Supporting People, Supporting Animals: GSPCA Team Training Focuses on Coaching, Volunteers and Placements
The GSPCA continued its commitment to learning and development this week with a dedicated training session on Wednesday for staff, volunteers and placements, led by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.
The Wednesday session, titled "Coaching, Placements, Work Experience and Volunteers", encouraged participants to reflect on their own first experiences when starting school, a new job, volunteering role or placement. By considering how it felt to be new, uncertain and eager to learn, the team explored ways to better support those joining the GSPCA and other organisations.
The discussion highlighted how effective coaching, mentoring and support can help people settle into new environments, build confidence and develop new skills, whilst also ensuring the highest standards of care for the animals at the GSPCA.
Each year the GSPCA welcomes volunteers, work experience students, placements and new members of staff, all of whom play an important role in helping thousands of animals in need.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Taking time to reflect on our own experiences of being new to a school, workplace or organisation helps us understand how important support, kindness and good communication can be. Whether someone is joining us for a day's volunteering, a work placement, work experience or as a member of staff, we want them to feel welcomed, valued and supported. By helping people develop and gain confidence, we not only strengthen our team but also improve the care we provide to the animals who rely on us."
The session also focused on being mindful of each other's experiences, recognising that everyone learns differently and that positive support can make a significant difference to personal development, wellbeing and teamwork.
Training and development form an important part of life at the GSPCA, with the charity regularly delivering internal training sessions for staff, volunteers and placements throughout the year.
The GSPCA also offers a range of public training courses, helping pet owners and animal lovers gain valuable skills and knowledge. Next month the charity will be hosting a Dog First Aid Course, followed by a Cat First Aid Course in December.
Anyone interested in learning more about the GSPCA's training opportunities can find details at:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
For more information about volunteering, placements, work experience opportunities or training courses, please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or visit www.gspca.org.gg.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- World Animal Month October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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