Voluntary Sector representation invited for Strategic Priority Development Groups

There is an opportunity for the Voluntary and Community Sector to join the Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) Strategic Priority Development Groups. These groups will support the LEP's Growth Plan.

This is a first for LEPs nationally – no other LEPs has responded in this way, so we need to ensure we are able to step up to the mark. Remember, the LEPs Growth Plan will inform what EU funding will come into Cheshire and Warrington over the next 7 – 10 years.

This is the chance to make sure the VCS is visible in the plan and to show them that we do contribute to the local economy. Infrastructure Organisations in the Sub-Region have been invited to nominate  representatives to join the groups by Wednesday, 29^th May.

This could make the difference for the sector in the next 7-10 years.

The Terms of Reference can be downloaded here and these outline expectations of the role up to December 2013.

Further information from  Chris Baker.

**SPACES STILL AVAILABLE**

Training from Trafford Hall

Community Involvement for Environmental Projects
10^th-11^thJune 2013.
Trainer – FreshTeam

There are stillsome spaces available on this course; funded spaces are available to anyone who volunteers in the UK, working with a local group. The course is based at Trafford Hall, located just outside of Chester, for more information on the venue please visit our WEBSITE .

Involving the community in projects is one of the biggest barriers that groups face. This course is to empower community groups to successfully engage and involve community members, of all demographics, in their environmental projects. The training will enable delegates to grow their projects and involve community members in all stages, from planning and preparation to the carrying out and evaluation of an environmental project.

The course will incorporate key aspects to involving the community in environmental projects, such as

· Barriers to engagement

· Methods to involve

· Retaining community involvement

· Action planning

· Support for environmental projects

· Celebrating impact

Additionally, delegates will gain valuable skills through the delivery of workshops and discussion in

· Free and effective marketing

· Successful participation

· Supporting younger and older community members

· Catering for disabled participants.

· Accreditation structure for environmental project

· Evidencing and Social Return on Investment (SROI)

· Sustainability and supporting volunteers

The cost for this course is £50 for the first person booking on and £20 for each additional person booking on from the same group or organisation. This cost includes all meals and refreshments during your stay and one night's accommodation at Trafford Hall.

On completion of the course groups are able to apply for a small grant to help set up a new project in their community or to help and existing project to progress.

If you would like more information on this course or would like to book a space then you can contact Gary Dutton on (01244) 300246 or by E-mailing g.dutton@traffordhall.com.

Alternatively you can apply for a space on this course by completing the online form, which can be found HERE.

Adult Learners' Week is here again!

To celebrate Adult Learners week events are being held all over the Country to provide taster sessions which are intended to encourage the public to try out Adult Learning.

Cheshire West Council Website has a number of events listed on their what's on page that are part of this nationwide programme.  In Winsford the local learning centre have produced their own progarmme which you can download from this link.

e-skills UK launches market test of new digital skills app

Please take part

e-skills UK is developing a brand new app that people will be able to download to their smartphones, tablets or PCs. They can use it to measure their current digital skills, identify what they need to learn, and find immediate help.

Research shows the enormous economic and social benefits of increasing digital skills across the board. This free app will contribute to Baroness Martha Lane Fox's Go ON UK campaign to get everyone online.

The 'GO ON you can do IT' app helps people to see for themselves what their skills are in areas like email; using the internet; and online safety. When users say they are unsure about a particular topic or skill, they will be signposted to fast and immediate learning. Users can see how their skills grow, and revisit their profile time and again as they learn new skills.

A beta version is now available, and we're keen for you to test it and provide feedback by May 24.

The beta version is available for iPad, with the email topic fully live. Other topics can be seen at demo level. Over time, we will add a range of online skills areas, linked to National Occupational Standards, with the associated learning.

We are particularly keen to receive feedback from anyone responsible for groups of people, whether employees, students or another group, as the final app can be linked to a customised web-based dashboard. This will allow employers or other organisations, like training providers, to view and analyse collective skills levels, and make training decisions accordingly.

All feedback will be confidential to e-skills UK. Please come back to us no later than May 24 - your help is much appreciated.

Instructions

To access the free prototype digital training app from the Apple App Store, please follow these 3 steps on your iPad:

1. Download Fliplet Viewer from the app store or click this link http://fliplet.net/download  
2. Once installed open Fliplet Viewer and sign in using:
   Email: apps@e-skills.com
   Password: viewer   
3. Once signed in, tap on the e-skills app icon to download the training app, then tap 'View' to begin using the prototype.

Please tap the Feedback icon at any point when using the app to send us your feedback.

This project received co-investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills' Employer Investment Fund.