation workers and managers. This course will help you to generate enthusiasm and commitment from people and communities you want to involve in developing your services and work in true partnership.

The course covers:

• Values and principles of participation and what this means in practice

• Making and maintaining connections with the right groups and people

• Identifying group leaders and building lasting relationships

• Understanding your community

• Approaches that empower and disempower people

• Outcomes of participation and practical action planning 

 

Trouble Shooting in Groups 

A 1 day course to enable participants to explore conflict from different angles and be able to use a range of skills, tools and techniques positively and constructively.

The course covers:

• Different types of conflict and the root cause of conflict

• Working out what's fact and what's perception

• Positive intentions from individuals behaviour

• Group dynamics and roles people play that help and hinder

• Practical techniques and models to resolve conflict so that everyone          feels valued and respected.

 

To find out more please contact us