DCA News from the Groups

Please find below details of free training course being run by Connecting Advice in Dorset (CAID).  If you would like more information or would like to book a place on any of the courses please contact Jane Hunt at caid@shelter.org.uk.

Unlocking Advice Online  - Monday 3 November 2014  1.45pm – 5pm

IT Suite, Dorchester Library, Charles St, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF

Have you ever felt bad because you didn’t know how to help someone when they asked for advice? Maybe you felt overwhelmed by the enormous number of online resources – which ones are trustworthy? Perhaps you need help to navigate your way around them? If any of these scenarios apply to you then come on this course to help steer you through to the best internet sites to help your clients and customers. Learn how to ask the right questions in the right way to know where to start looking up information. Find out how to unlock advice for the people who turn to you for help.

This short workshop aims to motivate, enable, build confidence and teach skills so delegates can find and then pass on, information to their customers and clients effectively and sensitively.

By the end of the course participants will:

•             Know where to start researching online to answer clients’ questions

•             Know the main trustworthy websites to go to for information and advice

•             Understand how to find their way around key online resources

•             Have more confidence in their ability to engage with and help others

•             Have a good understanding of how to access and pass on advice

•             Have learned a variety of skills for helping people with information

•             Have had a practise at unlocking advice and information for clients

Dealing with Difficult People and Situations  - Tuesday 4 November 2014  9.30am – 4pm

Age UK Dorchester, Rowan Cottage, Prince of Wales Rd, Dorchester DT1 1PW

This is a full day course to help deal with difficult people and situations in a more effective and confident manner.

Have you ever met a difficult person and not known how to deal with them confidently? Maybe you have been in a tricky situation and not known the best way to sort it?

Is a client, customer or work colleague making life difficult for you at the moment? Do you want to learn how to cope better? If so, come to this course and try out a variety of techniques to identify and deal with difficult people and situations.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

•             Recognise what may make a person or situation “difficult”

•             Gain a basic understanding of the 3 main ways we all behave

•             Identify ways to respond assertively to people and situations

•             Communicate more effectively

•             Consider the consequences of not being assertive

•             Learn how to say “NO”

•             Know how to give effective feedback

•             Practice different techniques to help to resolve conflict

•             Deal with difficult people or situations with more confidence

In order to get the most out of this course, there will be an opportunity to discuss particular situations with the trainer in the morning with a view to practicing your skills in the afternoon.

Employment Law Update Training - Friday 7 November 2014  1pm to 4.30pm

Dorchester Library, Charles St, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF

Employment Law is one of the most complex and regularly modified parts of the legal system.

This course gives you a good grounding on changes to current legislation and provides insight into upcoming changes in the law – enabling your organisation to stay informed, legally compliant and prepared. Suitable for HR Specialists, Employment Relations Specialists, Employee Representatives, Managers and Supervisory staff

The course will cover an update on statutory limits (statutory sick pay; maternity/paternity pay; National Minimum Wage)

Next steps on

•             Shared Parental Leave

•             Flexible Working

•             Changes to the Equality Act

•             Changes to Employment Tribunal procedures including fees

•             Update on Early Conciliation (From April 2014, all Employment Tribunal claims will be notified to Acas first)

•             Zero Hours Contracts

•             TUPE

•             Health & Work Service

•             Case Law

•             Employment tribunal statistics and trends

Due to demand, a maximum of four places per organisation are permitted, places are limited so please register your interest as soon as possible.