928 Design courses in Edinburgh

This half day course is designed to help staff working in statutory agencies, and local representatives, understand the role of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), how the management of European funding for Social Inclusion is changing and requiring more partnership working, and the opportunities and issues that arise in working in partnership with the VCS.

Can be run as a one day or two day course. Whereas the one day course concentrates on Speaking Skills in delivering a talk and allows time for participants to prepare and deliver a very short talk, the two day course offers the opportunity for participants to deliver a longer (15 minute) talk and includes consideration of other situations where speaking skills are important such as talking in meetings, talking at interviews etc.

This one day course provides an excellent introduction to managing and supervising volunteers covering the skills, paperwork and processes needed to recruit, induct and support them. The course can be expanded to run as a series of half day sessions and can also be adapted to the specific needs of organisations who would like the session to be run in-house.

This half day or whole day course is designed for those who are new to either working in or with the voluntary and community sector, including staff, councillors and committee members working in statutory agencies. It will help you understand how the sector works, the various legal forms of organisations, issues of governance and sustainability so that you are able to work more effectively in partnership with the sector and understand its funding needs. The half day course covers the basic information; the longer course can include further subjects such as the use of volunteers and typical issues that face trustee boards and management committees.

This half day or whole day course is designed around a project planning workbook that will provide participants with questions and practical advice to ensure that a project is well thought-out and practical, with clear aims and objectives. It will also help to ensure that if you are applying for project funding that you have answers to all the likely questions you will be asked. The half day course will cover the basics and ensure that the most important areas of project planning are addressed. The course could be extended to a whole day, covering all the areas and offering time for participants to complete the majority of the work book. The course would be suitable for anyone who is planning a project or who needs to re-focus a project that is not working effectively.

This one-day workshop will give you a better understanding of the components and operations of an Access database. It is designed to build on a user's existing skills and includes useful action queries to allow greater manipulation of a database. This workshop will help participants: Ensure the integrity of their databases Manage field properties Use the query functions effectively Save time with the query expression builder Create different types of query more quickly Design better forms Link expressions in forms Create better and more useful reports Import and export tables more easily 1 Table relationship integrity Identifying relationships Identifying criteria for data integrity Applying referential integrity Managing relationship join types 2 Table field properties Field properties overview Using input mask field Using default value fields Using field validation rules 3 Query functions Running aggregate function calculations Running sum, average, count, max and min functions Grouping calculated data 4 Query calculations Using query operators and expressions Adding calculated fields to a query Using the query expression builder 5 Action queries Creating make table queries Creating append queries Creating update queries Creating delete queries 6 Designing forms Adding form controls Aligning and arranging form controls Adding pictures and labels to forms Adding new fields to a form Controlling tab order Adding command buttons Adding a combo box control Formatting data using conditional formatting 7 Form expressions (calculations) Using the form expression builder Working with a property sheet within a form Linking expressions within a form 8 Working with reports Creating reports with the report wizard Inserting report fields Formatting fields Inserting report headers and footers Working with a property sheet within a report 9 Grouped reports Creating groups with the report wizard Sorting grouped data Grouping alphabetically Grouping on date intervals Creating sub reports Adding calculations to groups 10 Importing and exporting tables Importing tables into Access Exporting tables from Access Importing and linking data in Access

The aim of this programme is to help attendees create better quality technical documents in an organised and efficient manner. It will give those new to the topic an appreciation of how to approach the task professionally whilst those with more experience will be able to refresh and refine their skills. The programme comprises three complementary one-day modules: The programme presents a structured methodology for creating technical documents and provides a range of practical techniques that help delegates put principles into practice. Although not essential, it is strongly advised that delegates for modules 2 and 3 have already attended module 1, or another equivalent course. Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. This course will: Explain the qualities and benefits of well written technical documents Present a structured approach for producing technical documents Review the essential skills of effective technical writing Demonstrate practical methods to help create better documents Provide tools and techniques for specification and report writing Review how technical documents should be issued and controlled Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. Module 1: Essential skills for technical writers 1 Introduction to the programme Aims and objectives of the module Introductions and interests of participants 2 Creating effective technical documents What is technical writing? how does it differ from other writing? Key qualities of an effective technical document Communication essentials and the challenges faced by technical writers The lessons of experience: how the best writers write The five key steps : prepare - organise - write - edit - release (POWER) 3 Preparing to write Defining the document aims and objectives; choosing the title Understanding technical readers and their needs Getting organised; planning and managing the process Integrating technical and commercial elements The role of intellectual property rights (IPR), eg, copyright 4 Organising the content The vital role of structure in technical documents Deciding what to include and how to organise the information Categorising information: introductory, key and supporting Tools and techniques for scoping and structuring the document Creating and using document templates - pro's and con's 5 Writing the document Avoiding 'blinding them with science': the qualities of clear writing Problem words and words that confuse; building and using a glossary Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance Avoiding common causes of ambiguity; being concise and ensuring clarity Using diagrams and other graphics; avoiding potential pitfalls 6 Editing and releasing the document Why editing is difficult; developing a personal editing strategy Some useful editing tools and techniques Key requirements for document issue and control Module 2: Creating better specifications 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the day Introductions and interests of participants The 'POWER' writing process for specifications 2 Creating better specifications The role and characteristics of an effective specification Specifications and contracts; the legal role of specifications Deciding how to specify; understanding functional and design requirements Developing the specification design; applying the principles of BS 7373 Getting organised: the key stages in compiling an effective specification 3 Preparing to write a specification Defining the scope of the specification; deciding what to include and what not Scoping techniques: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming The why/what/how pyramid; establishing and understanding requirements Clarifying priorities; separating needs and desires: the MoSCoW method Useful quantitative techniques: cost benefit analysis, QFD, Pareto analysis Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify 4 Organising the content The role of structure in specifications Typical contents and layout for a specification What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections Detailed contents of each sub-section Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 Writing the specification Identifying and understanding the specification reader Key words: will, shall, must; building and using a glossary Writing performance targets that are clear and unambiguous Choosing and using graphics Exercise: writing a specification 6 Editing and releasing the document Key editing issues for specifications Issue and control of specifications Module 3: Writing better reports 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the day Introductions and interests of participants The 'POWER' technical writing process for technical reports 2 Creating better reports What is a technical report? types and formats of report The role and characteristics of an effective technical report Understanding technical report readers and their needs The commercial role and impact of technical reports Getting organised: the key stages in compiling a technical report 3 Preparing to write reports Agreeing the terms of reference; defining aims and objectives Being clear about constraints; defining what is not to be included Legal aspects and intellectual property rights (IPR) for reports Preparing the ground; gathering information and reference documents Keeping track of information: note making, cataloguing and cross referencing Tools and techniques for developing a valid and convincing argument 4 Organising the content The role of structure reviewed; some typical report structures Who needs what: identifying the varied needs of the readership What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections Detailed contents of each sub-section Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 Writing the report Planning the storyline: the report as a journey in understanding Recognising assumptions about the reader; what they do and don't know Converting complex concepts into understandable statements Presenting technical data and its analysis; the role of graphics Presenting the case simply whilst maintaining technical integrity Exercise: writing a technical report 6 Editing and releasing the report Key editing issues for technical reports Issue and control of technical reports

