Training and events

We provide high quality affordable training delivered by specialists and experts on a wide range of subjects. Our programme is led by our network and designed to empower trustees, staff and volunteers in our local voluntary and community sector.

You can follow our Eventbrite page to hear about our latest events as they become available.

Please check individual listings to see if they are online or in-person.

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NEW: Recognising & Responding to Challenging Behaviour

Mon 1 Dec 2025, 10am - 2pm (online)

Staff and volunteers can face situations and service users with defensive, aggressive, or disengaging behaviours. Come and explore the causes, biomechanics and ways to manage and de-escalate potentially difficult circumstances and gain constructive engagement. Book here.

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Suicide Prevention Awareness

Tue 2 Dec 2025, 10am - 11.30am (online)

This online awareness (not training) session is tailored for VCS staff and volunteers who want to contribute meaningfully to suicide prevention efforts and promote mental health awareness. It's free for Richmond-based VCS groups and those which provide local services. Book here.

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DBS Informaton Session

Tuesday 27 January 2026, 10am - 11.30am (online)

If you're involved in the recruitment or management of VCS staff or volunteers who help to deliver services to vulnerable clients, join this online session. The DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London will cover the DBS basics, plus updates and Q&A time. Book here.

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Measuring Volunteering

Tuesday 10 February 2026, 10am - 12.30pm (online)

Could you improve the way you measure and evaluate the impact of volunteering in your organisation? In increasingly challenging times, clearly demonstrating the contribution people make to your cause can be vital to secure funding, influence effectively and more. Book here.

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Effective Governance

Wed 11 Feb 2026, 6pm - 8.30pm (online)

New trustees and those who are looking for a refresher on trustee roles, responsibilities, principles and practice are invited to join our popular online session. Following the training, attendees can access further 1-2-1 support to help their groups with board issues. Book here.

Emergency First Aid at Work

Fri 13 Mar 2026, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Whitton Community Centre)

Local voluntary and community sector organisations can join this popular, practical and affordable Level 3 course. Based on Health and Safety Executive training standards, it covers their required recommendations and is suitable for a range of working environments Book here.

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AI and Volunteering: A Beginner's Guide

Thu 19 Mar 2026, 10am - 11.30am (online)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to gain attention but what might it all mean for Volunteer Engagement Professionals? Join this short online session with voluntary sector expert Rob Jackson to explore the risk, opportunities and limitations in your work with volunteers. Book here.

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Funding Advice Sessions - check back for future dates

Could your local organisation benefit from advice on new sources of funding, writing specific funding applications, new fundraising techniques, other sources of support, or other funding-related issues? We offer bookable 1-2-1 tailored advice phone or video call sessions.

Training Costs

The majority of our courses are fully subsidised for voluntary and community sector organisations delivering services to local communities in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Please read our Training Booking Terms and Conditions (Sep 2018) before registering for any of our sessions.

Bespoke Training

Bespoke training is often more cost effective if you need to train three or more people. We can deliver our standard courses at a location and time to suit your organisation or we can design a session to your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your needs.