ROCOP grant holders applying their learning

We provide a range of relevant training courses based on training needs analysis as part of our ROCOP training calendar, as well as bespoke training delivered at a time and place to suit an organisation or a cluster of organisations. Organisations can also avail of one to one support on particular issues and come together twice a year to share best practice and discuss common issues at roundtable events.

In May 2014 we carried out out annual evaluation of the programme and found that 78% of grant holders felt that the development and support programme had supported them to deliver the Big Lottery Fund outcomes and 72% said that the programme had supported them to effectively manage and deliver their project. As part of the evaluation we gathered five case studies on how the programme had impacted the organisations that had engaged. Below Fiona Scullion from Mindwise and Gemma Glasgow from O4O tell their story.

Fiona Scullion from Mindwise commented:

"Mindwise New Vision staff and volunteers have attended a considerable amount of NICVA training, ranging from bespoke sessions held with our staff team, such as operational and strategic planning to volunteer management, from the training calendar. Four of our staff attended presentation skills training and gained accreditation which was important for developing their skills and confidence in this area. One of our funded outcomes is to hold 20 awareness raising events per year and 6 presentations per year to community/voluntary organisations and Trusts so this training has specifically equipped them to do this. They have received very positive feedback and are more confident in delivering presentations to a range of audiences. The training has also given them the confidence to chair meetings more effectively.We also took part in strategic and operational planning training delivered on a bespoke basis. This session has helped us consider our future plans and sustainability, it encouraged us to review what they do and consult more with beneficiaries. As a result of this training the staff now have a greater understanding of their operational and strategic plan and how their own project fits into this. We have also carried out consultations with stakeholder to influence future planning."

Gemma Glasgow from O4O reported:

"Since the start of the ROCOP programme O4O staff and volunteers have attended a range of training, from the ILM Award in Leadership and Management to Improving participation and event planning. I participated in the ILM Award in Leadership and Management and it was of great benefit to me personally and professionally. It gave me more confidence in managing difficult staff and the tools and techniques to deal with issues of poor performance effectively. I really valued meeting with others in similar situations and having the opportunity to discuss problems and come up with solutions. It has helped me do things differently, for example the organisation didn’t have certain processes and procedures in place and now financial procedures have been introduced and adhered to, and supervision process introduced.I also attended the Tendering Commissioning training as O4O is considering tendering to provide services in the future. This training was very helpful to the organisation, as it explained how to check for tenders and equipped us with the skills and templates to use. It gave us examples of best practice and how to prepare for tendering and develop relationships."