Training opportunities

We recognise the incredible contribution made by local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCS) in helping residents in the borough.

We know that demands on local VCS organisations has been increasing in recent years and that this is putting pressure on organisations’ staff and volunteers.

This page lists training opportunities for VCS organisations in Tower Hamlets. They aim to develop their staff and volunteers' skills. A wide range of courses are available, covering many topics.

Answer:

Trustees Week Sessions, 3-7 November 2025

Spanning topics from fundamental tools and tips to Legal Structures, Income Generation, Data Protection, and developing an inclusive board environment, there’s a wealth of free and low-cost sessions for current and aspiring Board members during Trustees Week 2025.

Date

3-7 November 2025

Delivery method

Online webinars

For further details and registration information, please visit the Trustees' Week webpage and register for sessions.


 

Duties of a Trustee - Online Course

Free for small, London-based charities, this 1-day session aims to help you feel more informed and able to be an effective trustee or support your charity board. Whether you are a new or longstanding trustee, or a member of staff, this course will provide you with the most up to date advice and information about charity boards, including legal requirements and best practice.

Dates

10.00am-3.30pm, 25 November 2025

Delivery method

Online via Zoom

For further details and registration information, please visit the Directory of Social Change webpage and register for sessions.

Answer:

Building a Successful Organisation - Online Course

Free for small, London-based charities, this collection of 6 half day sessions delivered by Directory of Social Change covers governance, marketing, strategy, income diversification and leadership. The course takes place over 6 half-day sessions.

Dates

18 November – 4 December (various dates)

Delivery method

Online via Zoom

For further details on registration information, please visit the Directory of Social Change webpage.

Answer:

 

Managing for Managers – Online Course

Free for small, London-based charities, this comprehensive course delivered by Directory of Social Change covers good practice in management. The course takes place over 5 weekly, 3 hour sessions, with three upcoming start dates available.

Dates

  • 17 September – 22 October 2025 from 10.00am - 1.30pm
  • 7 October – 4 November 2025 from 10.00am - 1.30pm
  • 5 November – 3 December 2025 from 10.00am - 1.30pm

Delivery method

Online via Zoom

Information and registration

For more details and booking information, visit the Directory of Social Change webpage.


 

Building a Successful Organisation - Online Course

Free for small, London-based charities, this collection of 6 half day sessions delivered by Directory of Social Change covers governance, marketing, strategy, income diversification and leadership. The course takes place over 6 half-day sessions.

Dates

18 November – 4 December (various dates)

Delivery method

Online via Zoom

Information and registration

For more details and booking information, visit the Directory of Social Change webpage.


 

Strategic Communications - Media Trust Stronger Voices Programme

Stronger Voices is a six-month strategic communications training programme specifically designed for London-based third sector organisations whose primary focus is on equalities issues. This programmeaims to empower organisations with the skills, knowledge and confidence to harness their communications to drive meaningful social change.

Dates

November 2025 – May 2026 (12 hours per month)

Delivery method

Online via Zoom

Information and registration

Places on this programme are fully funded. Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025. For more information before applying, see the applicant pack, which includes a programme timeline and key dates about the Stronger Voices programme.

For more details and booking information, visit the Media Trust webpage.


Identifying Corporate Partnerships

This recording of the Get Grants Identifying Corporate Partnerships Masterclass, delivered in March 2025, features expert insights from Get Grants Fundraising Specialist Julia Worthington. This 1-hour session explores key strategies for securing and maximising corporate partnerships within a fundraising framework.

Date

On demand

Delivery method

Online

Information and registration

For further details on how to access this training, please visit the Get Grants training webpage.


Safer recruitment training

These NSPCC's safeguarding courses, designed by child protection and HR experts, equip you to safely recruit staff and volunteers who work with children. They cover essential steps, like creating recruitment policies, selecting candidates, conducting background checks and handling concerns – ensuring child safety is central to your hiring process.

Date

Self-paced learning

Delivery method

Online and in-person four hours (online) - 1-day (face-to-face)

Information and registration

For further details and registration information, please visit the NSPCC training webpage. 

Answer:

Cyber Security for small organisations

The National Cyber Security Centre offers cybersecurity training for small businesses. It covers data security, password creation and device protection. This helps businesses build better cyber resilience.

Date

On demand

Delivery method

Online

For further details and registration information, please visit the NCSC training webpage.

Answer:

Empowering communities

This free course delivered by Open University discusses the most common forms of community empowerment. It explores the barriers to community empowerment and the ways that they can be overcome.

Date

Self-paced

Delivery method

Online

For further details and registration information, please visit the Open University training webpage.


Diversity and inclusion in the workplace

This free course examines the development and support of diverse and inclusive workforces and explores the benefits of diversity for organisational well-being. The course offers practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and cultural integration, and provides examples of successful initiatives.

Date

Self-paced

Delivery method

Online

For further details and registration information, please visit the Open University training webpage.