Resilience on the ground – Policy Hack!

Where: Online (Microsoft Teams) 

When: Monday 15th March 2021, 10:00 am - 16.15 pm (with a social 4.15-5pm)

We know that writing, reviewing and updating policies and procedures can sometimes be overwhelming. But... it's got to be done and we’re here to help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to troubleshoot, we’re dedicating a full day to solving all your policy problems. Speakers with on-the-ground experience will be running sessions on developing clear and coherent policies with lots of space for you to discuss and work on your own. We’ll also provide example policies for you to take away and use. Alongside the training, there'll be opportunities to drop-in for one-to-one support at one of our online 'help-desks'. 

Please feel free to hop on to a specific session or attend the entire day if you wish. They’ll be plenty of screen breaks and time to chat too! 

Policy Hack - Training Agenda 

10:00 – 10:45  Welcome! Tell us what policies you are working on.  

‘Policies for Purposes’ Fi McAllister (Capital Growth) & Amber Alferoff (SF&G) 

A session led by Capital Growth’s Fi McAllister and Social Farms & Gardens' Amber Alferoff looking at the who, what, why, and how behind policy writing. We’ll be thinking about the people involved, the message, accountability and policy writing and wording with examples on Diversity & Inclusion.  

10:45 – 11:30 ‘Putting together a one page fundraising strategy and policy’ Rachel Schwartz 

Rachel is a professional fundraiser, knows the sector well and is pivotal to the success of London Harvest Festival. Rachel is also a previous director of Kentish Town City Farm. She will show how to make clear decisions about who to fundraise from, and how to bring staff and volunteers along the journey. 15 minute presentation, 30 minute Q&A. 

11:30 – 11:45 BREAK & SOCIALISING 

11:45 – 12:30 ‘Governance’ Heidi Seary (SF&G) 

Heidi is Social Farms & Gardens operations manager and a governor of a multi-site school. Good governance is key to steering the ship. but it's staff that need to lead on day-to-day operations.  In this session, we’ll be looking into different legal structures and how to keep sailing smoothly. 15 minute presentation, 30 minute Q&A. 

12:30 – 1:15 LUNCH  Join everyone for lunch, with a few optional activities including a houseplant competition.  

1:15 – 2:00  ‘Take Care: How to protect yourself and others with the power of...policies!’ Lucy Clark (Mindfood)  

 Lucy is Operations Director and Wellbeing & Food Grower at Mindfood - an Ealing-based charity that supports people with depression, anxiety and stress to improve their wellbeing through gardening, mindfulness and horticulture. This session give examples of how volunteer agreements, codes of conduct and policies are central to staff, volunteers and visitors feeling comfortable. 15 minute presentation, 30 minute Q&A. 

2:00 – 3:00 ‘Child protection and why we created our Gangs Policy.’ Debbie Mitchener (Cordwainers Grow) 

Debbie is co-director of Cordwainers Grow - a Hackney-based community interest company that connects communities with the natural world. Debbie will be sharing insight on creating a Gangs Policy in the context of child protection and ‘county lines’ drug-dealing and we’ll also spend some time looking at Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults policies.  15 minute presentation, 45 minute Q&A. 

3:00 - 3:15 BREAK 

3:00 - 3:45 ‘Health & Safety and Insurance’ Fabia Tate (McClarrons Ltd)  

Fabia, Account Handler of McClarrons Ltd will be going through the basics of insurance including Employees, Public, Products and Personal Accident along with the add-ons: Contents, Trustee indemnity, Hirers Liability and Business Interruption. She’ll be talking about relationships with insurers and look at insurance and risk assessments related to Covid. They’ll be lots of time for questions and Fabia is offering a free review of your insurance policies.  

3.45-4.15 Update on your work today.  What policies have you polished and what policies have left you in a pickle? 

4.15-5pm After Work Social. Relax with a cup of tea online with us – or not! 

Drop-in Online ‘Help-desks’  

Online resource with list of policies and many examples 

10:45 – 12:00 Capital Growth and SF&G will be available for general help and advice. 

Capital Growth is a London-based food growing network. CG help Londoners who want to grow their own food in a variety of ways including offering a map and database tool for growers to access and use, deliver food growing training to over 1000 people every year (and champion ecological food growing methods through the programme), run volunteering and networking events every year and offer signposting for funding and jobs. CG create spaces for grassroots activity like the annual Good to Grow weekend of action (which is coming up and is national). Capital Growth generally support growers and growing projects to feel connected and be part of something bigger by joining the network. You can sign up here and/or check volunteering opportunities at a growing space near you: https://www.capitalgrowth.org/join_us/

2:30 – 4:30 Alison Sheffield, the SF&G Business Development Coordinator will be on hand to offer ‘help desk’ advice for people approaching new partnerships. What policies and procedures do you need in place to make the most of your partnerships? When working with an organisation from a different sector, what information do you need to share? How do you make sure your priorities and needs are met? For example, if you were taking a booking from a team of corporate volunteers, what would you put in place to make sure it goes ahead and you get paid.  

2:00 - 3:00 Angie Stratten, SF&G finance director will be on hand to answer your questions about financial policies and how to budget to avoid risk.  

Thanks to our funding from City Bridge Trust the event fee is £5 per person per session. If the cost might prevent you coming please email: [email protected].

Book your place now using one of the buttons top left or at the bottom of the page.

This series of training will take place using Microsoft Teams, which is free to download.

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Please read our cancellation policy.