Overview

This full-day training programme is designed to build confidence, enhance communication, and strengthen leadership within Hackney’s vibrant voluntary and community sector (VCS). Split into two distinct half-day sessions, the workshop will support two key stakeholder groups: frontline staff/volunteers and team leaders. Each session delivers practical skills and reflective insights, with a clear focus on empowering participants to thrive in their roles and contribute more effectively to their organisations and communities.

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Session One: Speak Up

Building Confidence and Communication Skills for VCS Staff and Volunteers

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Session Aim:

To equip participants with the confidence, clarity, and presence to express themselves effectively in meetings, public forums, and organisational settings. The session is tailored to help individuals who may feel anxious or unsure when speaking in group environments, offering practical tools to overcome self-doubt and build a stronger communication style.

​Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• Develop techniques to manage nerves and communicate with self-assurance
• Practise clear, concise, and assertive verbal communication
• Learn to listen actively and contribute with confidence
• Understand the role of body language, eye contact, and tone
• Build a personal toolkit to apply in public meetings and collaborative settings

Delivery Approach:

Highly interactive and supportive, this session will combine individual and group exercises, role play, real-time feedback, and structured reflection. A psychologically safe space will be created to foster growth, participation, and peer encouragement.

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​Session Two: Lead with Purpose

Inspiring and Effective Leadership in Voluntary-Led Environments

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Session Aim:

To provide leaders within the VCS with the skills, insights, and strategies needed to lead authentically and effectively in environments that often rely on goodwill, shared vision, and informal authority. With a focus on personal leadership identity, the session encourages participants to lead with intention, empathy, and resilience.

​Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• Identify their leadership style and personality type
• Reflect on personal strengths, development areas, and values
• Explore adaptive leadership approaches for diverse teams
• Learn how to inspire and motivate volunteers through influence, not instruction
• Build confidence in communicating purpose, vision, and direction
• Develop strategies to cultivate inclusive, values-led team cultures

Delivery Approach:

A dynamic and reflective session combining leadership self-assessment tools, group discussion, case study analysis, and peer feedback. The session includes a guided diagnostic activity - What Type of Leader Am I? - with structured takeaways and an action plan for ongoing development.

Participants are welcome to register for either the morning or afternoon session, or attend both sessions as a full-day course.