The Third Age Trust has developed workshops in partnership with u3a members to provide support, information and advice for all u3a members. The workshops are delivered online using Zoom by Trust volunteers who bring their experience as Trustees, u3a Chairs and Committee members.
All u3a members are welcome to attend these workshops which are informal and informative and provide a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and share best practice with u3a members across the UK. If you are curious to learn and would like to join us at an upcoming workshop, please book your place using the links below.
u3as, networks and regions are also able to request specific workshops, if this is something you are interested in for your Region, network or u3a, please read the information at the end of this page to find out more. Additional information and support for your u3a can also be found on the Advice and Guidance webpage.
Our Workshops
Keeping it Legal
What does it cover? Information about the key areas all u3as need to be aware of and understand - insurance, data protection, equality and inclusion and safeguarding. It looks at practical steps to ensure compliance and where further information and support is available.
Date of next session:
“The workshop was comprehensive and very well delivered, with clear information on all core areas, including insurance, making it easily understood.”
What is Beacon? An Introduction
What does it cover? This is an introductory session for members interested and new to Beacon.
Beacon is a management system designed by u3as, for u3as. It provides a simple interface for managing members, groups and finances.
- To give an explain what Beacon is and how it works.
- To raise awareness of Beacon and its possibilities.
- Through demonstration highlight the benefits and the ease of access for users
Date of next session(s):
- Monday 29 January 10.00-11.30 Book Now
Recruiting and Valuing Volunteers
What does it cover? Recruiting, retaining, supporting and valuing volunteers across your u3a.
Date of next session:
- Wednesday 31 January 10.00-12.15 Book Now
“This was a well-run workshop, a lot to take away and review with my committee. Thank you!”
Running your u3a - Information for Trustees
What does it cover? Information to help you understand your role and responsibilities as a Committee Member including the guiding principles of u3a, what makes good governance and where additional support and guidance is available.
Date of next session(s):
“a very comprehensive, useful, and enjoyable workshop... I will feedback to my committee with some action points and hope to attend more workshops.”
Interest Groups Matter
What does it cover? Information to help you understand the roles and responsibilities of Group Coordinators and Group Leaders and to discuss good practice in running successful groups.
Date of next session(s):
- Wednesday 14 February 10.00-12.15 Book Now
"The workshop covered everything that I needed to know, it was comprehensive - the sharing and networking was useful –thank you.”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
What does it cover? An introduction to supporting u3a to enact their legal responsibilities. If you are in Northern Ireland please complete the form below to request a workshop that covers NI legisalation.
Date of next session:
"I have greater awareness of challenges other u3as are adressing both similar & different to our own."
"The framework provided by the EDI committee for assessing & improving our practice is helpful.”
Finance Matters
What does it cover? The objectives of the session are to: consider good financial practice within your u3a; discuss reporting requirements - what and to whom; give an overview of speaker fees and paid tutors, and to consider the necessary steps for claiming Gift Aid.
Date of next session(s):
- Thursday 7 March 10.00-12.30 Book Now
“This was a really helpful workshop and pitched in a way a non-accountant can understand...and I now feel that I know where to start.”
Influencing and Social Change online
Who is it for? This introductory session is for u3a members who would like to have more of an influence in their community and take part in social action.
What does it cover? The interactive training will provide information about the legal aspects and risks of taking action, introduce the diverse ways to create change in our communities, share some u3a examples and provide participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how they might take action.
Date of next session:
- Wednesday 13 March 10.00 - 12.30 Book Now
Managing complaints and disciplinary processes in your u3a
What does it cover?
This workshop will explore and discuss how to deal with issues which may arise in you u3a, including complaints and disciplinary processes.
Date of next session:
- Tuesday 12 March 10.00-12.00 Book Now
u3a Model Constitutions - an overview
What does it cover? A short session on explaining the purpose and practice of constitutions. We will be focusing on the new model constitutions, and breaking down some of the clauses within them.
Date of next session(s):
- Friday 15 March 10.00-11.30 Book Now
“This has increased my understanding of the model constitutions with a well-formatted presentation and opportunities to address questions.”