Hello, we want to say a huge thank you to everybody who took the time to complete our 2025 Training Needs Analysis survey.
Launched every two years, the survey provides an opportunity for those working in the VCSE sector to inform us of any gaps and barriers they have identified when it comes to their learning and development. It also allows the chance for those accessing Manchester Community Central’s training to tell us about their experience, provide more in-depth feedback and indicate training preferences.
Responses to the survey are particularly valuable as they help to shape our delivery, not only with training but our general support offer too. We want to use this opportunity to provide a brief summary of the key points highlighted through the survey and outline how we will be responsive to the feedback.
What you told us
The three main priority areas highlighted were:
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AI/Digital (61%)
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Governance and general organisational development (58%)
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Funding support (51%)
The three main factors considered by respondents when booking on to training were:
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Cost (71%)
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Content (68%)
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Time (55%)
When indicating their preferred method for accessing training, 56% of respondents suggested they would opt for online training if given a choice.
What we’ll do / what we are doing
We remain committed to providing our training/learning opportunities for free to support people in the local sector to continue to make a difference in the communities they serve so well.
We are pleased to share that, of the 292 people to provide feedback since our last Training Needs Analysis survey, 266 (91%) responded favourably when asked to rate how their experience at a training session / event had improved their skills, knowledge, tools and confidence.
We will continue to work to ensure our delivery is as accessible as possible. Whilst recognising the benefits of online training in this regard, we plan to continue to offer a mix of in-person and online delivery to allow for a variety of opportunities to engage that suit everybody’s preference.
AI/Digital
It is notable how AI/Digital was the most frequently identified training need by respondents, perhaps unsurprising given the speed of technological development in recent years! The landscape is changing at a rapid pace, and learning is clearly needed in this area. We are keen to support people to build their confidence in their use of AI, particularly in contexts where sensitivity is required and ethical questions exist.
Manchester Community Central has recently developed an internal policy for AI usage which demonstrates our commitment to ensure that our use of the technology is both responsible and sustainable. The first iteration of the policy can be found here. Please be aware that, due to the fast-growing nature of the technology, there may be amendments made in the future to reflect currently unforeseen issues/challenges.
We hope to work collaboratively with the sector to explore key issues and offer opportunities for learning going forwards. Keep an eye out for details of events/training in the near future!
General organisational development & funding support
Our training offer has expanded over recent years to include courses on a variety of topics designed to help groups to source funding, diversify income and demonstrate impact.
Alongside training, we have a number of resources available to City of Manchester VCSE groups, including our funding bulletin and access to our funding portal through membership. Becoming a member is free and open to all with a vested interest in the City of Manchester - you can find out more here.
Via our website you can find planning and policy templates and an array of factsheets, helping those seeking to establish new groups and those working to build capacity of existing groups.
Our Capacity Building team offers weekly online drop-in sessions on a Friday (11am – 12pm), where groups can book 15-minute slots as an introduction to discuss support options. More information can be found here.
The team can also be contacted with queries or to request and arrange online and/or face to face support via its telephone information service line – 0333 321 3021 Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm or by email - info@mcrcommunitycentral.org
Governance
Good governance is crucial in ensuring the sound running of organisations in the sector and we aim to continue to provide a range of training to help embed this within local groups.
Throughout 2026 and beyond we will work to support existing and prospective trustees, offering both training and informal discussion spaces for a chance to make connections and outline shared learning opportunities.
More information and resources can be found on the Trusteeship and Governance section of our website.
Volunteer skills & management
Volunteer Centre Manchester (VCM) is committed to supporting local organisations in their efforts to develop and manage volunteers. A recent review has highlighted a shift in how we frame volunteering. Instead of focusing on decline and recruitment, we are recognising that participation is changing - becoming more flexible and informal. In response, training will be refined to support organisations to adapt how they design, support and manage volunteering. The team will continue to deliver courses on; Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities, Volunteers and the Law, and Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers. Upcoming dates for these courses can be found on the VCM website here.
The team is also involved in the facilitation of a regular Volunteer Coordinators Forum, where there is scope for discussion on a number of issues. You can find more information about these meetings and book a place here.
Other priority areas
Beyond the areas highlighted above, responses to the survey have demonstrated that there are a variety of needs across the sector. Manchester Community Central endeavours to be responsive to these needs and, where appropriate, offer training/learning opportunities that can address these gaps.
A complete statistical breakdown of responses will be made available soon and will be shared through our website.
Where possible we hope to work closely with other providers and signpost to available sector relevant training. Our online training and events calendar is regularly updated and includes filters to allow you to find training on a topic relevant to you. You can find this here.
If you would like us to promote your training, please contact training@mcrcommunitycentral.org
Thank you / more comments welcome!
Thank you again to those of you who set time aside to share insights with us.
Although the survey is now closed, we welcome all comments and queries about the training offered by Manchester Community Central. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the above email address.