Are you involved in a charity, community group or voluntary organisation? Whether you’re a trustee, volunteer, or staff member, the Elements Training Portal offers a wide range of free online courses designed to support people working across the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
Created by North Tyneside VODA, Connected Voice, and Northumberland CVA, these high-quality courses are flexible, accessible and tailored to meet the needs of the sector.
Learn at Your Own Pace, Anywhere, Anytime
All Elements courses are delivered online and can be completed in under an hour. Once finished, you’ll receive a certificate to recognise your learning. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your knowledge, Elements makes training simple, practical and free.
What Topics Are Covered?
With a wide range of training available, Elements helps individuals and organisations strengthen their knowledge and confidence across key areas of governance, volunteering, safeguarding, fundraising and more.
Available Courses:
1. An Introduction to the Roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer
Understand the responsibilities of key leadership roles including Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Patron and President.
2. An Introduction to Inclusive Volunteering Practice
Learn how to create inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities. Ideal for volunteer managers and coordinators.
3. An Introduction to Volunteers and the Law
Explore the legal rights and responsibilities involved in managing volunteers safely and ethically.
4. An Introduction to Setting up a Charity
Step-by-step guidance on how to set up a charity in the UK, led by North Tyneside VODA’s Governance Advisor.
5. An Introduction to Cyber Security
Discover the risks the VCSE sector faces from cyber threats and learn practical ways to stay secure online.
6. An Introduction to Understanding Climate Change
Understand the impact of climate change and how your organisation can take action.
7. An Introduction to Children and Young People’s Safeguarding
Learn how to recognise and respond to child abuse concerns with confidence.
8. An Introduction to Volunteering
Perfect for new volunteers—this course explains what volunteering involves and how to get started.
9. Getting to Grips with Your Charity Governing Document
Learn how to read, understand and use your governing document to strengthen decision-making.
10. Essentials of Charity Finance
Build your understanding of charity finances, budgeting and financial reporting.
11. Good Fundraising: Success with Grant Applications
Develop the skills to write stronger grant applications and improve your chances of securing funding.
12. Good Governance
A must for trustees—this course explores your legal duties, best practices and board diversity.
13. Adult Safeguarding Essentials
Understand how to safeguard vulnerable adults, including real-world case studies from the VCSE sector.
Who Should Use the Elements Portal?
- Charity and VCSE staff
- Trustees and board members
- Volunteer managers
- New and experienced volunteers
- Anyone looking to set up or strengthen a community organisation
Each learner creates a login and can complete courses at their own pace.
Start Learning Today
Whether you’re new to the sector or looking to build on existing knowledge, Elements is a valuable, free learning resource for anyone involved in the VCSE sector.
Explore all courses and sign up for free: Homepage | Elements Training Portal
