CUCF STAFF PREPARE FOR DELIVERY WITH CPD

Colchester United Community Foundation staff enjoyed two days of Workforce Development Connection Programme on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September, preparing themselves and applying the finishing touches ahead of the start of delivery for the 2026–27 school year.

The two-day event provided staff with an opportunity to come together, reflect on the work carried out across the previous year and develop new skills and ideas ahead of another busy year of delivery across the community.

To start Thursday, staff heard from peers and worked amongst each other in a series of engaging workshops. These covered all areas of CUCF’s work, ensuring staff members were up to date and ready to hit the ground running as they headed into the new academic year.

The sessions also provided an opportunity for staff from different departments to share their experiences, learn from one another and discuss how they can continue to provide positive experiences for the young people and communities CUCF works with.

On Thursday afternoon, CUCF were lucky to welcome Dr Darren Moss to Shrub End. Darren delivered a workshop based around the theme of ownership, challenging staff to think about how they can take responsibility, make positive decisions and apply ownership within their roles.

The workshop saw CUCF staff take part in a fun football-based game outside, putting the ideas discussed into practice in a fun and engaging environment. The day was then rounded off with some indoor reflection, allowing staff to consider what they had learned before watching and analysing a Boys Development Centre session.

Friday saw further departments deliver workshops and presentations, giving staff another opportunity to learn more about the different areas of CUCF and how they all contribute towards the Foundation’s wider work.

The final external speaker of the two-day DCP was Dan Taylor from Beyond The Physical, who spoke to staff about adaptive coaching techniques.

Dan's session focused on how coaches can adapt their approach to meet the needs of different individuals, helping staff consider how small changes to communication, activities and coaching styles can make a significant difference to the people they work with.

To round off the day, Dan had staff participate in a number of games outside, putting the adaptive coaching techniques they had discussed into practice.

The two days provided CUCF staff with a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect and work together ahead of the new academic year. With a range of sessions, workshops and practical activities completed, staff are now ready to take what they have learned into their delivery across the 2026–27 school year.