June 5, 2013
Regen School for coalfield groups
There’s been a lot of discussion recently about how to build the capacity of local communities. A lot of talk but not a lot of action. Hats off then to Coalfields Regeneration Trust for taking the initiative and setting up a resource for some of the smaller local organisations that work in and around the former coalfield areas. The Coalfields Regeneration School is being run by the highly successful School for Social Entrepreneurs.
5/6/13
Making the Grassroots Grow at Coalfields Regeneration School
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is offering local organisations the chance to go back to school to learn how to become more enterprising and have a bigger impact on their local communities. The Trust has launched the Coalfields Regeneration School which will teach a range of management and development skills to grass roots organisations in former mining areas across Scotland.
Tom McAughtrie, Scottish Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and a former business development officer with the organisation said: “There is huge potential for small local organisations in former mining areas to develop their services by moving up a level. The Regeneration School offers a great opportunity for them to become more enterprising, develop skills within funding, strengthen their governance and leadership and lay down strong foundations for growth. These groups are already doing a great job serving the needs of their members and the local community. Now they have the chance to move onto the next level and be even more effective.”
Tracey Muirhead who will run the Coalfields Regeneration School on behalf of the Trust said: “We are looking for two individuals from each of eight groups to take part in a course on how to run their own organisations in a more enterprising way. We particularly want to help those groups that are really struggling with funding applications, especially in these times of austerity when grant funders themselves are being pushed and are looking for more robust applications. We will be tackling governance, finances, marketing, presentation skills and how the organisation is perceived – all the things that makes them more professional.
“We are laying on lots of support from mentors, local businesses, successful voluntary organisations and social enterprises, and we are confident this will be an enjoyable as well as a worthwhile experience.”
Tracey is the chief executive officer of the School for Social Entrepreneurs – Scotland.
The course involves a commitment of 17 days spread over six months from July to December, with a celebration event in January next year. The Closing date for applications is June 26 . Full details from Tracey Muirhead at tracey@ssescotland.org or on 07828030741