Porchlight Project 2: Understanding the needs of the vulnerable

Porchlight Project Two

Understanding the needs of the vulnerable 

Project:

Using data mining or AI methods to analyse screening tool data against outcomes data, to assess which factors are mostly likely to affect a negative (or dangerous) outcome

Project description:

Porchlight and its partners offer a wide variety of services to help tackle problems of homelessness, mental health and poverty. At present, each of these services collects different data. 

Porchlight is preparing to roll out a new screening tool, which for the first time will aim to collect consistent data about client need at time of referral regardless of the entry point of the client. 

In time, this information will be collected for around 10-15,000 referrals pa, across 20 or so services. Porchlight staff have strong data analytical skills but little experience with off-the-shelf data mining or machine learning tools. 

They are seeking a volunteer who has such experience, to help establish what tools and methods would be appropriate, and what sort of analyses would help them in designing services to meet the needs of their vulnerable clientele.  

Time commitment: To be negotiated depending on volunteer availability:

- Initially 1-2 days on site to understand the data being collected by Porchlight currently, and propose suitable tools and analyses

- subsequently 3 or more days spread out at intervals to support Porchlight in implementing the tools and undertaking data analyses. This support could continue longer term,  depending on Porchlight needs and volunteer availability. 

Location: Ideally, most of the time should be on site at their office in Canterbury CT1 2UA

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to amy.hughes@theorsociety.com by 23^rd March 2020.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities. As such, we welcome applications from the partially sighted or blind, or those with disabilities.

Information about the organisation: 

Porchlight is Kent’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerable people. They provide services for people who have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to. Some are living on the streets, others need support to prevent or resolve any issues that could put them at risk of homelessness. Each year, Porchlight support more than 7000 individuals and families.

For further information about Porchlight please visit https://www.porchlight.org.uk/ or email ChrisCoffey@porchlight.org.uk

For further information about the Pro Bono OR scheme, please visit: www.theorsociety.com/Probono  or email ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com