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: Finance for Non-Finance Trustees

Thursday 7 May 2026, 6pm - 8.30pm (online)

Trustees don’t need to be accountants - but they do need to be confident governors of the charity’s finances. This session is about giving the board a clear framework to challenge constructively, protect the charity, and make better decisions with confidence. Book here.

Hand appearing to reach for touch screen with text Emergency Plan surrounded by a range of graphic icons including cogs, magnifying glass, siren and exit door

NEW: Community Tension Preparedness Workshop

Tuesday 12 May 2026, 9.30am - 12pm

This free in-person workshop aims to help local voluntary and community sector groups to explore their readiness to respond to hate incidents and community tension. Work through decisions, risks and responses in a supportive, facilitated environment. Book here.

Lettered dice on a green fabric surface in a crossword style formation, spelling out Diversify Your Income

NEW: Diversify Your Income

Thursday 14 May 2026, 9.30am - 11.30am (online)

Having your income eggs all in one basket can be risky and stressful. In this session, your relevant team members can learn about funding options which may be available and how to choose the avenues for diversifying your income which are most likely to succeed. Book here.

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Alternative Provision VCS Forum: Every Child Achieving & Thriving

Monday 18 May 2026, 2.30pm - 4pm (online)

This meeting will focus on the local implementation of national reforms to schools and SEND systems, as set out in the recent government white paper. Attendees will get an overview of the proposals, discuss the implications as a partnership, and understand where there are opportunities to work together. It's for organisations supporting local children and young people, including those which work with young carers, children with SEND and parent carers. Book here.

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Effective Governance

Wednesday 3 June 2026, 6pm - 8.30pm (online)

Both new and current trustees can join this session to improve or refresh their understanding of trustee roles and responsibilities, principles and practice. Following the session, attendees can also access one-to-one personalised support to help with specific Board issues. Book here.

Wooden Scrabble letters spelling out Diversity on a blue background

NEW: Exploring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at a Vital Time

Tuesday 9 June 2026, 10am - 12.30pm (online)

In a period of rising hostility and insecurity for many groups, this workshop is a place to explore ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ and ‘anti-oppression’ in community organisations, what it might look like usually, and what yours might look like right now. Book here.

Talk Listen Connect - be part of a more compassionate community

Thursday 18 June 2026, 10am - 12pm (online)

Loneliness is known to cause physical and mental illness and it can be hard knowing how to help somebody who’s struggling. This free online awareness session, delivered by Princess Alice Hospice, is designed to help you connect with people in your community. Book here.

Mixed group of people in bright blue t-shirts with the word Volunteer on them joining hands

Volunteer Coordinators' Forum

Tuesday 7 July 2026, 10am - 12pm

Local Volunteer Coordinators and those with responsibility for recruiting and managing volunteers are invited to this in-person meeting. Come and discuss, share and network - with a focus on situations where volunteers may no longer be right for their roles. Book here.

Wooden Scrabble pieces spelling RESILIENCE on white table with blurred bouquet of blue, green & yellow flowers background

POSTPONED: Strengthening Resilience: Thriving in the Charity Sector

New date TBA

Charity and support workers and volunteers face unique pressures - from emotional strain and burnout to resource constraints and secondary trauma. This session is ideal if you work in a community-facing role and want to strengthen your emotional wellbeing and build a more resilient work culture, gain practical tools, peer support, and a personalised action plan.

Emergency First Aid at Work

Next date to be confirmed

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

Small green shoot growing out of a small silver tin

Starting Up: How to Become a Charity or Social Enterprise

Next date to be confirmed

Got a brilliant idea and need help to turn it into a great charitable project? This interactive online workshop is for you. Look at all the basics to consider - plus local attendees also have the opportunity of one-to-one support to help develop their ideas. Get in touch if you're interested.

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Funding Advice Sessions - contact us

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.