Partnership working involves collaboration to achieve shared goals. It allows each organisation to use its strengths to make a bigger impact. Strong partnerships are built on clear communication, trust, and shared values. When done well, they can benefit everyone involved and the communities they support.

This session will help you think about what to consider before starting a partnership. We’ll look at how to choose the right partners, set clear goals together, and build a strong, effective working relationship. Whether you’re new to partnerships or want to improve an existing one, this session will give you helpful advice and tools to guide you.

This session will cover:

– A definition of partnership working and the types of partnership working. 

– What to look for in a partner organisation. 

– Completing your due diligence. 

– Charity Commission Expectations. 

– Recording how will you work together.

When: 10th June, 2025 10:30 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Would you like to understand the key principles of a solid cashflow forecast, and be supported to develop a framework for your own? If so – this is the session for you!

Join Adrian Ashton – social enterprise and charities consultant for over 15 years – to explore cash flow forecasting for your social enterprise. 

The key to operating a successful social enterprise is a diverse and robust model of income generation; including trading, investment and some grant funding. Key to developing that model is a solid plan – a cashflow forecast. 

Investors and funders alike need to see that your business has a forecast that makes sense – Adrian can talk you through the best approach to achieving this, ensuring your forecast complements and builds on your business plan.

This will be a small group workshop, providing lots of opportunity for chat, both with Adrian and other social enterprise peers

When: 12th June, 2025 1:00 PM through 04:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Wondering which is the right legal structure for your Social Enterprise? These sessions will explore the options available and, using real world examples, help you to evaluate what might be the right legal structure and governance for your organisation.

This on-line workshop will be led by Adrian Ashton, an award-winning Charity and Enterprise consultant. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in the sector, Adrian will inform, inspire and support you to explore the different options available for your organisation.

You can expect:

 – A potted history of Social Enterprise (and why it’s important)

 – The ‘Select-a-Structure’ quiz – What do you need from your legal structure, what legal structures are available and what are their pros and cons

 – Governance – what is it, why is it important and what might be right for you

The workshop will be interactive, with lots of opportunity to discuss your business, in a forum with peers from the local Social Enterprise sector.

The Zoom link to join the session will be sent to you via email the day before the workshop.

When: 19th June, 2025 1:00 PM through 03:00 pm Where: Online via Zoom

Join us IN PERSON at our next Volunteer Development Network at Sapphire Partnership, St Georges House St George’s Road Bolton BL1 2DD, 11:00 – 12:30.

Does your organisation have volunteers? Would you like an opportunity to meet other volunteer managers and share good practice? Then book a place at our Volunteer Development Network!

This forum will give you the chance to connect, collaborate and cultivate new relationships with other organisations in Bolton that are recruiting and managing volunteers.

We’ll be using this time to share our headaches, highlights, and horizons around volunteer recruitment through an open discussion facilitated by Bolton CVS.

When: 24th June, 2025 11:00 AM through 12:30 pm Where: St Geroge’s house 2 St Georges’s Road Bolton, Bl1 2DD

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 25th June, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Effective safeguarding is more than just having a safeguarding policy, particularly in the current climate. This face to face session will look at the wider issues that come under the safeguarding umbrella, including recruitment, health and safety, and much more. 

This session will help you to:

• Be more confident in understanding the wider context of safeguarding within the sector.
• Be aware of best practice, current issues and policies and how they can be embedded within your organisation.
• Reflect on current practice and identify areas of development. 
• Share knowledge and experience.

This is a face to face session, we look forward to seeing you at The Bolton Hub.

When: 26th June, 2025 10:00 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Unlock the Power of Social Investment with NatWest Social & Community Capital & Manchester Social Entrepreneurs. Social investment is a method of funding that can be transformative for organisations and social businesses. Come and explore what it means and how it could work for you.

Are you an established social enterprise or trading charity looking to diversify your income? Do you need new technology, a bigger staff team or a building/some land? If so, exploring social investment could be a way to unlock some new opportunities.

In this session our colleagues from NatWest Social & Community Capital will take a dive deep into the world of social investment and we’ll explore how it can support growth and make business more sustainable.

Why You Should Attend

The building blocks for investment readiness are relevant and necessary for lots of forms of income generation – applying for tenders, writing funding bids and planning for growth and sustainability more broadly. This session will help you to:

• Build Financial Sustainability: Learn how to demonstrate financial sustainability and diversify income sources beyond grants.
• Strengthen Leadership: Discover the importance of having a strong senior management team and a diverse board of directors or trustees.
• Impactful Connections: Meet and collaborate with peers who share your passion for making a positive impact.
• Empower Your Business: Understand the right time to take on debt and how to leverage it for growth.

What to Expect:

• Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from industry experts on becoming investment-ready and managing finances effectively.
• Practical Advice: Learn the essentials of financial management, including cashflow forecasting, pricing strategies, and proactive planning.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals dedicated to social and community development.
• Flexible Support: Explore how NatWest Social & Community Capital can support your business through flexible patient debt solutions.

 

When: 26th June, 2025 1:00 PM through 04:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold street Bolton, BL1 1LS

This session explores the basics of what is meant by equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, looks at related legislation and includes time to discuss what this looks like in your organisation and what more could be done.

The session is aimed at volunteers and members of staff who want to know more about  equity, diversity and belonging.  

By the end of the session attendees will be able to define what equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging means, why it is important and understand what this looks like in their own organisation and what more can be done.

When: 8th July, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:30 am Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

Corporate volunteering can be a great first step — but what comes next?