If your organisation manages contractors then your staff need to understand the health and safety issues. This course is the answer. The expert trainer will set out clearly the legal responsibilities of all relevant parties and explore the practical application of these responsibilities with the course participants. The course will then examine the issues associated with the planning of work to be contracted out and the evaluation, selection, control and monitoring of contractors engaged to undertake the work. Although the main focus is on health and safety, the course will also explain how health and safety issues need to be integrated into your organisation's functional management processes to ensure effective control of contractors. The course will consider all types of contracted activities, including construction and maintenance, cleaning, security, plant installation, etc. This programme will give participants: A clear understanding of the organisation's legal responsibilities for managing contractors The information they need to assess the competence of contractors A practical understanding of risk assessment principles and the transfer of risk to contractors A step-by-step guide to the key aspects of managing contractors in practice, covering:Planning of the workSelecting contractorsHandover prior to work commencementDuring the workReviewing the work on completion Practical guidance on the integration of health and safety controls into organisational procedures for contractor management 1 Introduction Who are contractors? Why manage contractors? Different types of contractors Costs of poor contractor performance 2 Overview of health and safety law and liability Health and safety law and statutory duties Relevance of civil and criminal law Enforcement and prosecution 3 Relevant legislation for controlling contractors Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (as amended, 2007) Other relevant legislation Contract law 4 Managing contractors in practice Exercise - how well is it happening? The objectives Five step approachPlanning of the workSelecting contractorsHandover prior to work commencementDuring the workReviewing the work on completion 5 Planning the work Scope and extent Risk assessment Interface and other activities Who controls what? Contract arrangements 6 Selecting the right contractor(s) Locating contractor organisations Selection the right contractors Assessing contractor competence Approved lists/frameworks Tender process 7 Pre-work commencement Co-ordination and co-operation Exchange of information Contractor risk assessments and method statements Permits to work Case study exercise 8 During contract work Communication and liaison Supervision and inspection of the work Inspection and reporting procedures Security issues Facilities and access 9 Reviewing work on completion Why, what and how? Achieving continuous improvement in contractor performance 10 Questions, discussion and review

Our *NEW* Mini First Aid Baby Proofing class is our second class, designed for parents and carers of babies and children over 3 months. It can be taken after our 2 hour Baby and Child First Aid class, or in isolation for those parents who are starting their weaning journey, or have a baby on the move!

Are you confident your organisation could cope if a bad news story went viral and you were besieged by the media? Would you be able to fend off a determined and aggressive journalist, take control and deliver your key messages? Our crisis communications courses show you how to cope when your organisation is under fire, and protect your good name. We can: Train your spokespeople to handle challenging interviews, pitting their wits against a hostile reporter Train your PR team to manage communications during an unfolding crisis Deliver a fast-paced crisis simulation where your team have to decide how to handle the press during an unfolding emergency Facilitate a crisis strategy workshop, where we work together to develop your crisis communications strategy All of our crisis communications courses are bespoke, so we will design each one to meet your specific needs. Areas we can cover include: How a crisis can escalate in seconds How journalists respond to bad news stories How to develop effective key messages & write holding statements How to manage your social media How to take control of an interview and get your message across How to handle press conferences and doorsteps Venue We deliver courses in the most appropriate format for your circumstances – whether face to face or online. Face to face courses are portable: they can be held in purpose-built studios, at your own offices or at an external venue. In the latter two cases, we create a mock studio for the practical exercises. Online courses give you flexibility and enable you to offer training to delegates from all over the world. We have run virtual courses for people from the Far East, South Asia, North America and Europe, as well as the UK.