Training and development support

Training is not only about improving your skills but also about finding out about different approaches to what you do. There are many training courses available and relevant to community food initiatives, from food handling to financial management. Some training courses are free or subsidised for community/voluntary groups. Training is also a great way to meet people who are tackling the same issues.

Food, nutrition and hygiene training

Food business operators should ensure their employees and volunteers are trained to a level commensurate with work activity.

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Cooking and catering skills

The Focus on Food Healthier Scotland cooking bus can travel to your community.

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Retail skills

Training available for people who have not worked in retail before.

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Farming, growing and marketing

Growing isn't just about planting and harvesting. There are courses available on 'How to set up a box scheme' and ‘Getting local food in your local school'.

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Organisational and community development

Organisations that work to deliver services to communities should ensure they are meeting the needs of the community. This means they may need to develop as an organisation or further develop their relationship with the community as they find out more about these needs. This may require taking on staff, changing the organisation structure or offering opportunities and support to volunteers. There is loads of support out there to assist you to develop your organisation and also to develop your relationship with the community you work with.

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Social enterprise

The Social Enterprise Academy run accredited courses.

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I went on a participatory appraisal course, applied it to my work and now I know so much more about what we are doing and why we are doing it.