This quick, lunch-time session is for VCSE organisations looking to grow deeper, more meaningful relationships with local businesses. We’ll explore how to turn short-term volunteering into longer-term support and what corporates are looking for from their long-term VCSE partners. We invite you to share your own experiences and will leave you with practical ideas to help your partnerships grow.

When: 15th July, 2025 12:30 PM through 01:30 pm Where: Online via Zoom

Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and it is important that we all work together to protect people who need help and support. Staff and volunteers in voluntary organisations have a key role to play in making sure that people using their services are protected and kept safe from harm. This session is suitable for staff and volunteers, including committee members and trustees, who are responsible for safeguarding good practice, as well as anyone responsible for volunteers and who support volunteers and staff as part of their role.

 

This session will help you to: 

Understand what safeguarding is and your role in safeguarding adults at risk

Recognise an adult who may be in need of safeguarding and how to take appropriate action

Understand how to raise concerns about someone

Understand dignity and respect when working with individuals

Be aware of the policy, procedures and legislation that support safeguarding adults processes

Be able to identify how you can take learning from the session and use it in your organisation.

When: 17th July, 2025 10:00 AM through 12:30 pm Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

Want to set up a Community Group but don’t know where to start? Join us to explore your ideas and discuss the key steps to set up a group with a strong foundation. This session is aimed at individuals who want to learn how to set up a community group, including defining its purpose, awareness of different legal structures and assigning roles. You will leave with the knowledge and confidence to take the first steps toward building a successful group. When: 22nd July, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:30 am Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 30th July, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

The forum is a great opportunity to connect and share learning with other people and organisations around Bolton.

Agenda to be confirmed.

When: 31st July, 2025 10:30 AM through 12:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

This session is suitable for any current Trustees wishing to refresh their knowledge and for those considering becoming a Trustee.

The session will cover:

– The role of the Trustee board and the six main duties as stated by the Charity Commission

– Trustee liability

– Conflicts of interest

– Eligibility 

When: 19th August, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:30 am Where: Online via Zoom

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 27th August, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

This interactive course will enable participants to obtain basic knowledge about safeguarding children and young people and share learning and good practice. This course is suitable for anyone with responsiblity for ensuring children and young people’s safeguarding in their voluntary group or organisation. It is suitable for those new to the role or those wishing to refresh their skills and knowledge.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Identify different types of abuse
• Be aware of procedures to be followed when they believe a child or young person has been, or is at risk of being abused.
• Record information and know how to share it properly
• Understand how to raise a concern with Bolton Safeguarding Children's Partnership 

When: 28th August, 2025 12:30 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

This interactive workshop is designed especially for VCSEs to explore the difference between social impact and social value – and why understanding both is key to strengthening your organisation’s future.

Join us for an engaging and practical session where we will:

Understand the Basics: Unpack the difference between social impact and social value, and why both matter.

Social Value Matters Now: Discover why demonstrating social value is more important than ever – especially in the current commissioning landscape.

Measure What Matters: Learn practical ways to measure and communicate your organisation’s social impact and social value.

 

 

When: 17th September, 2025 9:30 AM through 11:30 am Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street BL1 1LS

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 24th September, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and it is important that we all work together to protect people who need help and support. Staff and volunteers in voluntary organisations have a key role to play in making sure that people using their services are protected and kept safe from harm. This session is suitable for staff and volunteers, including committee members and trustees, who are responsible for safeguarding good practice, as well as anyone responsible for volunteers and who support volunteers and staff as part of their role.

 

This session will help you to: 

Understand what safeguarding is and your role in safeguarding adults at risk

Recognise an adult who may be in need of safeguarding and how to take appropriate action

Understand how to raise concerns about someone

Understand dignity and respect when working with individuals

Be aware of the policy, procedures and legislation that support safeguarding adults processes

Be able to identify how you can take learning from the session and use it in your organisation.

When: 9th October, 2025 12:30 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

This session explores the basics of what is meant by equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, looks at related legislation and includes time to discuss what this looks like in your organisation and what more could be done.

The session is aimed at volunteers and members of staff who want to know more about  equity, diversity and belonging.  

By the end of the session attendees will be able to define what equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging means, why it is important and understand what this looks like in their own organisation and what more can be done.

When: 14th October, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:30 am Where: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 30th October, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

This session is suitable for any current Trustees wishing to refresh their knowledge and for those considering becoming a Trustee.

The session will cover:

– The role of the Trustee board and the six main duties as stated by the Charity Commission

– Trustee liability

– Conflicts of interest

– Eligibility 

When: 4th November, 2025 1:00 PM through 02:30 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

This interactive course will enable participants to obtain basic knowledge about safeguarding children and young people and share learning and good practice. This course is suitable for anyone with responsiblity for ensuring children and young people’s safeguarding in their voluntary group or organisation. It is suitable for those new to the role or those wishing to refresh their skills and knowledge.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Identify different types of abuse
• Be aware of procedures to be followed when they believe a child or young person has been, or is at risk of being abused.
• Record information and know how to share it properly
• Understand how to raise a concern with Bolton Safeguarding Children's Partnership 

When: 11th November, 2025 12:30 PM through 03:00 pm Where: The Bolton Hub Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 26th November, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS

Thinking about volunteering and changing lives?  Don’t know where to go? No idea where to start from?  Searching for the right roles to volunteer for?

Are you thinking about volunteering but not sure what it is or how to go about it? Come along to  session Benefits of Volunteering session led by our Bolton Volunteer Centre, to find out how what you can get out of volunteering and how you can impact  your local community and  across the town of Bolton

Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new.  It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience.

When: 18th December, 2025 10:00 AM through 11:00 am Where: Bold Street Bolton, BL1 1LS