Warwick District Council’s Arts Section (WDCAS) is delighted to present a new programme of FREE creative sector support, coordinated and delivered by Creative & Cultural Skills; a National Agency which seeks to promote fair access to careers across the Creative Industries. 

The sessions and content of the programme is informed by feedback from the area’s creative community who attended WDCAS’s Ignite event at the Royal Pump Room in July 2022.

Each session within the programme is designed to cultivate a conversation within participating organisations and introduce ideas and best practice in recruitment and skills development.  All sessions will be delivered at:

Leamington Town Hall
The Parade
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 4AT 

1. A Manager’s Guide to Best Practice in Recruitment  

Wednesday 2 November 2022, 10am – 1.30pm
The session covers the difference between diversity and inclusion and looks at the different work-based entry routes into the sector including work experience, industry placements, internships, apprenticeships, volunteering and voluntary workers, and the basic legalities associated with each. It will also explore how to make job descriptions more inclusive, the difference between positive action and positive discrimination, and a workforce recruitment policy. A written guide will accompany this session.

2. An Introduction to Apprenticeships & A Manager’s Guide to Apprenticeships 

Thursday 3 November 2022, 10am – 2.30pm
These two interlinked sessions offer a focussed exploration of apprenticeships in the Creative Industries.

• An introduction to Apprenticeships focuses on understanding apprenticeships and covers the basics of what an apprenticeship is, who they are for, and how they are delivered. The session explores why apprenticeships are important and provides an understanding of and how you can work with Apprenticeship Standards and frameworks. It also introduces how the Apprenticeship Levy works and how you can work with the Apprenticeship Service.
• A Manager’s Guide to Apprenticeships is an in-depth session focusing on understanding apprenticeships including what they are and are not, the responsibilities of the employer versus the training provider, apprenticeship standards and how to select the most appropriate standard for the job role. The session will also introduce things to consider during recruitment when reaching out to those who may be new to the world of work, inlcuding writing job descriptions, shortlisting, best practice approaches to recruitment and interviewing, and working with young people. An accompanying written guide will be provided. Content is specifically focused on how to support new entrants through apprenticeships.

3. Understanding Volunteering  

Tuesday 15 November 2022, 10am -12pm
Volunteers are a vital part of our sector, but if you want to get the most from your organisation’s volunteers then you need to grasp the obligations, expectations and processes involved. The Creative & Cultural Skills team want to help ensure you have all the basics covered for understanding the conditions that describe genuine volunteering (as opposed to unpaid work) and how this route can be positioned as a step into paid employment. This session includes an exploration of why people volunteer, why employers offer volunteering opportunities, how you can use your volunteering opportunities to aid diversity and inclusion, and volunteering best practice, including induction, supervision and training and reimbursement of legitimate expenses. You will also learn about Volunteer Agreements and what a Voluntary Worker is and the rules that apply to this type of volunteer.

4. Working with the Self Employed/Freelancers

Tuesday 15 November 2022, 1pm-3pm
This session seeks to help employers understand what constitutes sound practices for working with freelancers, including understanding freelancing and why it matters, the risks to your business, and what individuals may be missing out on if you get this wrong. It looks at what defines freelancing, what freelancers are responsible for, what the hiring business is responsible for, and how to distinguish between freelancing and fixed-term employment. There is an accompanying written guide for this session.

5. Developing a Workforce Development Plan

Wednesday 16 November 2022, 10am - 12pm
This session concentrates on helping employers introduce a meaningful workforce recruitment policy and encouraging them to actively consider the different entry routes they use. It also introduces examples routes and approaches organisations can use for recruitment and commitments they will make as company, with diversity and inclusion at the heart. This session draws upon the ideas presented in Manager’s Guide to Best Practice in Recruitment. 

6. An Introduction to Mentoring

Wednesday 16 November 2022, 1pm - 3pm
This session explores the issues that surround mentoring within a creative workplace, whether it be for a new entrant, apprentice, trainees or an existing member of staff starting a new role. The Creative & Cultural Skills team will look at some of the main concerns and explore a range of possible actions which can facilitate effective mentoring.

How to Book your FREE ticket

To book a place or to find out more, email anthony.skates@ccskills.org.uk  to book a place, stating the name of the session(s) you would like to attend.  Places are limited to approximately 16 participants per session and are available on a first come first served basis.

Creative & Cultural Skills & Fair Access Programme

Creative & Cultural Skills (CCS) current Fair Access programme is funded by Arts Council England. CCS is now seeking to deliver it on local areas in a way that is responsive to the needs of Local Cultural and Creative Employers. CSS are really pleased that in November 2022 we will be working with Warwick District Council to deliver the programme in this area.