Investing in staff development skills to support effective volunteering The volunteer coordinator post is pivotal. Relational capability is a vital key thread throughout all aspects of programme delivery. Expand Who for: Volunteer coordinators, development workers and trainers; and professionals who are working in partnership with the programme. N.B. This workshop is appropriate if a programme is about to be launched or already being delivered. Numbers: Up to 15 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/course handbook/discussion/small group work). How long: 2 full days. Content: Emotional intelligence/spirit of motivational interviewing/overcoming resistance from professionals/appreciative feedback; Supervision model; Skills practice: interviewing a potential volunteer; supervising a volunteer; gaining professional buy-in; Links with the Investing in Volunteers accreditation process; Quality processes that nurture development of effective peer support skills.
Overview and insights Into the A Better Start volunteering evidence review and accompanying implementation framework. Expand Who for: Heads of service (maternity, health visiting, early years), commissioners, providers (local networks). Numbers: Up to 50 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/discussion/small group work) with expert input. How long: Half or full day. Content: A summary of the key findings of the review (including background, rationale and highlights); Focus on the models and roles of volunteers; Insights on how volunteering in pregnancy, birth and beyond can reduce local pressures on the system (the evidence); Practical application using the accompanying framework and implications for your local area.
SMARTER use of scarce professional resource How to commission successful volunteer programmes. Expand For who: Service leads, commissioners, providers and other stakeholders. Numbers: Up to 20 participants. Delivery method: Facilitator-led workshop (presentation/questions/discussion/small group work) with expert input. How long: Half or full day. Content: Exploring the potential of peer support to enable parents/children that would most benefit from identified services to access them better. Post workshop: Document summarising key reflections and agreed outcomes.
Strengths in communities Volunteering as part of local maternity (Better Birth) and Healthy Child programme strategies. Expand Who for: Commissioners, transformation leads, heads of service. Numbers: Dependent on requirement. Delivery method: Remote and face-to-face taking a co-production approach (methods agreed locally). How long: Allocated according to requirements. Contents: Critical friend support that will guide senior leaders on how to integrate volunteering into local plans through: Developing an understanding of the benefits (to all stakeholders) through existing meetings and networks; Articulating the relevance to NHS indicators/targets around breastfeeding, child outcomes etc; Creating a local volunteering implementation plan (based on key components derived from evidence of what works); Training for key staff.
Volunteer programme development package Supporting high quality implementation and adaption. Highly recommended. Expand Who for:Local decision makers, commissioners, planners, providers and beneficiaries.Numbers: Variable by session/support (for full stakeholder workshops up to 50).Delivery method:Combination of action learning, facilitated workshops and remote support.How long:9 months to 1 year.Content:Designing, adapting and implementing a volunteer programme (drawing on implementation science).Stakeholder engagement and local ownership from the outset;Alignment of the volunteer programme objectives with the local context, goals and priorities;Step-by-step approach including building consensus around direction and reviewing fit with local strategy;Reviewing the Theory of Change that underpins the volunteer programme;Development of a Logic Model and Implementation Plan for delivery;An academic/evidence into practice approach - modeling the process.Full description available upon request.