Wednesday 24 August 2016

A strategic approach to small charity business planning



This is the latest project to be completed with #ProBonoOR

Hands Inc. contacted Pro Bono O.R. at the end of 2015 requesting support. They needed a strategic approach to business planning due to a challenging financial approach, and a reduced numbers of volunteers to deliver key services.

At the start of 2016 a volunteer analyst began work with Hands Inc. and after 10 volunteer days spent working with the organisation, the project was completed last month.

The approach the volunteer took to the project can be seen in the case study below, as well as the many benefits that resulted.

The volunteer said that the whole experience had been very rewarding.

To find out more about the scheme please visit www.theorsociety.com/probono

Felicity McLeister has been managing the Pro Bono O.R. scheme for 3 years. To find out more about her and the scheme please read this interview with The Influence Expert.

Wednesday 10 August 2016

New project requiring volunteer with Speed of Sight

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

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme operated by The OR Society 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:

Speed of Sight
Information about the organisation:
Charitable objectives:
To promote the physical and mental health of people with disabilities.
Main activities of the organisation: 
Motorsport track days.
Project summary:
Project: Understanding client needs and the impact of the work of Speed of Sight: To develop inclusive arrangements for the collection of data about client needs and experiences of the charity including the impact upon their lives.
Time commitment: approx. 5 days
Location: This project can be carried out REMOTELY. Manchester
Please read 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 2nd September (please not the deadline has been extended due to annual leave over the summer holiday).

We are also recruiting for the following project:

Redbridge CVS
Information about the organisation:
Charitable objectives:
To support the local voluntary sector.
Main activities of the organisation: 
Weekly newsletter, website, bi-monthly magazine, training, fundraising advice, Volunteer Centre, development advice, health awareness and fitness projects, representing sector with public sector partners, room hire.
Project summary:
Project: Market Segmentation and Analysis for Training Courses: Analyse training course booking data in order to better understand and segment our potential market.
Time commitment: approx. 3 days
Location: This project can be carried out REMOTELY. Ilford, IG1 1BA
Please read 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 2nd September (please not the deadline has been extended due to annual leave over the summer holiday).

Please note these projects are suitable for an individual or pair of analysts. If you would like to volunteer on a project but are not able to commit to the full time requirement please let me know as it may be possible to pair you up with another analyst.  Lastly 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

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/Probono  
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Monday 8 August 2016

Influencer Tribe Interview #1

Last week I did my first online interview.  I was asked by Alex Swallow, The Influence Expert, to feature in his new series which features interviews with people in The Influence Expert community.
Alex Swallow has been the Chief Executive of a national charity, founded his own organisation and grown a large online following. In February 2016 he launched 'The Influence Expert' which is about helping you grow your influence to increase your impact.

I was delighted to be the first person to feature in this brand new series.  You can read my interview here which tells you more about me and my work.  Alex comments: 'Felicity gives some great insights into her inspiring work supporting charities with talented volunteers.'
I would love to hear what you think.


Monday 1 August 2016

Volunteer(s) required: Market Segmentation and Analysis for Training Course


Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme operated by The OR Society that connects professional analysts with short term projects in 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.

Redbridge CVS

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives:
To support the local voluntary sector.

Main activities of the organisation:
Weekly newsletter, website, bi-monthly magazine, training, fundraising advice, Volunteer Centre, development advice, health awareness and fitness projects, representing sector with public sector partners, room hire.

Project summary:

Project: Market Segmentation and Analysis for Training Courses: Analyse training course booking data in order to better understand and segment our potential market.

Time commitment: approx. 3 days


Location: This project can be carried out REMOTELY. Ilford, IG1 1BA

Please read 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 2nd September (please not the deadline has been extended due to annual leave over the summer holiday).


Please note this project is suitable for an individual or pair of analysts. If you would like to volunteer on a project but are not able to commit to the full time requirement please let me know as it may be possible to pair you up with another analyst.  Lastly 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.


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/Probono  

Follow me on  twitter and LinkedIn 

Volunteer(s) required: Market Segmentation and Analysis for Training Course


Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme operated by The OR Society that connects professional analysts with short term projects in 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.

Redbridge CVS

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives:
To support the local voluntary sector.

Main activities of the organisation:
Weekly newsletter, website, bi-monthly magazine, training, fundraising advice, Volunteer Centre, development advice, health awareness and fitness projects, representing sector with public sector partners, room hire.

Project summary:

Project: Market Segmentation and Analysis for Training Courses: Analyse training course booking data in order to better understand and segment our potential market.

Time commitment: approx. 3 days


Location: This project can be carried out REMOTELY. Ilford, IG1 1BA

Please read 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 2nd September (please not the deadline has been extended due to annual leave over the summer holiday).


Please note this project is suitable for an individual or pair of analysts. If you would like to volunteer on a project but are not able to commit to the full time requirement please let me know as it may be possible to pair you up with another analyst.  Lastly 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.


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/Probono  

Follow me on  twitter and LinkedIn 

Pro Bono OR moving elsewhere

Pro Bono OR projects can now be found here:  https://www.theorsociety.com/get-involved/pro-bono-or/open-pro-bono-projects/ This blog will no...