Capacity Building Training Course for Community Groups – Course Outline
Capacity Building Training Course for Community Groups – Course Outline Register for the sessions hereDublin Rural LEADER is running a free capacity building training programme for voluntary groups in rural Dublin in Autumn 2025. It is being delivered by Community Solutions in conjunction with a range of invited experts on specific course topics. It will be delivered through ‘in-person’ and online training seminars.The programme aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of community leaders, volunteers, and committee members, ultimately strengthening local organisations and communities.The course is a great opportunity for community volunteers to network with others and build confidence across a range of areas connected with running community groups and projects. It consists of eight sessions that take place over eight weeks. The first and last of these sessions are ‘in-person workshops’. All other sessions will take place online via Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8.45pm.Information will be gathered from participants on the registration form about specific items they wish to see included in the course material. We will endeavour to include these items and make the course relevant and informative to all participants.Additional resources on specific course areas will be given to participants. These may be in the form of pdfs, presentation slides or links, where to access more information, etc. and will be very useful in terms of helping participants who want to further develop their understanding and knowledge of particular subject areas.Course places are limited for the 'in-person workshops'. Course places will be allocated on a 'first come first served' basis, please ensure you register for each session. Session 1 - IntroductionSession 1 is an ‘in-person workshop’. You can choose to attend this session in one of four locations across rural Dublin:Venue Dates TimeSaggart Schoolhouse 29th September 7pm to 9pmGlenasmole Community Centre 30th September 7pm to 9pmCastleland Community Centre, Balbriggan 1st October 7pm to 9pmDonabate Portrane Community Centre 2nd October 7pm to 9pmThis session will (1.) introduce the course modules, (2.) gather additional information from participants on specific content they want to focus on during the course, and (3.) serve as a networking opportunity for groups and community members. Session 2 – Governance (Online)Date: 8th October 7pm to 8.45pmThis session will focus on community group governance, establishing and structuring a voluntary group, best practice, importance of defining roles and responsibilities, organisation/company structure (CLG, charity status, etc.). Session 3 – Finance (Online)Date: 15th October 7pm to 8.45pmThis session will focus on financial management and good practice and will be tailored to include items that participants highlight on the registration forms. Session 4 – Communication & Online Presence (Online)Date: 22nd October 7pm to 8.45pmThis session will focus on communication with stakeholders and volunteers. Information will be given on setting up and organising email, setting up and maintaining social media platforms, packages that can be used to assist communications (e.g. Canva), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), etc. Session 5 – Planning for the Future (Online) Date: 5th November 7pm to 8.45pmThis session will focus on planning and managing projects, setting goals and targets, understanding your groups’ needs and purpose. Session 6 – Access to Supports and Funding Opportunities (Online) Date: 12th November 7pm to 8.45pmThis session focuses on access to supports and funding opportunities and will have input from the staff of Rural Dublin Leader Programme. Overview of supports available for voluntary groups, partnerships and collaboration, overview of funding opportunities, matching the projects to right funding partner, and how to apply for grants. Session 7 – Recruiting and Managing Volunteers (Online) Date: 19th November 7pm to 8.45pmThis session focuses on recruiting, supporting and keeping volunteers, resolving issues constructively, succession planning, how to work with stakeholders, etc. Session 8 – Review and Closing SessionSession 8 is an in-person workshop. You can choose to attend this session in one of four locations across rural Dublin:Venue Dates TimeSaggart Schoolhouse (South Dublin) 24th November 7 to 9pmGlenasmole Community Centre (South Dublin) 25th November 7 to 9pmCastleland Community Centre, Balbriggan 26th November 7 to 9pmDonabate Portrane Community Centre 27th November 7 to 9pmThis session is a workshop designed to assist groups to plan their upcoming projects. Opportunities will be provided for networking.Register for the sessions hereCourse tutors
Mick Dunne, Community Solutions, has been supporting community groups for over 25 years. He has extensive experience of working in the local government and voluntary sector. Inclusivity is a core part of Mick’s work. Whether in a small facilitated workshop or in larger programmes of work that require participation from minority groups, Mick is committed to creating ways for all voices to be heard.He has an Masters in Community Development and has worked with a range of organisations including Fingal County Council, Concern Worldwide, Dundalk Institute of Technology and County Monaghan Partnership. For more information, or to get in touch with Mick, visit www.communitysolutions.ie 
Geraldine Johnston, Boyne Communications, brings over 25 years’ experience working across sectors to support community leaders and organisations at every stage; from early start-up to periods of growth and change. She has worked with a wide range of groups to strengthen their leadership, build engagement, and communicate with clarity and confidence.Her training style is inclusive, practical, and people focused. Geraldine is known for creating a welcoming space where participants feel heard, supported, and encouraged to find their voice. She helps leaders bring others along with them, whether they’re speaking at an event, writing a message, or leading a team.Geraldine believes strong communication is the foundation of good leadership and that with the right support, real and positive impact can happen. 
Stuart Garland is the Learning and Capacity Building Manager at Volunteer Ireland and has over 30 years of experience in volunteer management, youth work, and the wider non-profit sector. He previously managed a Volunteer Centre and worked with a leading homeless charity. Stuart has led volunteer teams of over 1,400 people and is passionate about inclusive, accessible volunteerism.He has coordinated volunteer programmes for more than 120 major events, including the Tour de France 2014, Giro d’Italia, Dublin Marathon, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride, and Ballina 2023, which welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden. He supports national organisations in developing volunteer strategies and has led training across Europe, Australia, and the Americas.Stuart played a key role in shaping volunteer standards for the European Solidarity Corps and has contributed to multiple Erasmus+ projects on youth and inclusive volunteering. He is a lead trainer in the Volunteer Impact Assessment toolkit and a faculty member at the Law Society of Ireland.Academically, Stuart holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Volunteer Management and qualifications in HR, event management, and training. He is widely recognised as Ireland’s foremost expert in volunteer engagement. 
Andrea Shupinski is a Chartered Accountant by qualification. A sole practitioner, she has been providing consultancy, accountancy and taxation services to the Charity and Not-for Profit sector for over 30 years.Andrea has extensive financial and senior management experience with charities and not for profits as an advisor, an accountant and as Chief Financial Officer. She has helped organisations to prepare for a more regulated and transparent environment and has practical experience of charity accounting principles and putting them into practice including FRS102 Charities SORP and has advised and helped clients prepare for and implement FRS 102 Charities SORP.Andrea is a member of the Charity and Not-for Profit Committee at Chartered Accountants Ireland and has been a Board member for a number of charities over the years. 
Karen Downey is an arts consultant, curator and project manager with over 25 years’ experience of developing and delivering local, national and international cultural programmes. Large-scale public programmes include, 1926 Census (current, National Archives), Sculpture Dublin (Dublin City Council), and ART: 2016 (An Chomhairle Ealaíon / Arts Council’s programme as part of the 1916 Centenary Commemoration). Karen has extensive experience of programme development and delivery; curation, project management and administration; communications and consultancy; public procurement and grant assessment.