Description

This training looked at how we can effectively facilitate and lead on projects, with a focus on managing volunteers. How to meaningfully engage volunteers in a project without being extractive and placing undue burden on them? How to ensure that volunteers feel well enough supported and are getting something out of the opportunity, whilst also supporting the sustainable development of the community organisation/group itself? How to hold onto volunteers once you’ve recruited them? This training offered some practical tips and best practice, whilst also exploring a variety of sustainable leadership techniques that can support both project leaders and volunteers.

Training providers

Luthien Lark

Luthien Lark joined HTSI in May 2023, she initially started off her career working in mental health services, both rurally and in Aberdeen city. Luthien then went on to study Psychology MA Honours and Person Centered Counselling at the University of Aberdeen graduating in 2010, after which she was involved in developing a successful pilot Employability project to determine the training and support needs of those furthest from the job market in Aberdeen. Luthien has since lectured in Health and Social Care, before returning to Employability, Training & Recruitment in both the funded and commercial sectors. Outwith work, she has a fondness for horses, creative arts, music (she can be known to play guitar and sing on occasion), writes poetry and promotes the importance of a thriving, creative culture in the Highlands.

Lauren Pyott

Lauren Pyott is the founder and former Managing Director of Clachworks, a social enterprise in Inverness that runs a tool library and aims to bring social justice to the environmental movement in the Highlands. She has an ILM Certificate in Leadership Skills, has completed several courses on community development, and was awarded Best Social Impact in the UHI Business Awards 2021, through her work with Clachworks. She has previously worked as a Arabic-English translator, editor, researcher, lecturer and organiser of cultural events and festivals across the Middle East and Scotland. She now works as the Network Coordinator for Science Ceilidh, running the Highlands & Islands Climate Change Community Researcher Network, and Community Knowledge Matters: A Highlands & Islands Network for Community-Led Research.