Islay Volunteer Development Project

Training is open to all volunteers registered through the volunteer project and can range from half day, full day or 3 month courses. Some volunteers have gained certifications through training supplied by Argyll College, particularly the 3 month training courses.

Many courses are run annually depending on volunteer number (some training can be opened up to the whole community).

Basic training opportunities available through the Islay volunteer project include:

First Aid@work

First Aid@work are annual training courses and are available as 3 day courses, 2 day refreshers course and 1 day courses. First Aid@work covers areas such as the role of the first aider, contents of first aid kits, recording incidents and accidents, assessing an emergency situation and administering first aid. The training can be geared to any age range depending on the work/volunteer role. For example, there are first aid courses, which are geared towards the first aid needs of children under five if you work in nurseries or pre-five schools whereas other courses are geared to the first aid needs of people aged 16 and over.

First Aid for Appointed Persons

A half-day course and is for people who work in lower risk environments. The course covers an introduction to health and safety, role of first aider, recovery position, CPR and incident management.
Age depends upon work/volunteer role.

Child Protection

We currently have Safeguarding Children Level 1 and 2 available. A 1 day course, Level 1 covers; recognition of child abuse, action to take and how to make a referral.
Level 2: working on becoming a designated Person or Child Protection Officer and teaches child vulnerability, child protection and significant harm, how to handle disclosures, record and report abuse.

PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups)

A new membership scheme for those working with vulnerable groups. Training includes a modular training package and a self-assessment tool kit for employers to determine whether a post comes under the PVG scheme. The volunteer project is very keen to have more training available on this in the future. Joining the PVG scheme costs £59, although some volunteers participating within regulated work in qualifying voluntary organisations in Scotland may be helped with costs.

Manual Handling

Available as half day or day courses. Provides volunteers with knowledge and skills to ensure correct manual handling procedures are carried out according to legislation. The course covers; definition of manual handling terms, legislation, employer and employee responsibilities, risk assessment and good handling techniques.

NaRS Poolside Helper

14 yrs +
Designed to train poolside helpers and swimming teachers in pool rescue skills, CPR techniques, first
aid and to be competent to deal with poolside emergencies. Benefits any volunteer interested in helping within swimming lessons or Dolphins.

STA Swimming Teachers - Beginners

16 +
Must already hold a valid life saving qualification. Course involves a practical element where individuals are required to deliver a 10 minute lesson on various swimming techniques and also complete a multiple choice examination to be able to teach beginner lessons.

STA Swimming Teachers - Full

18 +
Must already hold valid life saving qualification & STA beginners certificate. Similar process as beginners although teaching all levels and a written assessment at the end. After successful certification, all full teachers will be able to teach a wide range of swimmer unsupervised.

The Islay Volunteer Development Project is a community project based in the Mactaggart Leisure Centre. It is jointly funded by the Voluntary Action Fund and the Argyll & the Islands LEADER Programme and aims to work with various local organisations to identify, recruit, train and support volunteers in our community.