Training & Events

We are excited to have you here and to introduce you to our training programs and events.

We offer a range of specialist training courses designed to develop the skills and knowledge of the diverse Voluntary and Community Sector in Bolton. All our courses are tailored in line with what you tell us you need and are designed to be accessible to all levels of staff and volunteers.

We offer a range of specialist training courses designed to develop the skills and knowledge of the diverse VCSE sector in Bolton.

  • High quality
    All our training is delivered by suitably qualified trainers who offer a wealth of experience and up to date knowledge on current issues in their field – this way, you can be confident of a positive learning experience that aims to help your organisation be the best it can be.
  • Relevant
    We have listened to what you tell us and have designed our specialist courses to meet the challenges of the sector. We believe in utilising the skills and knowledge that already exist within voluntary and community organisations in Bolton and where appropriate, will offer training delivered by our member organisations.

Our courses are designed to be accessible to all levels of staff and volunteers.

Listing of current and upcoming public events.

Monday 20 May 2024 at 10.00am

1-2-1 on-line, advice sessions for any social enterprise looking for guidance on their legal structure and governance processes.

Are you an established business and considering converting to a social enterprise model? Do you have an idea for a social enterprise but are unsure where to start? Wherever you are on your journey, Adrian is here to help and guide you.

Adrian Ashton has over 20 years experience of supporting social enterprises to thrive. If you're wondering whether a C.I.C or a charity is right for you, or what an 'asset lock' means in real terms, then come and have a chat.

Adrian will be hosting this on-line space for 30 minute, 1-2-1 appointments.

If you would like to book an appointment, please email propergood@boltoncvs.org.uk

When: 20th May, 2024 10:00 AM through 01:00 pm Where: Online via Zoom

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Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 10.00am

Would you like to understand the key principles of a solid cashflow forecast, and be supported to develop a framework for your own? If so – this is the session for you!

Join Adrian Ashton – social enterprise and charities consultant for over 15 years – to explore cash flow forecasting for your social enterprise. 

The key to operating a successful social enterprise is a diverse and robust model of income generation; including trading, investment and some grant funding. Key to developing that model is a solid plan – a cashflow forecast. 

Investors and funders alike need to see that your business has a forecast that makes sense – Adrian can talk you through the best approach to achieving this, ensuring your forecast complements and builds on your business plan.

When: 22nd May, 2024 10:00 AM through 01:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Thursday 23 May 2024 at 12.00pm

This session aims to explain the basics of legal structures and the importance of understanding which is the right one for your organisation,

The session will outline the main legal structures open to VCSE organisations, including community groups,  Charitable Incoprorated Organisations,  Community Interest Companies.  and Charitable Companies. 

The importance of understanding your governing document and the process of registration if applicable. 

This is a face to face session, we look forward to seeing you at The Bolton Hub.

When: 23rd May, 2024 12:00 PM through 02:30 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street BL1 1LS

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Friday 24 May 2024 at 10.00am

Are you a community group or organisation working in or around the Westhoughton area? Would you like to find out more about the support we can provide for your group? Did you know that we can help you access funding and recruit volunteers?

Bolton CVS works alongside Bolton’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector; supporting them to do what they exist to do, as well as they possibly can.

Come along to The Westhoughton Hub on Friday, 24th May at 10am for a drink and pastry and a chance to find out more. 

Members of Bolton CVS staff will be there to help you on the day or arrange to meet with you at a later date for a more detailed conversation.

When: 24th May, 2024 10:00 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Hub Westhoughton Central Drive Westhoughton Bolton, BL5 3DS

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Tuesday 28 May 2024 at 1.30pm

This session aims to explain the basics of planning an event. We will also look at some useful resources and tips to get you started on your planning journey.

When it comes to planning an event, there is so much to take into consideration. In collaboration with Bolton Council, we are excited to present this workshop, which aims to give you hints and tips to support you with any future event planning. We will also share some useful resources and much more.

Lunch will be provided! If you have any dietary requirements, please highlight them on the registration form. 

When: 28th May, 2024 1:30 PM through 04:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street BL1 1LS

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Thursday 30 May 2024 at 10.30am

The forum is a great opportunity to connect and share learning with other people and organisations around Bolton.

What's on the agenda? For this month's VCS Forum, we will be joined by Natalie Tichareva, Development Officer at GMCVO to talk about The Phoenix Way, a project looking at barriers that minority ethnic groups face when seeking funding.     We will have a funding update from Liz McNabb, Funding Manager  at Bolton CVS.  Elaine Butt, Development Manager at Bolton CVS will give an update on the VCQA award.  We will end the meeting with Kerry Tottingham from A Brilliant Thing about the Trauma Informed Toolkit.     At the start of the meeting, we will be giving you an opportunity to network with other organisations.  

Have a look at the agenda and minutes of the last meeting held on Thursday 28th March 2024.

When: 30th May, 2024 10:30 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Thursday 30 May 2024 at 2.30pm

This session is suitable for any current Trustees wishing to refresh their knowledge and for those considering becoming a Trustee.

The session will cover:

– The role of the Trustee board and the six main duties as stated by the Charity Commission

– Trustee liability

– Conflicts of interest

– Eligibility 

When: 30th May, 2024 2:30 PM through 04:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Monday 3 June 2024 at 10.00am

This workshop will give you a framework and practical support to help you build a solid vision and start to create a business plan for your social enterprise.

A business plan is an essential tool for any developing organisation. It helps you to get your ideas and goals down on paper, with a clear plan of how you intend to achieve them. 

