Tay Cities Deal and Fife College Providing Transformative Training Across the Region
Staying competitive means continually investing in people— and for many businesses and organisations across the region, that investment is now more accessible through Fife College thanks to the Tay Cities Deal.
One such organisation is Citizens Advice and Rights Fife( CARF), who accessed support through the Tay Cities Deal to deliver targeted training across their team.
CARF, a small charity offering free, confidential, and impartial advice to people across Fife, undertook a comprehensive programme of mental health and resilience training for staff and volunteers. With over 30 employees and four volunteers taking part, the organisation’ s aim was to ensure everyone was best equipped to manage change and support one another.
The trainers were knowledgeable and made the content relevant to our organisation.”
Sarah Somerville, Business Development Manager at CARF, explained:
“ We’ d identified key skills gaps around resilience and positive mental health in the workplace. A number of our Extended Management Team needed more confidence when it came to managing mental health and supporting staff through what’ s been a significant period of organisational change.
“ As a charity, resources are limited, and the funding played a vital role in making the training possible. Accessing high-quality development opportunities without placing additional pressure on our core budget can be a real challenge.” Sarah added:“ The Tay Cities Deal funding allowed us to invest in our team at a time when it was most needed— helping us to strengthen wellbeing and build confidence across the board.”
A range of training sessions were delivered both on-site and at the Carnegie Conference and Events Centre in Dunfermline, including Managing Mental Health, Building Personal Resilience, Reflective Practice, and Coaching Conversations. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.
The impact has been tangible. Staff reported increased confidence and greater ability to handle change, while managers have become more confident in supporting colleagues experiencing stress or anxiety. This has led to practical adjustments and positive outcomes.
Sarah discussed the delivery of the training and its benefits:
“ The trainers were knowledgeable and made the content relevant to our organisation. The sessions always ended with an action plan— which meant what we learned translated directly into the workplace.
“ People are now less concerned about change, and managers are more equipped to lead with empathy and confidence. This training has made a lasting difference.”
CARF’ s experience is an example of how funded training— supported by initiatives like the Tay Cities Deal— can deliver real value to thirdsector organisations.
Get in touch: Call 0344 248 0128 | Email sales @ fife. ac. uk | BUSINESS Connect | Spring 2025 5