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The GTA University Centre will provide free training for islanders interested in volunteering or working for charities, as well as those already active in the sector.
Local charities have welcomed the announcement, saying the one-day course will help in their work and benefit Guernsey’s community. Developed with local consultant Richard Hamilton, the course will offer delegates an insight into what it means to work for a charity, including potential challenges, and provide the skills required to carry out their roles.
‘The work of charity workers and volunteers can often be demanding, and they need to be ready to act in many different situations. Having spoken to charities, we’ve identified the need for training to support the development of both their staff and volunteers and so working closely with local tutor Richard Hamilton, we’ve developed a training course that will meet that need,’ said Aly Keeling, programmes manager at the GTA University Centre.
‘However, we are very mindful of the financial pressure which charities are under and so as a not-for-profit organisation, the GTA is in a position to be able to help. The course will be free for delegates to attend.’
Richard Hamilton, managing director of Business Improvement Services, said the course was developed as a result of conversations with the local charity sector.
‘People get involved in charities because they care about organisations and what they do. The energy and commitment that individuals have is amazing. There isn’t a lot of on-island training to support them, and so this one-day course will focus on why people get involved in charities, the role of those organisations as well as the challenges they may face. It will also look at ways they can develop while working within a charity. I really tip my hat to the GTA for supporting this training because it will be of benefit to the whole island,’ said Mr Hamilton, who has more than 25 years of experience in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said the training developed by the GTA would help ensure charity staff and volunteers provided the best service for their own organisation and the community they served.
‘It is truly wonderful that the GTA has helped develop a charity training course to help the island's voluntary organisations and members of the GSPCA team are looking forward to attending and developing their skills,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘At the GSPCA we help over 3000 animals every year and each is found or connected to a person in some way. So, ensuring that all that represent our organisation is of utmost importance as each individual helps support us in some way and without them we wouldn't exist.’
Les Bourgs Hospice’s fundraising administrator Trish De Carteret said: ‘Many people can be put off helping due to lack of understanding of what is required and what their responsibilities may be. A course like this will help people understand the work of the charities, and how rewarding it can be to give their time to help.’
