Training and professional development are a big part of how Volunteer Marlborough supports the community sector.
We work with experienced facilitators and trainers to provide practical learning opportunities for people leading volunteers, working in community organisations, sitting on governance boards, or simply wanting to build their skills and confidence.
Our sessions are designed to be useful in the real world. That means less theory for theory's sake, and more practical ideas, tools, examples, and conversations you can take back to your organisation and actually use.
Working with volunteers is different from managing paid staff. People bring different motivations, expectations, availability, and experiences. Good volunteer involvement takes thought, planning, and ongoing support.
Our training helps organisations strengthen the way they recruit, welcome, support, and retain volunteers, while also building confidence in the wider areas that keep community organisations running well.
Topics can include:
The programme changes throughout the year depending on what we are hearing from the sector and where we see the greatest need.
Sometimes the most useful learning comes from talking to someone else who is dealing with exactly the same thing.
LIFT (Leaders Inspiring and Facilitating Together) is our network for people who recruit, coordinate, manage, or support volunteers. It provides a relaxed and confidential space to share ideas, swap resources, discuss challenges, and learn from others working across the community sector.
Sessions may include a particular topic or guest speaker, or simply create space for open discussion around what is happening for volunteer leaders at the time.
You do not need to have 'Volunteer Manager' in your job title to come along. If supporting volunteers is part of what you do, LIFT is for you.
Our training and networking opportunities are open to people across the community and not-for-profit sector, including staff, volunteers, trustees, committee members, and leaders of volunteers.
Some sessions are aimed at a particular audience, but many are useful across a ride range of roles and organisations.
Our current workshops, training sessions, and LIFT networking opportunities can be found on our Events page.
If there is a topic your organisation needs help with and you cannot see it listed, get in touch. We may be able to provide something directly, connect you with the right person, or look at including it in future training.
"The presentation and coaching was absolutely fantastic and has left a lasting impression. We had three of our Elders and two members of our Management Team attend and all have commented on the training's usefulness, applicability, and relevance."
"What a hands on and relevant workshop! The information provided was professionally and appropriately delivered and it was great to interact and network with people from other organisations. "
"I have no doubt that this training will prove to be invaluable as we seek to discern the plan for our church and having something like this available to assist that is provided locally is such a blessing."
"Stimulating and thought provoking workshops. It is great to now be able to understand the options and the practicality of everything as it applies to our world."