Results of the KnowHow training survey

Training topics

We asked you which training topics you were interested in. These came out top of our list of suggestions:

1. Top tips for measuring impact (43)
2. The ‘one-page’ strategic plan (28)
3. How to set up a non profit / social enterprise (26)
4. Developing digital comms (22)
5. Fundraising in age of austerity (22)
6. 10 ways to build strong, cohesive teams (19)
7. Bidding for local gov contracts (16)
8. The essentials of good leadership (15)
9. Accounts and budgets for those that hate numbers (14)
10. How to develop career in voluntary sector (13)

Other popular requests were:

1. Working with volunteers (6)
2. Social media (5)
3. Project management (3)
4. Networking (3)

Finding training

We aksed 'How easy to get training on the topics you need?

Very few find it easy, Most find it neither easy nor difficult. 39.8% of respondents find it difficult to get the training they need.

Barriers to training

1. Cost – 73%
2. Time – 50.8%
3. Location – 44.4%
4. Nothing available – 15.9%

How you want to learn

We asked about what your ideal training looks like:

Would you want to take tests as part of your training?

• Yes - 56.1%
• Don’t mind – 32.9%
• No – 11%
  

Discuss with peers or experts?

• Experts – 72%
• Peers – 28%
  

Key ingredients to effective training in order of importance:

1. Brevity – 64.6%
2. Downloadable materials – 62.2%
3. Practical – 57.3%
4. Reputable trainers – 26.8%
5. Being able to interact with trainers – 25.6%
6. Charismatic trainer – 15.9%
7. Using multimedia – 14.6%
8. Using humour – 14.6%
9. Certification – 12.2%
10. Incorporating learner feedback – 11%

Paying for online training

Would you pay on a subscription basis, and how much?

• Maybe – 57.3%
• Prefer to purchase individually – 24.4%
• No – 13.4%
• Yes – 4.9%
  

Conclusions

Those answering the survey said that they wanted concise, practical training that comprises or is accompanied by downloadable materials such as toolkits, templates and guidance notes. People clearly want answers, not entertainment – hence the emphasis on reputable trainers over charisma and the high-ish need to be able to interact with the trainer. People know there’s training out there but they need it delivered to them in a low-cost, time-efficient format. 

KnowHow training

We're currently producing short training videos on the topics listed above. If you are a trainer and want to get involved please contact us at knowhow@city.ac.uk or take a look at our request for sector experts.