Catalyst’s Training & Development Programme provides a range of training and development opportunities to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stockton-on-Tees.
Catalyst believes that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stockton-on-Tees is vital in supporting our local communities. We conducted the Scoping the Sector survey in 2019 which highlighted a number of training and development needs from organisations in Stockton-on-Tees. As a result, Catalyst developed a programme that reflected the needs of the voluntary sector. The training sessions intend to develop the existing skills and knowledge of staff and volunteers working in the VCSE sector.
The programme is primarily focussed in four areas; Governance, Capacity Building, Specialist and Generic. This runs during the academic year.
Each course is delivered by skilled and experienced trainers. Wherever possible the courses will be delivered at no cost to the organisations taking part. There will be a charge for accredited courses, however, for organisations working or based in Stockton-on-Tees they will have access to the Professional Development Bursary.
You can view all of our upcoming Training sessions on our events page
**Please note that while the majority of our courses are free for members of the VCSE sector to attend, a £20 cancellation fee will be charged if you cancel your place within 48 hours of the training taking place. In cases of training taking place over a number of days, you will be charged £20 for each session missed. If you fail to attend without any notice this charge will be £50
The Board reserves the right to levy charges at a higher level for training commissioned from specialist training organisations, where the cost of the course exceeds £50 per delegate.**
Please view our Training Policy here https://www.catalyststockton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Training-Cancellation-Charging-Policy.pdf
In 2023/24, 166 individuals signed up and took part in a session from our Training & Development Programme.
Regular Training Sessions
This course provides attendees with a beginners overview of finance for a charitable organisations, covering:
- Different charity types
- A variety of terminology
- Income and Expenditure
- Maintaining paperwork & evidence for grants
- What is contained within the notes to accounts
- Audit or independent examination?
- Who do I need to send accounts to?
- Role of a Trustee
- Changes in the Charities Act 2022
This course is aimed at people new to First Aid who wish to become a recognised First Aider in a ‘low risk’ environment.
Participants will build an understanding of the importance of safe food handling practices and keeping foods safe, delivered by Sprouts.
This session is aimed at people who have little or no experience in writing a funding application.
These sessions are for anyone who supports and manages volunteers and would like to take the time to reflect on their own practices.
This session is aimed at people who have experience with writing funding bids but wish to develop their skills further.
Suggestions and more information
We strive to deliver training and development opportunities that meet your needs. If you have any ideas for workshops and training or would like to discuss bespoke training for your organisation, please get in touch. Alternatively, if you have any training that your organisation offer and would like us to promote let us know.
For further information
Please contact Heather Sykes on 01642 733906 or email Heather.Sykes@catalyststockton.org