Events by Rotary Clubs of Portsmouth & Southsea

The climate emergency remains the most significant challenge facing the built environment today. The RIBA East: Sustainability & Net Zero Workshop is an intensive, one-day technical event aimed at equipping practitioners with the data-driven strategies required to meet the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets. Hosted at the environmentally pioneering Green Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park, the setting itself serves as a living laboratory for the themes of the day. This workshop moves beyond high-level concepts to provide actionable insights into carbon sequestering, thermal performance, and circular economy principles. The morning session focuses on "Whole Life Carbon" assessments. We will examine the software tools currently available for measuring embodied carbon from the early design stages through to demolition. Experts from the RIBA Sustainable Futures Group will lead a session on retrofitting existing post-war structures—a topic of immense relevance to the Basildon area. We will discuss the technical nuances of external wall insulation (EWI), moisture management in heritage buildings, and the economic viability of "Retrofit First" policies. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to renewable energy integration and biodiversity net gain. We will explore how architects can collaborate with ecologists to ensure that new developments in the East of England enhance local ecosystems rather than disrupt them. The day concludes with a "Materials Marketplace" where local suppliers of sustainable timber, recycled aggregates, and high-efficiency glazing will present their latest products. Participants will leave with a personalized "Net Zero Roadmap" for their own practices and a renewed sense of purpose in the fight against climate change. This is a technical, hands-on day designed for those who are ready to move from commitment to implementation.

The Institute of Mental Health proudly presents its comprehensive, CPD-accredited Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Training Programme, hosted virtually through Nottingham with a strong national focus on health and care research excellence. Over recent years, patient and public involvement has transitioned from a supplementary consideration to a fundamental prerequisite across clinical investigations, health service evaluations, and academic grant applications. Funding bodies, institutional review boards, and patient communities now rightly expect genuine, well-structured involvement that places individuals with lived experience at the very heart of study designs. This specialized professional development course has been meticulously crafted to empower early-career researchers, clinical fellows, future PPI facilitators, and health professionals with the confidence, foundational knowledge, and practical methodologies needed to embed meaningful public engagement deeply into their everyday academic and clinical work environments. Core Objectives and Structured Learning Modules  The curriculum is structured across a flexible, multi-week online format designed to accommodate the busy schedules of active healthcare professionals and academic researchers. Participants engage in ten hours of live, interactive learning delivered by seasoned experts, complemented by targeted self-guided study materials and a comprehensive end-of-programme handbook. The syllabus takes attendees on a progressive journey, beginning with the historical evolution and contemporary definitions of public involvement today. Subsequent modules explore critical operational facets such as equitable compensation, inclusive recruitment strategies, effective governance structures, and resource allocation. By breaking down complex theoretical frameworks into actionable steps, the programme equips attendees to design resilient, transparent frameworks that avoid tokenism and genuinely respect the time, wisdom, and emotional labor contributed by public partners. Enhancing Research Quality Through Lived Experience  Integrating lived experience into health and care research fundamentally transforms study relevance, methodology accessibility, and participant recruitment success. Throughout the specialized sessions, attendees examine real-world case studies demonstrating how patient contributors help shape research questions, refine participant information sheets, and interpret complex clinical findings from a patient-centric perspective. The programme provides safe, reflective spaces to discuss common challenges, such as managing power dynamics, addressing tokenism, and overcoming institutional barriers within large NHS trusts and academic institutions. Participants learn how to collaborate effectively with peer researchers, ensuring that studies remain compassionate, ethically sound, and directly responsive to the real-world needs of the communities they aim to serve. This active exchange elevates the overall scientific rigor and public accountability of modern health investigations. Collaborative Networking and Professional Accreditation  Fostering a supportive, multidisciplinary community of practice is a core pillar of the Institute's educational mission. Each training cohort is intentionally capped at a small, intimate size to encourage rich peer connections, vibrant discussions, and collaborative problem-solving among participants from diverse healthcare and academic backgrounds. In addition to broad group sessions, specialized smaller group workshops provide tailored guidance on individual research projects and localized implementation hurdles. Upon successful completion of all curriculum components, attendees receive an external CPD accreditation equivalent to a minimum of ten live learning hours, providing a formal, recognized credential for professional development portfolios. This certification verifies advanced competency in designing and delivering high-quality patient and public involvement initiatives across clinical research networks. Practical Implementation and Future Impact The ultimate objective of this intensive training programme is to bridge the persistent gap between theoretical public involvement principles and tangible, real-world research practices. As attendees conclude their five-week learning journey, they leave equipped with ready-to-use resource toolkits, strategic templates, and an actionable roadmap tailored to their specific organizational contexts. Whether preparing a major funding bid for a National Health Service trust or designing a community-led mental health evaluation, participants gain the structural competence required to lead lasting cultural changes within their institutions. Secure your place in the upcoming cohort today to elevate your research standards, champion patient-centred values, and drive meaningful advancements in modern healthcare science through impactful collaboration.

The Rotary Club of Portsmouth North invites members, partners, and interested community supporters to attend a dedicated evening focused on organizational planning and community impact. As we move into the second half of the year, this session serves as a pivotal point for the club to assess its progress on existing humanitarian and local service goals. The event is designed to provide a comprehensive update on the club’s current targets, including initiatives related to environmental sustainability, youth engagement, and local charity support. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with committee leads and learn about the strategic direction of the club for the remainder of the 2026/2027 Rotary year. This meeting is not merely administrative; it is a collaborative platform where ideas for upcoming community service projects are vetted, refined, and set into motion. Whether you are a long-term member or a potential new recruit interested in the "Service Above Self" ethos, this evening provides invaluable insight into how the Rotary Club effectively coordinates its resources to foster meaningful change within the Portsmouth area. Attendees will also benefit from a networking session, allowing for the exchange of ideas among professionals and community leaders. This meeting highlights the importance of transparency and collective responsibility in ensuring that the club’s projects—ranging from educational support to infrastructure improvements—are executed to the highest standard. By attending, you directly contribute to the dialogue that shapes the future of our local community efforts, ensuring our initiatives remain responsive, sustainable, and impactful.

The Rotary Clubs of Portsmouth and Southsea invite you to a prestigious evening of fellowship and community engagement featuring the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth. This event serves as a cornerstone of the 2026 Rotary calendar, providing a unique platform for local business leaders, volunteers, and residents to connect with the city's first citizens in an informal yet professional setting. The evening is designed to foster a closer relationship between the local government and the charitable sector. Attendees will hear an address from the Lord Mayor regarding the current state of the city and upcoming civic initiatives, followed by a presentation from the Rotary President on local community projects. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to understand how civic leadership and volunteerism intersect to improve the lives of Portsmouth residents. The program includes a formal welcome, a catered fellowship session, and an open forum for networking. Whether you are a long-standing Rotarian, a local business owner looking to give back, or a resident interested in the city’s future, this evening offers insightful perspectives and high-value networking. The event emphasizes the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" and highlights the ongoing collaborations that drive Portsmouth’s social and economic development.