Thank you to those of you who took the time to complete our Training Needs Analysis survey between September and November 2023. We greatly appreciate the insights that were shared with us. Like with all of our services, Macc is committed to ensuring training provision is accessible and as comprehensive as possible. The feedback received has demonstrated the variety of need that exists for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Manchester and beyond. By participating, respondents have illuminated a number of issues and the feedback given will help to shape our approach going forwards.
Free training
Given the pressures on the sector, it is perhaps unsurprising that the majority of those who took part in the survey highlighted cost as one of their main concerns when booking training. With this in mind, Macc can reiterate that our core offer will remain free to VCSEs based within the city of Manchester.
Location of training
Responses to the survey highlighted that many preferences exist for both location and timing of training sessions. Although mixed, Macc’s current offer involves the delivery of more online sessions than those held face-to-face. We consider learning opportunities to be limited not just to training and know that there is significant value in the ability to meet others, discuss best practice and network. We hope that, through the diversity of events and forums that we host/facilitate, there will be a variety of opportunities to engage in a more personal setting. We will continue to review what works best in terms of the ‘where’ and ‘when’ for training delivery and welcome further comments.
Funding support
Survey submissions highlighted the evidence of a clear need in the sector for funding support. Macc currently has a number of resources available to VCSEs based in the city of Manchester, including a funding bulletin and free access to a funding portal through membership. Becoming a member of Macc is free and open to all with a vested interest in the city of Manchester - you can find out more here.
Training topics
A regular training programme is currently offered which includes a session on Bid Writing. In addition to this, support is made available with governance through the delivery of Choosing Your Structure and Trustee Roles & Responsibilities training on a quarterly basis. Macc’s Capacity Building Team can also provide bespoke one on one support for city of Manchester based VCSEs and can signpost to relevant training providers where appropriate. Additional resources can be found on our site here.
Involving and managing volunteers
The feedback shared with us has shown that involving and managing volunteers is also a need for those that we engage with – and this also corresponds with the national experience of groups and organisations that involve volunteers. Volunteer Centre Manchester (VCM) is committed to supporting local organisations in their efforts in this area, delivering regular sessions; Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities, Volunteers and the Law and Recruit and Retain Volunteers. You can find upcoming dates for these courses 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.
Collaborating with businesses
Many respondents to the survey indicated a willingness to engage with the corporate sector. Led by the work of Business Partnerships Lead, Richard Phillips, Macc is actively working to bridge the gap between VCSEs and businesses, creating meaningful ways to collaborate. Regular sessions have been devised for VCSEs to support them in their efforts, including an Introduction to Business Partnerships course and a peer support session which acts as a more informal space for shared insights and best practice. If you would like to find out more information, please contact Richard via email – [email protected]
Promoting training
Results demonstrated that a majority make use of Macc’s regular bulletins as a means of identifying available training opportunities. A wider variety of training available in the sector is promoted through our online calendar. We are keen to advertise a broad range of (affordable) opportunities so if there is anything you would like us to promote, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] with relevant details.
Follow us
A big thank you once again to those of you who set time aside to share your insights with us. We will continue working to ensure that we can meet existing need wherever we can. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2024 edition of the survey which will be released later in the year. Make sure that you are following us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on LinkedIn where we regularly share information on relevant training opportunities and so much more!
Contact us
If you have any comments or queries regarding the training offered at Macc, you can get in contact with the team by sending an email to [email protected].