An exchange visit is a great way to share knowledge and experience. The better planned they are and the more opportunities there are for participants to engage with the issues, the more useful they are likely to be, both for the hosts and for the visitors. In our experience a successful visit is one where both parties bring something to the exchange and leave with something new. Often the key to this is in understanding the needs and expectations of the visiting organisation, and being honest about what your organisation can offer them. Dont hesitate to call us to discuss any of these issues.
The following are basic guidelines to facilitate the preparation of a Knowledge & Skills Exchange visit:
- Make sure you understand the main aims, activities and current challenges faced by the visiting organisation.
- Make sure you engage with the issues that interest the visiting organisation, and do not simply give them a PR presentation.
- Remember that they will be interested to learn from your mistakes as well as from your successes!
- Make sure that the visiting organisation is told in advance about any fees and additional costs they will incur as part of the visit.*
- Make sure that you clarify any special dietary needs with the visiting organisation prior to the visit. Vegetarian dishes should be clearly labelled and served in separate dishes.
- Be aware of religious and cultural issues like fasting, dress code, religious holidays, etc.
- Please remember to complete our feedback form!
* As a guideline, we recommend that the fee for hosting a Knowledge & Skills visit not exceed £500. We recommend that catering be laid on at a maximum cost of £8 per person.
