Advanced Certificate in Client-Based Voluntary Practice

Course Code: 2VOL0140
University Level: Two (40 Credits)
Prerequisites: Completion of Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers
Delivery Method: Distance learning, paper and/or online
Start Date: 15 March 2010 (existing students only)
Course Duration: 2 Terms
Course Fees: 40 credits - see the finance page for more information.
Further Study: Core part of the degree in Voluntary Sector Studies

Course Description

The Advanced Certificate in Client Based Voluntary Practice builds on skills acquired through the Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers and covers new ground.

Interpersonal communication is explored from a more theoretical approach, and volunteering, and issues surrounding volunteering, are explored from a wider, sociological level. The Module begins by looking at the voluntary sector and its role in society from an historical perspective. As voluntary organisations endeavour to meet the needs of people who are marginalized in society, the two subsequent Units consider the causes and effects of marginalisation, with a view to improving the student's understanding of the sector's service provision.

The Module then moves on to review models of communication and aids the student seeking to examine the social and environment contexts in which it takes place. Counselling in the voluntary sector is explored in a further Unit. Students reflect on the difference between counselling and the use of counselling skills, explore a range of ethical dilemmas and consider the importance of supervision in a counselling context.

To conclude, the Module returns to the voluntary sector in its broader perspective by examining its role in society today. Why people volunteer, who volunteers, societal attitudes to volunteering, and contemporary changes in the sector, are amongst the issues explored.