Learning experiences from home in the Learning Lounge

The following training courses are running in February and March 2021.

Co-Production in Commissioning and Procurement of Services (for local authority staff):
22 and 24 February from 10am until 1pm delivered over two, three-hour sessions.

This course is for commissioning and procurement teams, grant making organisations and those in the voluntary or private sectors involved in developing new services within their organisations wishing to gain an understanding of new approaches in Commissioning and Procurement. This session will use a solution-focused approach to explain about local needs, aspirations, and assets; clarify where and how to begin when involving lived experience in procurement; explore the benefits and impact of involving lived experience; understand what works and what doesn’t – from people with lived experience.

A Day in the Sun: Homeless Legislation in Scotland
10 March 2021 from 10am until 1pm
This course looks in detail at existing and recent Housing and Homelessness Legislation in Scotland and how it connects to create a world-leading safety net for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This starts from the foundation 1987, 2001 and 2003 Acts – progressing right up to changes in local connection, intentionality and the Unsuitable Accommodation Order during 2019-21. Delegates will examine pieces of legislation, while identifying and analysing local challenges in implementing. Using current data and analysis, this is an interactive and participatory course which will broaden participant’s knowledge and understanding of Housing and Homelessness Legislation.

Rough Guide to Homelessness Policy in Scotland
22 and 29 March from 10am until 1pm delivered over two, three-hour hour sessions.

This course explores the current national and local policy infrastructure that underpins the legislation. Since 2017, the influence of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (HARSAG) and the Scottish Parliament’s Inquiry on Homelessness has led to the Scottish Government/COSLA High-Level Plan to End Homelessness and 32 local Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans. Presented in a rough guide format, this innovative course will broaden knowledge and understanding of current policy to prevent, alleviate and ultimately end homelessness in Scotland.

Delivering Support in a Digital Environment
25th March from 10am until 1pm

Every year the Government sets ambitious targets to significantly reduce the number of people who experience digital exclusion, but until recently online portals were seen as little more than passive providers of information, with digital engagement and support reserved for only the most tech-savvy.

While advances in technology, the proliferation of devices and communication channels, and the greater availability of data for a 24/7 on-demand public have made digital support more accessible, COVID-19 made supporting people digitally a necessity. This Innovative course will introduce the participant to the use of digital support as both a compliment and an alternative to historic support systems by:

• Exploring the range of digital tools available, their uses and benefits
• Sharing learning from services which use digital technology historically
—Samaritans, Fellowships, help lines etc
• Sharing tools and tips for maximising digital contact and engagement;
• Identifying what to do when something feels wrong?
• Exploring best practice in digital safety for staff and clients
• Reading between the lines – interpreting problems without body language?
• Exploring how to use technology as a client diary.