Dates, venues and bookings links for all courses are available in the PDF calendar which is coming soon!
Volunteer Training Suite
BPRCVS is offering free, training for volunteers in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale through our newly created Volunteer Training Suite.
Volunteers have been involved in a recent learning and growth assessment questionnaire. We want to give volunteers the knowledge and awareness they need through volunteer informed training. Training will take place throughout the localities and will be a variety of face to face, online and informal workshops.
We recognise that volunteers will often have multiple roles within their community group and with that in mind we will provide training that reflects their daily realities and needs.
BPRCVS' commitment to volunteers is to:
Co-Design the Curriculum: We will use volunteer responses to shape the modules, ensuring our training reflects their daily realities and needs
Remove Barriers to Learning: We will tailor the programme's delivery (whether online, in-person, or hybrid) around the schedules of busy volunteers and working board members
Provide Targeted Resources: We will create informed learning modules for different roles—ensuring trustees, managers, and volunteers all receive training that matches their specific responsibilities
Course information can be found below...
Volunteer Training Curriculum Information
Module 1: Introduction to Volunteering
Introduction to Volunteering 2 x half-day training course Level 1 Award - delivered in person at The CVS Centre, Yorkshire Street, Burnley, BB11 3BT.
Who is it for? This course is for all volunteers and prospective volunteers. Both days must be attended and completed in order for the participant to receive the Level 1 Award.
How is it delivered? Lancashire Adult Learning are working in partnership with BPRCVS to deliver FREE face-to-face training sessions to support and upskill volunteers. The course has been specially designed to ensure volunteers are equipped with the essential training required to become a successful volunteer. Date and venue details are available on the calendar above.
What will I learn? At the end of the course you will be able to:
Identify the benefits of volunteering for yourself and your community
Identify and review your own skills and qualities
Understand the rights and responsibilities of a volunteer
Highlight safe practices when volunteering
Discuss where to find volunteer opportunities
Complete the qualification workbook
Will I receive a certificate? Participants will receive a Level 1 Award. Both days of training must be attended in order to receive the Level 1 Award.
Do I need to bring anything with me? You will be required to complete an online learner feedback questionnaire, so a mobile phone would be advantageous. Please bring a pen to the session. If you require it, please bring a bottle of water. Refreshments will not be available.
How much does the training cost? The Introduction to Volunteering 2 day – Level 1 Award is free.
This module consists of 5 essential training topics. Volunteers must complete all essential training modules to fulfill BPRCVS’ volunteer requirements to ensure safe operations. While these sessions do not result in a formal qualification, the topics covered align directly with CVS' statutory duties. Volunteer Essentials training must be completed annually to maintain current and up to date best practice.
Who is it for? This module is for all active volunteers.
How is it delivered? All courses in this module will be delivered face to face. All sessions will run from 10am – 1pm Dates are available on the poster above.
What will I learn? General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - delivered in person at Gannow Community Centre, Adamson Street, Burnley, BB12 6RB. As a volunteer, you may come into contact with personal information about the people you support. This session will introduce you to the key principles of GDPR and explain how to handle personal information safely, securely and confidentially. You'll learn why protecting people's privacy is important, how to recognise potential data breaches and the simple steps you can take to ensure information is managed responsibly throughout your volunteering journey.
Safeguarding (2 sessions) - delivered in person at The CVS Centre, Yorkshire Street, Burnley, BB11 3BT. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. This is an introductory session and consists of 2 sessions: Safeguarding Adults, and Safeguarding Children. Upon completion you will gain a qualification in safeguarding. The sessions will help you understand how to recognise the signs that an adult or child may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and what to do if you have concerns. You'll learn about your role as a volunteer, how to respond appropriately and the importance of following safeguarding procedures to help create a safe, supportive environment for everyone.
Health and Safety - delivered in person at Gannow Community Centre, Adamson Street, Burnley, BB12 6RB. Health and safety is an important part of every volunteering role. This session will introduce you to safe working practices, helping you identify potential hazards, understand emergency procedures and minimise risks to yourself and others. By the end of the session, you will have the knowledge and confidence to contribute to a safe and positive environment for everyone involved.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) - delivered in person at The CVS Centre, Yorkshire Street, Burnley, BB11 3BT. This session explores the importance of treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect. You will learn about equality legislation, protected characteristics and how to promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. The training encourages volunteers to recognise and challenge discrimination, celebrate diversity and ensure that every individual is supported to participate fully, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What will I gain? Participants will gain valuable information and training that will enable them to perform their duties and responsibilities as a volunteer to the highest level. A certificate of attendance will be issued via your email address after each session is completed.
Do I need to bring anything with me? You will be required to complete an online learner feedback questionnaire so a mobile phone would be advantageous. Please bring a pen to the session. If you require it, please bring a bottle of water. Refreshments will not be available. How much does the training cost? All courses in the Volunteer Essentials Module are free for all volunteers.
Behaviour Change Coaching for Lifestyle Support in Community Settings
Who is it for? This course is for CVS Volunteers, Social Prescribers & Community-Based Practitioners.
How is it delivered? Delivered by Chartered Psychologist, Dr Andy Levy, Edge Hill University. 2-hour face to face interactive workshop.
Volunteers will learn:
Key principles of lifestyle behaviour change and what influences health behaviours
Practical techniques to support motivation, confidence, and readiness for change
How to tailor conversations to individual needs, priorities, and circumstances
How to apply behaviour change approaches in community and social prescribing settings
Ways to support sustainable improvements in everyday wellbeing and healthy routines
This interactive face to face training programme equips CVS volunteers, social prescribers, and community practitioners with practical conversational skills to support people in making and sustaining positive lifestyle changes. Grounded in behavioural science, this course uses evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and person-centred coaching to support meaningful, strengths-based conversations.
Will I receive a certificate? Yes, a certificate will be sent via your email address once the session has been completed.
Do I need to bring anything with me? You will be required to complete an online learner feedback questionnaire so a mobile phone would be advantageous. Please bring a pen to the session. If you require it, please bring a bottle of water. Refreshments will not be available.
How much does the training cost? This course is free for all volunteers. How do I book a place on this course? We are still working on finalising the dates, times and venues for this course. If you're interested, please express interest by emailing Rebecca Nolan (rebecca.nolan@bprcvs.co.uk) with your name, group/organisation name and contact information.
Module 4: Managing Volunteer
Watch this space, we are working on it.
Module 5: Community Group Management
Watch this space, we are working on it.
Other volunteer training sessions will be available in due course.
VCFSE Group & Organisation Training
Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop
Who is it for? This workshop is for all community group leaders and or representatives in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale areas. Priority places will be offered to community groups that have been awarded ICB and/or Eric Wright funding in the recent 2026/27 funding round administered by BPRCVS. Please note: The Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop is a requirement under the terms and conditions of funding. Failure to attend may result in further funding applications to BPRCVS to be rejected. The approach is transferable across multiple lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, wellbeing and prevention-focused support. For further information please contact rebecca.nolan@bprcvs.co.uk
Upcoming dates 8th September 2026 7th October 2026 10th November 2026
How is it delivered? This workshop is delivered via Teams. Once booked BPRCVS will send a Teams invite to allow volunteers to access the workshop.
You will learn:
To track progress effectively
To assess impact
How to improve group performance
How to provide accurate, complete and on time monitoring evaluation data for funders
Reporting requirements from funders
Do I need to bring anything with me? You will be given prior notice of things that you will need for the session.
How much does the training cost? The workshop is free to all those working within the VCFSE sector.
How do I book a place on this course? Email rebecca.nolan@bprcvs.co.uk and specify which course date you would like to attend.
