The NVQ and how it links to the Weblog Project

Hello Trainees

I just wanted to pass on some information that might help you all focus a bit on what you are all doing, both with regards to these weblogs and your training in general. So I am going to try to break down the 4 main units in the NVQ that the use of your weblogs will help you complete, IF you use the blogs appropriately.
In the units below it makes reference to ‘Community’, there are several communities to think about, this weblog community is one (which involves the trainees, SCVS staff, Outside Organisations and Community Work Professionals). Your placements are another community (The project workers, the volunteers and users) and also the communities in which you may volunteer. All of these are relevant, and can be used to help gather evidence for your NVQ.

The main units that could potentially be covered by the weblog pilot are;

Unit A1 – Make relationships within Communities
That first initial step in communicating with a person or group is often difficult and can be the basis of how a relationship is looked at from that point onwards. It is very important to ensure that your first contact with a person or group is done correctly. If you leave a comment that fosters a learning attitude then your reply might be similar. Then there is maintaining that relationship, keeping open the lines of communication and not making a person or group feel isolated. Also you should be looking at making relationships within your placements/communities. Some of relationships that you should be considering are as follows; Community Leaders / Activists, Professionals, people who are interested, community groups based in the area and groups which have a common interest.

Unit C2 – Contribute to collective action within a community
The collective action can be everyone leaving posts and commenting on each other’s posts. It can also be linked to decisions that are reasoned out via the posts and comments, as everyone would have a chance to input, helping to make an informed decision. In your own placements/communities what issues have been raised that you have helped to resolve. Has information, advice or support been offered? Were you involved in that process.

Unit F1 – Identify and reflect on own practice, knowledge and values
You need to talk about things that often people are uncomfortable about, areas that can be developed, your work practice your values and your role. If there is something that happens during a placement, visit to an organisation or during training that is so profound that it forces you to look at yourself and question your values then write about it, this will show evidence of development. You can also write about the good things, something that you are proud of, your achievements. In fact Unit F1 should be the main part of the weblog project – Reflection.

Unit F4 – Identify and take action to meet own learning and development needs
This is strongly linked to the one above. Once you are at a point where you recognise that there is an area that needs development then you need to take action to find a way to meet those needs (learning and support). It is just as valid to write about this. Discuss the whole process, what you need to work on, and how you intend to deal with it, for example, talking to colleagues, peers, other trainees, the training unit staff, attending courses, reading / researching a topic, are some of the ways in which we all learn and develop. Recently I identified an area of my work role, which although I had previously did training in, over the years has been neglected. I have since identified some training that SCVS are holding and have put my name down. I have also had chats with the training department about other possible ways to address development needs and have pursued these as well.

Thanks for reading this all the way to the bottom, have a gold star on me