Learning and development calendar 2026/27

Guidance - 1 April 2026

Check out the learning and development planner to see what events we are planning over the next year.
Three women sitting around a table looking at paperwork

About this resource 

We have created a learning and development calendar for the year ahead so you can see what training opportunities from us you will have throughout the year.  

We have designed this plan based on your feedback and the Healthwatch core skills framework. 

Events are now available to book through our training and events section. Please always remember to let us know if you can no longer a session that you book in advance, so we can offer the place to someone else.  

Downloads

If you have any problems accessing this document please email us.   

EventEnquiries@healthwatch.co.uk

Learning and development calendar
Download (LSX 53 KB)

Healthwatch core skills framework 2026/27

Guidance - 1 April 2026

This framework will help you see the skills you use in your role, identify any gaps and find the support you need to develop or fine tune them.
Woman showing some paperwork to a group of people sat around desks

You told us that you would find it helpful if we grouped our learning and development offer into pathways linked to key Healthwatch roles and responsibilities.

There are some core activities that all local Healthwatch must do.  These will be carried out by different people in each local Healthwatch, so we have focused on activities rather than job titles.  We have a range of training, peer networks, guidance, and e-learning courses to help you develop your skills and build your confidence in these areas.  The activities are: 

  • Welcome to Healthwatch 
  • Providing information and advice to the public 
  • Gathering views from the public 
  • Making views known and using them to improve services 
  • Reaching people and communicating the difference we make  
  • Managing volunteers 
  • Running a Healthwatch  

How to use the framework 

There is a page for each core activity with the keys skills you need to carry them out and the learning opportunities that will help you. New members of staff or volunteers may want to complete the whole pathway, more experienced people may just want to plug gaps in their learning.  

Everyone learns differently so we have colour coded the different learning opportunities so you can choose which suits you best. Where there are several learning opportunities next to a skill, you can choose which suits you best and do as many as you wish.  The links will take you straight to the session to book, the e-learning course or the resource to download.   

From left to right you will see webinars, e-learning courses, peer network meetings, guidance documents then bespoke support.  This is not in any priority order, just for ease of reading.  

Downloads

Core skills framework
Download (LSX 53 KB)

This session will help you to write impactful research and engagement reports and make effective recommendations. 

Type of event

Webinar to a small audience with Q&A

Who is this event for?

This event is for Healthwatch staff who write reports based on findings from their research and engagement projects.

What you will learn?

By taking part in this session, you will:

No booking available

This session will take you through our visual brand, the key ingredients of using visual design to engage your audiences and how to apply this in your work.  

Type of event

Interactive learning session with time to ask questions.  

Who is this event for?

This event is for anyone involved in communications who wants to boost their design skills. 

What you will learn?

By joining this session you will: 

No booking available

This meeting will give you the opportunity to hear from two or three Healthwatch about research and engagement projects they have carried out. 

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss approaches.

Type of event

Network meeting – presentations with discussion and Q&A in a friendly and informal setting.  

No booking available

This session will help you to write impactful research and engagement reports and make effective recommendations. 

Type of event

Webinar to a small audience with Q&A

Who is this event for?

This event is for Healthwatch staff who write reports based on findings from their research and engagement projects.

What you will learn?

By taking part in this session, you will:

No booking available

This session will take you through the basics of good media relations, including how to develop and sell your story and to come across well in an interview. 

Type of event

Interactive learning session to large audience with time to ask questions.  

Who is this event for?

This session is for anyone involved in communications or media relations for their local Healthwatch. 

No booking available

This session will outline the important roles of local Councillors and MPs in the health and care system and show you in practical terms how you can work effectively them to influence decisions and promote your work.   

No booking available
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