Peer Networks is a government initiative from BEIS delivered through local Growth Hubs to help you tackle the challenges your organisation may be facing beyond the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The programme includes interactive action learning, trained facilitators, small groups, flexible topic selection and 1-2-1 business support and coaching.
- How have you been motivating staff and volunteers remotely?
- What needs to change as we move out of lockdown?
- Has your output slowed, or has demand on your services increased?
- What has happened to your funding streams?
- What changes has Covid brought, both positive and negative?
- What opportunities are there going forward?
- Has the organisation become more digital?
Peer Networks is a national initiative, funded by BEIS, that will be delivered locally through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) network and their respective Growth Hubs. The programme’s longer-term aims are focused on reducing the UK productivity gap by helping business leaders find practical solutions to strategic and operational challenges. VCSE organisations can take advantage of this to build long-term relationships with private sector colleagues and tap into business thinking.
The networks will run through 2021, into 2022, with the opportunity for members to maintain their bonds indefinitely. The network will meet (virtually, under the current circumstances) regularly with additional 1-2-1 support provided by supporting business advisers who have interest and lateral knowledge to challenge and recommend from external practice.
Registration is simple and requires just basic details of the organisation:
The organisation (which can include VCSE organisations) should have; operated for a year, have at least five employees/trustees and a turnover (including grants) that would normally be over £100,000.
The course is fully funded; the commitment is to spend two or three hours being involved in the six/nine sessions. The sessions provide 18 hours of Action Learning and a minimum 3½ hours, free, 1-2-1 support, specific to your organisation’s challenges, from accredited business advisors.