Blown away!

What a start to the year! We ducked the norovirus, survived the flu bug and withstood the Yorkshire winds and rain (just about). A tonic arrived with official confirmation that we'll be joining the new Homes and Communities Agency in 2009, just as we hoped. We've got all sorts of activities and programmes planned for the coming year, so please keep in touch and give us your feedback.

Training the trainer

We're launching a new toolkit for trainers - Train and Sustain - at the Ecobuild conference in London on February 28th. The free taster workshop will provide trainers and people interested in skills with the latest information and thinking on sustainable communities. More information here. 

New course takes off

Our Taking the Lead workshops started last week in Wigan. The series is for senior managers and leaders keen to improve their leadership skills.

There are only a few places left on the remaining workshops:

Leadership in sustainable communities
(Bristol, 19th - 20th February)

Collaborative working in sustainable communities
(London, 13th - 14th March)

» More details and booking information.

On the move

Following a successful national launch in December, the first of eight regional housing growth and eco towns events kicks off this week in Birmingham. This series is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the Government's Eco-towns initiative and the skills required to deliver it.

Places are limited, so if you're interested in attending or want more information, look here

Sustainable communities masterclass

If you want to know more about creating sustainable communities, making better use of resources and expertise or developing effective partnerships then sign up to one of these masterclasses.

Co-operative sponsors awards

We're delighted to announce The Co-operative as the headline sponsor of the Creating the Future Awards.

The ceremony is being held at the Roundhouse, in Camden, London on 5th June 2007. For further details and table bookings click here. 

If you're looking to raise your profile with key audiences working in sustainable communities, why not become a sponsor? Details of the packages are here.

We're also looking for organisions able to provide bursaries for short-listed community projects (not-for-profit / charity) to support their hard work, details here.

In this issue

• Training the trainer
• New course takes off
• On the move
• Sustainable communities masterclass
• Co-operative sponsors awards

Ask What If?

More than 30 sustainable communities careers are being promoted on our website for young people.

www.askwhatif.co.uk

Future Vision 08

We've just launched our annual student award scheme.
www.futurevisionaward.com

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