This workshop will be facilitated by Jenny Matthews of The Enterprise Bridge. Jenny has a wealth of experience in both running her own business and supporting others to thrive. She will work with you to learn and understand a framework for business planning, and start to get the particulars of your business on paper. 

The session will be informal, with lots of participation, conversation and task based activity.

When: 3rd June, 2024 10:00 AM through 01:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Friday 7 June 2024 at 10.00am

Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and it is important that we all work together to protect people who need help and support. Staff and volunteers in voluntary organisations have a key role to play in making sure that people using their services are protected and kept safe from harm. This session is suitable for staff and volunteers, including committee members and trustees, who are responsible for safeguarding good practice, as well as anyone responsible for volunteers and who support volunteers and staff as part of their role.

 

This session will help you to: 

Understand what safeguarding is and your role in safeguarding adults at risk

Recognise an adult who may be in need of safeguarding and how to take appropriate action

Understand how to raise concerns about someone

Understand dignity and respect when working with individuals

Be aware of the policy, procedures and legislation that support safeguarding adults processes

Be able to identify how you can take learning from the session and use it in your organisation.

When: 7th June, 2024 10:00 AM through 01:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 11.00am

Join us IN PERSON at the Volunteer Development Network  at THE BOLTON HUB on Tuesday 11th June 11:00 – 12:30.

At this forum we will be joined Kerry Tottingham from A Brilliant Thing CIC who will be introducing the Trauma informed – Communities Tool Kit.

Lisa Forest from Proper Good will be talking about their Environmental Sustainability check-ins.

Kirsten and Sharon from HomeStart will be sharing an overview of HomeStart and an insight into the offer for volunteers.

Finnally Elaine from Bolton CVS will share outcomes and feed back from the recent Vision for Volunteering session.

Have a look at the attached agenda and minutes of the last meeting held on Tuesday 19th March 2024  

When: 11th June, 2024 11:00 AM through 12:30 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Thursday 13 June 2024 at 1.00pm

Join us for an exciting session looking at the power of partnerships within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector! Whether you’re familiar or new to the concept of partnerships, this event will provide valuable insights, examples, and networking opportunities with organisations who may have a shared goals in mind.

The Power of Partnership Working! 🌟

Join us for an exciting session on partnership working in the VCSE sector! 🤝

Learn about: 🔍

  • What partnerships are and why they matter.
  • Real-life examples, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Bolton's Fund update: Transition to partnership grants and the importance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
  • Insights into Bolton CVS’ Membership process.
  • Networking opportunities to connect with other VCSE groups in Bolton.

 

Perfect for anyone passionate about collaboration and positive change in Bolton! 👥

 

Register now and let's make a difference, together!

 

#VCSE #Partnerships #Networking

Bottom of Form

When: 13th June, 2024 1:00 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Monday 17 June 2024 at 11.00am

Struggling with your end of year accounts? Need some support with book-keeping processes? Then this is the session for you!

Moragh from Northwest Numbers is a qualified and experienced accountant who specialises in accounting for social enterprises. She gets the challenges of tracking both your traded and grant-funded income and her mission is to de-mystify accounting and bust all the jargon that can make doing your accounts feel so hard.

This clinic session will offer you a 45 minute, 1:1 appointment with Moragh where she can offer her knowledge and insight to answer your accounting questions.

To book your appointment email lisa@boltoncvs.org.uk.

When: 17th June, 2024 11:00 AM through 02:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Wednesday 19 June 2024 at 12.00pm

Join Karen Smith, director of Turn up the Value, to find out more about the social accounting approach to measuring and maximising social impact in this on-line, 1 hour session.

In this easy to digest session Karen will introduce the process of social accounting and explore impact mapping. Impact mapping is a tool which enables you to really identify the difference your organisation makes by systematically mapping out the outputs, outcomes and impact of the work you do. It's the basis of your impact measurement and reporting and can reveal some really useful insights into how and why you do what you do. 

The link to join via Zoom will be sent to you via email the day before the session.

When: 19th June, 2024 12:00 PM through 01:00 pm

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Wednesday 19 June 2024 at 1.00pm

Join us for an interactive session on how best to implement social media tools to maximise your impact.

By the end of this session you will:

  • Have an understanding of when to post and how to target your audience
  • Understand what a social media policy is and how to create one
  • Gain knowledge of how social media can help you with funding, reporting, and monitoring

This session will be held in person at The Bolton Hub.

When: 19th June, 2024 1:00 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Friday 21 June 2024 at 10.00am

Are you thinking about recruiting volunteers, new to volunteer management or would like a refresher on best practice? Then join us for this introductory session.

This session will –

outline good practice in volunteer management

explore volunteer motivation and barriers to volunteer recruitment

help you to recognise which policies and procedures are recommended to effectively manage volunteers

help you to understand best practice to retain volunteers and improve their experience. 

When: 21st June, 2024 10:00 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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Friday 28 June 2024 at 1.00pm

Are you an organisation or group who recruits volunteers or thinking about recruiting volunteers? Have you ever faced any barriers? And are you struggling to overcome them? Then this session is definitely for you.

 

This session will cover:

 -To understand the existing barriers to volunteering from the organisation’s perspective as well as volunteers.

– To build confidence when accepting non-traditional volunteers. – Insight of the journey of the volunteers who might need extra support. – Evaluation of your recruitment process and what can be possibly changed. – Peer-to-Peer Support.

By the end of the session, you will be able to understand how to overcome some of the barriers to working with volunteers who might need extra support.

When: 28th June, 2024 1:00 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

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