Help & FAQs

How do I book on to a course?

    Courses in Bristol (you come to us) and Online training (for individuals)

    Find the course that you are interested in, choose a date and click the make a booking button.

    The course will then appear in your My bookings shopping trolley, ready for you to enter your details and complete the booking process.

    or you can download a copy of our booking form here.

    Completed booking forms should be emailed to info@trainingexchange.org.uk

    or can be sent to: The Training Exchange, 30 Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Bristol, BS5 0HE

    In-house training (we come to you) and Online training (for teams)

    Courses are costed individually based on location, content, trainer and contract size.

    Contact us to make an enquiry, for further information or a quote.

      How much does it cost and what payment methods do you accept?

      Costs for individual places on Training Exchange Courses in Bristol (you come to us) and Online training (for individuals)

      ½ day courses £100 +VAT

      1 day courses £150 +VAT

      2 day courses £250 +VAT*

      *Management & leadership £275 +VAT

      *Mental Health First Aid £175-275 +VAT

      *Seven ways to build resilience £30 +VAT (Discounts available for group bookings)

      Costs include refreshments, training packs and certificates of attendance.

      Mental Health First Aid courses include handbooks and certification from Mental Health First Aid England.

      An invoice, payable within 30 days, will be sent with your confirmation letter.

      Please make sure you include the correct invoicing instructions, a Purchase Order Number if applicable, and that any necessary organisation approval is gained at the time of booking.

      Payment can be made by cheque or BACS transfer (or in cash by arrangement).

      Card payments can be made over the phone by calling the office on 0117 941 5859.

      We do not take card payments online.

      Do you offer concessions?

      The organisation has grown from a base in the community and voluntary sector. Much of our training is delivered to charities so we understand that funding for training is often tight. We aim to charge a fair price for our services without compromising on quality.

      Concessionary places, for small organisations or individuals paying for themselves, and group rates are available on each course. Please contact us for details.

      Regular users can maximise training budgets by block purchasing places in advance at reduced prices. Contact us for details.

      I am having trouble making a booking, what do I do?

      Please contact us for help or telephone the office on 0117 941 5859.

      What is the cancellation policy?

      Course in Bristol (you come to us) and Online training (for individuals)

      Transfer terms:

      • Bookings can be transferred up to 21 days before the course, subject to an administrative fee of £30 (+ VAT).

      Cancellation terms:

      • Cancellations received more than 21 days before the course are subject to an administrative fee of £30 (+ VAT).
      • No refund will be made for cancellations received after this date.
      • No refunds are available for course fees of £30 + VAT or less.
      • Transfers, cancellations and any other changes to bookings must be confirmed in writing.

        In-house courses (we come to you) and Online training (for teams)

        Cancellation terms:

        • Cancellation more than 3 weeks before the date of delivery of the first training session: a cancellation charge will be made proportional to the amount of work already undertaken by the Training Exchange.
        • Cancellation less than 3 weeks before the date of delivery of the first training session will incur a cancellation charge of 50% of the agreed fees.
        • Cancellation less than 48 hours before the date of delivery of the first training session will incur a cancellation charge of the full agreed fees.

        If you need to cancel a booking, contact us and we’ll help you find the best solution.

        When will I receive confirmation of my booking?

        We'll send you confirmation of your booking by email once we've received your completed booking form. An invoice, payable within 30 days, will be sent with your confirmation letter. Please make sure you include the correct invoicing instructions, a Purchase Order Number if applicable, and that any organisation approval is gained at the time of booking.

        What do I do if I never received my booking confirmation?

        Contact us and we can check that we have received your booking. During busy periods may take a few days for us to process a booking.

        What do I do if I have not received my invoice?

        Contact us and we can check that we have received your booking. During busy periods may take a few days for us to process a booking.

        How do I make changes to a booking already made?

        If you can’t attend a course, but have a colleague who can attend in your place we are happy to make this change at any point up to the day before the training.

        If you would like to transfer to another course date, bookings can be transferred up to 21 days before the course, subject to an administrative fee of £30 (+ VAT).

        Cancellations received more than 21 days before the course are subject to an administrative fee of £30 (+ VAT). No refund will be made for cancellations received after this date.

        Transfers, cancellations and any other changes to bookings must be confirmed in writing.

        Where does training take place?

        Courses in Bristol (you come to us)

        We use accessible community venues as part of our commitment to supporting local projects.

        Directions and transport information are sent by email when we confirm your booking, and again one week before the course.

        Courses start at 9:30am and end by 4:30pm. Arrivals and registration are at 9.15am.

        In-house training (we come to you)

        We ask organisations to provide a suitable venue, and any refreshments. If you cannot get in contact your local organiser on the day, contact us and we will always try to help.

        How do I leave a review or give feedback about a course or service?

        Trainers will ask you to complete an evaluation form at the end of training. We use this information to review and develop our courses, and share participant experiences with other people who are interested in attending courses.

        If you would like to leave a further review, you can do this here

        Please download our complaints policy (doc format) here

        As an independent organisation we pay serious attention to our reputation, constantly looking to improve our services and never compromising on quality. If you have any additional feedback for us, we would always welcome it, please contact us

        Are courses accredited?

        The Training Exchange courses are mapped to NOS units and competence frameworks. So if people are working towards a qualification/assessment to meet workforce development requirements and they have gaps in their knowledge, understanding or skills, attending our courses can fill those gaps.

