Building on previous initiatives around learning and workforce development in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole a partnership between The Learning Curve, Bournemouth CVS (Council for Voluntary Service), Dorset Community Action, Poole CVS and the LSC (Learning and Skills Council) was formed and in November 2007, a development worker was appointed to take forward the project and to explore the idea of a Third Sector learning consortium for the area.
Mapping has taken place regarding learning and workforce development in the third sector across B, D, P. Several events have been held to support organisations and have included a Dorset wide conference which highlighted partnership working and was attended by the South West Regional Minister. A series of seminars were subsequently held to highlight train to gain including management and leadership.
Engage Dorset provides representation for the sector with various partnerships and acts as a conduit for information sharing using newsletters, emails and linking with Bournemouth CVS, Dorset Community Action and Poole CVS. These partnerships include: Partners in Care, Dorset Informal Adult Learning Partnership, Bournemouth and Poole Informal Adult Learning Partnership and the Safeguarding Board training sub group. A good example of the success of partnership working is local authorities, adult learning and the third sector devising, funding and launching a pilot training course which enables all three partners to meet essential criteria around training for staff in adult health and social care.
Involvement with Train to Gain, Community Grants and the Voluntary Value project have all enhanced workforce development, skills and partnership working in the third sector across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.
