Black & Ethnic Minorities Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) and Glasgow Caledonian University (Scottish Poverty Information Unit) have teamed up to develop and deliver this unique training opportunity aiming at empowering local community and faith groups with much needed necessary skills in relation to research and tackling poverty.

Breaking New Ground for Training in Researching Poverty at Community Level

The Scottish Government’s vision for social justice and neighborhoods renewal requires a new set of skills and understanding to work and learn  with local people in the development and regeneration of their communities. Whether you are working in central government, local government or as part of a local partnership, you will be part of the contemporary rediscovery of community and active citizenship. This training program will assist you to build critical skills and knowledge relevant to working with and identifying Community needs at local level.

The training is a work based Certificate Level Programme over 12 weeks (three hours per week, Tuesdays 10:00am – 2:00pm).

 (WITH EXTRA DIRECT TRAINING DAYS/ WORKSHOP STYLE WHEN IDENTIFIED BY TRAINEES). 

This Certificate in Researching Poverty at a Community level does not require prior studies or qualifications in this field but rather an experience of working in the voluntary and community settings either as an employee or as a volunteer.  

This course provides trainees with a good understanding of the basic concepts of research and how to apply research concepts at a local level.  The primary emphasis is on developing competencies in researching in and with communities with specific reference to sound ethical principles. The overall focus is on developing practical skills which are underpinned by an understanding of good practice in community based research.  

The nature of poverty in Scotland is also covered in the module. Definitions of poverty and a consideration of how these definitions affect who we consider to be living in poverty ion Scotland. Responses to poverty in Scotland will also be discussed. 

Attitudes towards those living in poverty in Scotland are also examined leading to a consideration of how their experiences can be included in the research process and how they can influence the policy agenda.

The training will be delivered free of charge as the partnership will be supporting costs, and training is available to:

-         Diverse ethnic, cultural and faith minority community groups / activists

-         Wider community, faith and equality groups / activists who work with disadvantaged groups.

EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE TRAINING 

Increase the number and quality of skills and understanding of poverty at a community level. Through accredited and recognized training the standard of information, skills and expertise in the field of Researching Poverty at  Community Level which will complement not only existing skills of practitioners but also will assist build the capacity of both activist and organisations in the field of Researching poverty in the community in Scotland.

Ø      Closing date for applications:         End of September 2011

Ø      Interviews will begin:                      Mid September 2011 

Ø      Course will begin:                           4^th October 2011

Ø      Venue:                                             Glasgow Caledonian University

For further details of the training content and information or to register your interest, please contact:

Mrs. Tanveer Parnez

Director of National Development  

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  

Tel. 0141 548 8047

BEMIS

38 Queen Street,

Centrum Offices, 3^rd Floor- Glasgow G1 3DX