        Our courses give you opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin NOS. Course handbooks and the notes that you take can provide useful evidence towards workplace assessment and RQF qualifications.

        All participants receive certificates of attendance.

        Will I get a certificate of attendance?

        Yes, all participants receive certificates of attendance.

        What about National Occupational Standards and DANOS?

        National Occupational Standards (NOS) specify the standards of performance that staff should be working towards. Training is an important step in achieving competence in these standards.

        The Training Exchange courses are mapped to NOS units and competence frameworks. So if people are working towards a qualification/assessment to meet workforce development requirements and they have gaps in their knowledge, understanding or skills, attending our courses can fill those gaps.

        Our courses give you opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin NOS. Course handbooks and the notes that you take can provide useful evidence towards workplace assessment and RQF qualifications.

        Please see our course listings for information about content and details of some of the NOS units that each course covers. You don't need to be working towards a qualification to attend.

        I’m coming on a course how do I let you know about access needs and dietary requirements?

        For Courses in Bristol (you come to us) we will ask you if you have any access needs or dietary requirements we need to know about as part of the booking process.

        If you forget to tell us or your requirements change, please contact us to let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to meet your needs, or be honest with you if we can’t.

        Can you deliver training in-house for my team?

        All of our courses can be adapted for your organisation or your region either online or face-to-face. We work across the UK. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us - our network of associate trainers cover many more areas of expertise.

        Have you got a training need that isn’t met by any of the courses on our website?

        Or is the course listed not quite what you need? All of our courses can be adapted for your organisation or your region. Contact us our network of associate trainers cover many more areas of expertise.

        What are you doing about Covid-19?

        During the Coronavirus pandemic The Training Exchange team has been developing our online training offer.

        With a range of options to suit times and budgets available, alongside learner’s preferred levels of interactivity and flexibility. Our online training offer is growing and developing week by week.

        We've given careful consideration to what works online, and adapted materials and delivery style.

          Covid-safety measures for participants on training days

          We’re really happy to welcome people back to face-to-face training, and we really appreciate the effort everyone is making to support us and each other to enable this.

          Based on current Government Guidance, we’ve put lots of measures in place to help keep you safe, including:

          • More space. We’re using bigger spaces and inviting smaller groups to enable social distancing in training rooms.
          • Risk assessments and Covid-safety protocols. We have carried out our own risk assessment and been working with venues/training purchasers to ensure they have up-to-date risk assessments in place.
          • Clean environments. There will be plenty of hand sanitisation and hand-washing facilities available, increased and enhanced cleaning processes in place, adequate ventilation etc.
          • Flexible training delivery. We are adapting our training methods to ensure that trainers and delegates remain socially distanced during practical sessions. If circumstances change and face-to-face delivery is no longer viable, where possible, we will move courses to online delivery on the same days/dates.
          • Use of face-coverings. We expect participants to wear face-coverings, where possible, when entering and moving around the buildings we use (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/). We also expect use of face-coverings during partner work and small group work where 2 metre distancing cannot be maintained.

            What you can do to help us:

            To keep yourself and others safe, please do not come to training if you or any of you or any of your household have tested positive for Covid-19, or experienced symptoms in the last 14 days, or, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

            • a new continuous cough
            • a high temperature
            • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste.

            We hope you get better soon and can come and join us again when it is safe!

              Arriving at the venue

              • Please arrive on time for your training. The training room will be open 15 minutes before the start time.
              • Please bring minimal belongings with you and keep them with you where possible. Please bring your own pens and paper for writing notes.

                Please bring your own face-covering.

                You might need extra layers of clothing to stay warm in our well-ventilated rooms!

                • Whilst most venues are still offering refreshments, you may also want to bring your own. The Training Exchange will not be providing lunches for the time being (unless your organisation is providing them). Please check your joining instructions or with your organiser for more details of what is being provided.
                • Please wear face covering as you enter and move around the building.
                • Use the hand sanitiser provided, when entering the building and when entering the training room.
                • We or the venue staff will check your name and contact details; we may be carrying out temperature checks (using non-contact thermometers).

                  During the day

                  • Use the hand sanitiser provided, when entering and leaving the training room, and the building. Wash your hands thoroughly at regular intervals throughout the day.
                  • Maintain social distancing during training, or when moving around the building.
                  • Keep chairs 2 metres apart during large group presentations/discussions, be mindful of others in break-out spaces, toilet/refreshment queues and smoking areas.
                  • Please wear a face covering over your nose and mouth during small group activities and discussions where 2 metre distance cannot be maintained.

                  Remember face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer, they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.

                  Please respect there are some circumstances where people may not be able to or are less able to wear a face covering, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.

                  • Trainers will keep 2 metre distance during training delivery, and wear face-coverings or clear visors during activities where 2 metre distance cannot be maintained.
                  • Please work side-by side to each other (rather than face-to-face) wherever possible.
                  • Avoid sharing pens, documents and other objects.

                    If you feel unwell during the training day, and particularly if you begin to experience known Covid-19 symptoms, please inform the trainer.

                    If you show symptoms/test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of the course, please inform us. We will treat each situation sympathetically and respond appropriately.

                    In the context of Covid-19 and our responsibilities for everyone’s safety and wellbeing, The Training Exchange team reserves the right to ask any delegates to leave where they believe their behaviour is putting others at risk.

                    Please be kind to everyone in the training space and respect each other’s concerns as we take time to adjust - we are all new to this.

                      Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Contact us now.