RSM UK Charity Focus Seminar

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending RSM UK's Charity Focus Seminar. RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market leaders, globally. They are the top charity auditor by number of clients (source: Charity Financials, September 2015), and they work with 1,000 diverse charity clients across the UK, delivering a full range of sector-leading solutions.

Once a quarter they invite charities to attend a breakfast seminar. The topic this month was 'An introduction to Operational Research and how it can improve your organisations effectiveness'

To see the slides please click here

For further information please visit the Pro Bono webpage

Understanding effectiveness of training & development #ProBonoOR project

The latest Pro Bono O.R. project was carried out by an individual volunteer analyst with PiP (Pursuing Independent Pathways).  PiP is a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities to achive thie potential.

PiP had begun to collect lots of data on the effectiveness of training and development interventions but did not have an easy way to aggregate and analyse that data to understand the overall effectiveness.

The volunteer analyst spent 8 days over a number of months supporting the charity.  The approach he took is outlined in the slide below.  The end result was that PiP was left with an automated analysis tool to aid review of the effectiveness of training and development interventions.

The volunteer felt extremely valued by the organisation and found the project very fulfilling.  

PiP said they were 'thrilled with the analysis tool' and that 'it had already helped make sense of the data'.

To read more case studies, to find out more about Pro Bono O.R., to register for support or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit Pro Bono O.R.

Please connect with me via LinkedIn and Twitter

NCVO promotes Operational Research and Pro Bono O.R.

Pro Bono O.R. has forged good relationship with NCVO and as a result were invited to write a blog post and write a case study for their website.

The blog post gives an introduction to Operational Research and can be read here

The case study focus' on a project which two volunteer undertook with Crimestoppers Trust looking at ways to increase capacity in their call centre whilst minimising staff costs. Read the case study here

For more information about the scheme, to see who we've worked with, read example case studies and to request support please visit:

www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx

You can connect with me via twitter (@FMcLeister) or LinkedIn

New projects with Pro Bono O.R.

Pro Bono O.R. – enabling managers to make more effective decisions

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme that places professional analysts in short term projects with third sector organisations in the UK. 

Projects require skilled professionals who work in operational research, analytics or related professions.  If you have the skills required for a project, we’d love to hear from you.

Please find details of new projects below that we are seeking a volunteer(s) for:

Business in the Community

Information about the organisation:

Greenwich Social Enterprise Partnership is a collaborative gathering of infrastructure and support agencies in Greenwich from the public, private and social enterprise sectors. The Partnership aims to develop, grow and celebrate and raise awareness of social enterprises operating in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 

Main activities of the organisation: 

·         Create greater connections between the public, private and voluntary, social and community sectors.

·         Create mutually beneficial relationships which lead to social change and social good within their locations. 

Project summary:

Project: Systems mapping: Map out the system of agencies/partners and how they will interact and collaborate to support the development of Social Enterprises.

Time commitment: Approx. 5 days

Location:  Greenwich – SE10. Dependent upon the agreed methodology, there is scope for remote working, but likely also to require travel within the Greenwich area.

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Tuesday 2^nd February.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer, pair or team of analysts.  If you would like to work on a project with the support of a mentor please do specify in your application and I can try to arrange this. 

Action West London

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: ’Changing lives through Employment, Education and Enterprise’

Main activities of the organisation:  Contracts to help disadvantaged individuals get sustained employment ; projects for young and adult offenders; projects for NEET young people, projects for disadvantaged Black and ethnic minority individuals ; training contracts; leading VCS consortiums to win contracts; ESOL teaching, work with refugees, employment work with people with mental health difficulties; social enterprise support/training, running street market. 

Project 1 summary:

Project: Taming data: To collate and assess the data held in different parts of the organisation, so that it can be used to understand activity, performance and impact, and influence change.

Time commitment: Approx. 4/5 days

Location:  16-18 Crown Street, Acton, London W3 8SB. The volunteer would probably have to spend at least half of their time at the specified location, to investigate the databases and reports, and discuss with staff.

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Tuesday 2^nd February.

Project 2 summary:

Project: To advise on Employer Engagement activity and systems for Action West London’s  Employment projects

Time commitment: Minimum 5 days. If all the suggested activities were undertaken, this would be a substantial project more suited to a team willing to spend 2-3 days each on chunks of work.    

Location:  16-18 Crown Street, Acton, London W3 8SB.  Mostly off-site, with some staff interviews and project meetings on-site

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Tuesday 2^nd February.

These projects are suitable for an individual volunteers, pairs or teams of analysts.  If you would like to work on a project with the support of a mentor please do specify in your application and I can try to arrange this. 

Please note there are two other projects that have been advertised that require volunteers.  Please read the information below.

Dorset Advocacy

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: To provide relief for all people living in Dorset with a learning, physical or mental disability, and those suffering frailty through age, to assist them to protect their rights and help them to gain equality of opportunity.

