In a new blog, Alison Brown, our Head of Business Services reflects on the vital role that ongoing learning plays in our wellbeing and in the strength of our community spaces.

 

Supporting village halls is one of the most rewarding parts of my role at Cambridgeshire ACRE. I’ve met so many trustees and volunteers across our rural communities and I’m constantly struck by their dedication – and by the sheer number of responsibilities they juggle. Governance, finance, compliance, fundraising, bookings, community engagement – it’s a lot for anyone and most trustees step into these roles with little prior experience.

That’s exactly why I feel so strongly about the importance of learning. When trustees have access to high‑quality support, training and shared knowledge, it doesn’t just strengthen their committees, it strengthens their own wellbeing too. Feeling confident, equipped and supported makes a huge difference to how enjoyable and sustainable their volunteering becomes.

As we approach Village Halls Week, I’ve been reflecting on the vital role that ongoing learning plays in our wellbeing and in the strength of our community spaces. Learning isn’t an optional extra – it’s fundamental to keeping our halls safe, resilient and well‑run. It also gives trustees the confidence and empowerment they need to thrive in their roles.

 

A training programme designed in collaboration with trustees

Our training and support programme is built directly from what trustees tell us matters most – practical content that they can take away and implement easily at their buildings. Each year, we shape our offer using:

• feedback from our community buildings survey
• themes emerging from our day‑to‑day casework
• issues raised in our networking sessions
• direct requests from trustees

This means our programme is genuinely relevant, practical and grounded in real experiences.

For 2026–27, we’ve developed a varied programme delivered both online and in person, including a mix of daytime and evening sessions for trustees to receive guidance at a time convenient for them. We’ve created content that includes both the essentials and more specialist support that committees often struggle to access. Topics include:

• Finance for community buildings
• Governance essentials
• Fire safety compliance (in partnership with Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service)
• Volunteer recruitment and retention
• Sustainability sessions (energy saving, low‑carbon heating and more)
• Risk assessment training: buildings, events, safeguarding and insurance
• Marketing and community engagement
• Business planning

 

Immediate, practical help when it’s needed

Our Members also benefit from our Community Buildings Advice Service. Whether it’s a quick question by phone, an email query about a tricky governance issue, or more tailored one‑to‑one support, we’re here to help.

This instant access to advice makes a real difference. It gives committees confidence to make decisions, deal with challenges and keep things moving.

 

Learning from each other: Peer Mentoring and District Forums

Formal training is only one part of the picture. So much valuable learning happens when trustees talk to each other.

That’s why we created our Peer Mentoring Scheme, bringing experienced trustees together with those who are newer to the role. Eight volunteers have already stepped forward, and they are now actively supporting committees across the county.

We’re also piloting District Forums, local spaces where trustees can meet, compare approaches, share challenges and learn together. Our hope is that these peer‑to‑peer networks reduce that feeling of “doing this alone”, something many trustees tell me they experience.

 

Learning together at the Annual Community Buildings Conference

Village Halls Week also marks the return of one of my favourite events of the year – our Annual Community Buildings Conference, taking place at Burgess Hall on 17 March 2026.

We design the conference around what trustees have told us they need most. Workshops, speakers and case studies all reflect the themes that come up through our surveys and casework.

This year’s event includes sessions on governance, sustainability, volunteer management, marketing and compliance, alongside:

• expert speakers
• a marketplace of support organisations
• examples from innovative halls
• lots of opportunities to connect, talk and learn

Every year, trustees tell me the conference leaves them feeling reassured, inspired and energised – and that’s exactly what we want it to achieve.

 

Why sharing knowledge matters

When trustees have access to the right learning opportunities, they feel:

• more confident in their role
• better able to make informed decisions
• equipped to tackle challenges
• connected to others facing similar issues
• proud of their contribution to their community

Learning supports their wellbeing as much as their committee’s effectiveness. It builds resilience, reduces stress and helps volunteers enjoy their roles more fully.

 

A stronger future built on shared confidence

Village halls thrive when the people running them feel capable and supported. By investing in learning – through training, mentoring, resources, networking and our annual conference – we’re helping trustees strengthen their skills, build confidence and feel genuinely connected to one another.

This is how we protect the future of our village halls: by investing in the people who give their time so generously to run them.

I’m in awe of the work our trustees and volunteers put in to support our rural communities. In return, it’s a genuine pleasure to provide the guidance and knowledge needed to these incredible individuals who give so much of their time to make village halls thrive not just now but hopefully in the future.

We run events for our members throughout the year, so if you’d like to join any of our training sessions or book for the Annual Community Buildings Conference, visit

👉 https://cambsacre.org.uk/events/