Engagement and participation continues to be a key area of work in the voluntary and community sector. Engagement and participation are two different things. People can just 'show up' to meetings, consultations and/or events but are they really engaged? With genuine engagement, possibilities are created. The agenda being served can be determined and beneficial to everyone.  

Engagement is the next step beyond participation. While we might be able to engage people with a survey, a newsletter or an invitation to a meeting, we need to transform this participation into authentic engagement, where everyone realises the benefit. Active participation on the other hand creates an environment in which staff, volunteers, service users and community members are involved in the development and shaping of services delivered to them. However, sometimes it can be difficult to recruit, engage and manage the process.

This course is for anyone who wants to encourage and support individuals and communities to engage. The skills and understanding developed will enable a more robust approach to engagement and participation.

Module 1 - The concept of engaging and participation - In this module you will look at engagement and participation, active engagement and participation and the ladder of participation.

Module 2 - Activities that can be used in engagement and participation - In this module you will look at engagement activities, techniques for active engagement and representing others.

Module 3 - Why people get involved in community and voluntary groups - In this module you will look at advantages and disadvantages, barriers to participation, and barriers within groups.

Module 4 - Skills, knowledge and support needed for active participation - In this module you will look at skills and attributes, active participation, support, skill sharing, values, experiences and enabling engagement and participation.

Module 5 - Monitoring and evaluation of engagement practice - In this module you will look at quality measurement, monitoring and evaluation and sustainability.