Upcoming changes to Facebook Workplace in 2025

Network News - 9 May 2025

As we've previously shared with you, Facebook parent company Meta is retiring Facebook Workplace. We've now selected a replacement platform that closely mirrors Workplace’s functionality, offers a smooth transition with minimal disruption, and aligns with Meta’s timetable.
person speaking to Healthwatch representative at event

You should find the new platform familiar and easy to use and we’re aiming to go live with it on 17 July.

To begin with, we’ll simplify the number of groups to keep things clear and manageable. We’ll listen to feedback from the Healthwatch network and can adjust these groups as needed. Importantly, all content from the past two years on Workplace will be carried over, so you’ll still be able to refer to previous discussions.

We’re also working to make it easier for you to access Healthwatch England policy updates and to ask questions or message others quickly and easily.

There’s no action needed from you just yet and no need to request a WorkVivo login.

We’ll be in touch soon with details on how to access the new platform. Before launch, we’ll offer several opportunities to preview the platform and share your thoughts. Once live, a dedicated user area will be available where you can ask queries and give feedback directly.

In the meantime, please continue to submit requests for new Workplace accounts via this short form: Tell us if you would like access to Workplace? | Healthwatch Network

Healthwatch core skills framework 2025/26

Guidance - 30 April 2025

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 56 KB)

Learning and development calendar 2025/26

Guidance - 30 April 2025

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 5.44 MB)

Many of you requested support with income generation in the 2024 learning needs survey.

This session is an opportunity to learn about exploring fundraising opportunities outside of core organisational contracts and to delve deeper into income generation. It is for people with more income generation experience than the ‘Bidding Basics’ session.

No booking available

Many of you requested support with income generation in the 2024 learning needs survey.

This session is an introduction to bid writing. It will help you develop your personal skills through the stages of a bidding process and understand how to get an organisation bid ready. You’ll gain skills and confidence to plan a successful bid, and you will take away hints and tips for writing a winning bid.

No booking available

This session will be led by Healthwatch Bucks for staff and volunteers who answer phone calls from the public. You will find out how to structure your conversation to best help the caller and to support your wellbeing.

This is an entry level course, which can be followed by sessions on how to manage difficult calls and understanding safeguarding and risk. 

No booking available

Progress has been made to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals (who make up approximately 1.8 million people) in the UK. Yet we know that growing up LGBTQ+ in an intolerant society, experiencing prejudice and rejection, can exacerbate health inequalities and have a negative impact on health outcomes compared to the general population.

This session will help you understand health inequalities impacting the LGBTQ+ community and help you with inclusive language and understanding to support your engagement activities with LGBTQ+ communities.

No booking available

Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them. Around 15-20% of all the people living in the world are thought to have a neuro-difference and no two people will be affected by their condition in the same way.

Education, healthcare, and workplace settings can present significant challenges for neurodivergent people, primarily due to a lack of understanding of their needs. But what does good practice look like and what do we need to consider when engaging and supporting neurodiverse people?

No booking available

Inclusive language is a way of communicating that aims to avoid expressions or words that might exclude or marginalise certain groups of people. It focuses on using terms that are respectful and considerate of all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, disability, age, or other characteristics. It is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and respect among diverse groups of people. 

This session will help you think about inclusive language in the context of your own work. 

No booking available

Members of the public contact Healthwatch for advice and information about health and social care services. You might receive calls from people in distress, who could be at risk to themselves or others, or where there might be a safeguarding concern. We have a duty of care to keep the person safe, while getting them the help they need.

Note: this course will discuss suicide.

This session led by Healthwatch Bucks will help you to manage these types of calls

Type of event

Interactive learning session to small audience

No booking available
Subscribe to Running an effective Healthwatch