Main activities of the organisation:  Dorset Advocacy is a registered charity helping people in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, to speak up, promote their rights, and play a full part in the life of their community. We run more than a dozen projects ranging from supporting disabled people to get the benefits and housing to which they are entitled, to life story work with people who have dementia, to support for vulnerable adults in police custody.  We helped more than 2500 people last year, often achieving successful outcomes where others had not.  Advocates are on the side of the person they support, ensuring that solutions are tailored to their needs wishes and circumstances.

Project summary:

Project: Using data better: Dorset Advocacy are seeking a volunteer(s) to review their database and how well it supports the organization in supporting their business development and demonstrating impact, effectiveness and efficiency as well as developing responses to commissioners

Time commitment: Approx. 5 days

Location:  Dorset (DT1 3AE). The assignment will require some attendance at Dorset Advocacy’s premises but some can be completed remotely

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Friday 22^nd January.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer, pair or team of analysts.  If you would like to work on a project with the support of a mentor please do specify in your application and I can try to arrange this. 

Huddleston Centre Hackney

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: To ensure young people with disabilities can take control of their own lives.

Main activities of the organisation:  Running clubs including social clubs, music, sport, culture and life skills.

Project summary:

Project: Strategy Planning towards a 5-year plan: Helping the organisation to develop a strategic plan now that their funding sources allow a broadening of activities.

Time commitment: 1 day

Location:  London (E5 8DJ). A facilitation session with the staff and trustees (one afternoon at the Huddleston Centre) plus a report (half day).

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Friday 22^nd January.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Lastly, if you are interested in working on either of these projects but cannot meet the deadline specified please do register your interest in the first instance before the deadline.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch: felicity.mcleister@theorsociety.com or 0121 233 9300

I look forward to hearing from you and once again thank you for your help and support.

For further information about the scheme please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx

Follow me on  twitter       LinkedIn

Pro Bono O.R. - 2 new projects requiring volunteers

Pro Bono O.R. – enabling managers to make more effective decisions

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme that places professional analysts in short term projects with third sector organisations in the UK. 

Projects require skilled professionals who work in operational research, analytics or related professions.  If you have the skills required for a project, we’d love to hear from you.

Please find details of a new project below that we are seeking a volunteer(s) for:

Dorset Advocacy

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: To provide relief for all people living in Dorset with a learning, physical or mental disability, and those suffering frailty through age, to assist them to protect their rights and help them to gain equality of opportunity.

Main activities of the organisation:  Dorset Advocacy is a registered charity helping people in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, to speak up, promote their rights, and play a full part in the life of their community. We run more than a dozen projects ranging from supporting disabled people to get the benefits and housing to which they are entitled, to life story work with people who have dementia, to support for vulnerable adults in police custody.  We helped more than 2500 people last year, often achieving successful outcomes where others had not.  Advocates are on the side of the person they support, ensuring that solutions are tailored to their needs wishes and circumstances.

Project summary:

Project: Using data better: Dorset Advocacy are seeking a volunteer(s) to review their database and how well it supports the organization in supporting their business development and demonstrating impact, effectiveness and efficiency as well as developing responses to commissioners

Time commitment: Approx. 5 days

Location:  Dorset (DT1 3AE). The assignment will require some attendance at Dorset Advocacy’s premises but some can be completed remotely

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Friday 22^nd January.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer, pair or team of analysts.  If you would like to work on a project with the support of a mentor please do specify in your application and I can try to arrange this. 

Huddleston Centre Hackney

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: To ensure young people with disabilities can take control of their own lives.

Main activities of the organisation:  Running clubs including social clubs, music, sport, culture and life skills.

Project summary:

Project: Strategy Planning towards a 5-year plan: Helping the organisation to develop a strategic plan now that their funding sources allow a broadening of activities.

Time commitment: 1 day

Location:  London (E5 8DJ). A facilitation session with the staff and trustees (one afternoon at the Huddleston Centre) plus a report (half day).

Please read the project scope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return to me along with your CV by midday on Friday 22^nd January.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Lastly, if you are interested in working on either of these projects but cannot meet the deadline specified please do register your interest in the first instance before the deadline.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch: felicity.mcleister@theorsociety.com or 0121 233 9300

I look forward to hearing from you and once again thank you for your help and support.

For further information about the scheme please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx

Follow me on  twitter       LinkedIn

Shape the future: make the connection

Next week I have been invited to speak to over 30 third sector leaders about Pro Bono O.R.

This is a free event from VAF (Voluntary Action Fund) and Edinburgh Napier University.

Book your place please click here

Please visit the Pro Bono O.R. website to register your interest in receiving Pro Bono O.R. support, to sign up as a volunteer, or to find out more. You can also tweet to @felicitymcleister or @theorsociety