Training and Workforce Development Needs for the Social and Community Sector in the WBOP

SociaLink undertook a training and needs assessment (TNA) with organisations in the social and
community sectors in the Western Bay of Plenty during November 2022, funded by Tauranga City
Council. The aim was to identify training needs to inform SociaLink’s delivery of learning
opportunities and to gain a better understanding of training and workforce development issues
for the social, iwi and community sector on which SociaLink could take further action.

The TNA involved an online survey (55 responses) and five focus groups with participants from 24
organisations in the following sub-sectors: Māori and Pasifika; disability; social services; mental
health addictions and neurodiversity, and management/other local peak bodies. Both the survey
and focus groups were directed to CEO/managers, team leaders or training coordinators because
of their role and perspective in identifying organisational and staff training and development
needs. The TNA also included an environmental scan of relevant workforce development issues
and stocktakes of relevant training, including professional development, certificates, diplomas and degrees.

The TNA objective was successfully met in understanding the sector training needs, with some clear priorities emerging at an organisational level and for staff and volunteers.