Improving NSPCC’s Helpline

 

Project summary

Designing a discrete event simulation model to enable a helpline to provide good service levels across all channels. 

Project description

The NSPCC works to end child abuse and enable children to be safe and supported. Its helpline, for adults and professionals with concerns about a child, handles live calls, call-backs, emails and direct messages; but the system that manages the helpline is not sophisticated enough to support planning for this variety of channels. The NSPCC would like a discrete event simulation model of the helpline’s processes, to enable them better to match staff levels to varying workload, improve service levels, and explore ‘what-if’ scenarios to deal with different resourcing patterns and changes in demand. 

The volunteer(s) will need to spend some time understanding the current system, how the helpline works, and what data is available, before designing a model that can be used to start answering the questions. It will probably be appropriate to design a fairly simple model first, and (depending on time available) work with the NSPCC staff to adapt and develop it to ensure it can answer the most important questions. 

The senior sponsor of the project is an experienced OR and data science professional, who will be able to provide direction but will not be able to spend much time on the project. The volunteer will be asked to work closely enough with the data professionals and operations staff at NSPCC to ensure shared ownership and skills transfer by the end of the project. 

The volunteer should have some experience in discrete event simulation; or, if a team takes this on, at least one member should be experienced in DES and able to lead the model development. Ideally they will also have experience in participatory modelling, enabling not just the managers but the staff who provide the service to explore model insights and input into the analysis. 

How will this project benefit the organisation?

The Helpline is a crucial communications channel for the NSPCC to be there when children, young people and adults concerned about them are most in need. By enabling NSPCC to meet its service level targets, and to be resilient to variation in demand, this project will increase the flow of information and help prevent children falling through the cracks. 

Location

Remote

Commitment

This is potentially a large project, and will suit a team of people working together, or a single volunteer who is willing to give several weeks (spread over several months). Alternatively, it can be ‘chunked’, with the first part of the project being to develop a rapid prototype, and subsequent parts involving refining and using the model. When applying, please indicate what would suit you best, or call us to discuss.

Desired project start date

The current system is unsatisfactory so NSPCC would like to start as soon as possible. However, there is no specific target date, or deadline, so dates can be arranged to suit the volunteer.

Desired project completion date

There is no specific target date, or deadline, so dates can be arranged to suit the volunteer.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Monday 16 January 2023.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

For further information about the NSPCC please visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Improving impact and positive outcomes for a child bereavement charity

Project summary

To enable the charity, the Harvey Hext Trust, to collect data that will help them in successful grant applications and in targeting areas for support. 

Project description

Work with the client in designing a database that will satisfy all desired outcomes. Hand over database together with any training/supporting documentation that is required. After one month’s trial, liaise with client, examine how database has performed so far, make any amendments necessary and demonstrate to client how to obtain any desired outputs.

The technical requirements are simple: a knowledge of databases. This project would benefit a junior analyst with technical expertise but who would like experience in dealing with a client and seeing a project through from start to end. 

How will this project benefit the organisation?

It will enable them to collect data and to identify which areas of the country the memory boxes are being sent to and which hospitals/hospices are actively referring them to families. This in turn will support grant applications/corporate support and positive outcomes.  It will enable the charity to provide impact information and target areas of the country that need more intervention.

Location

Flexible - remote or in person depending on volunteer location. The Harvey Hext Trust is based in Bristol.

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with the client.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

3 months from the start date.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 7 December 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

The Harvey Hext Trust is a charity supplying bespoke personalised wooden memory boxes to children who have lost a sibling.

When you lose a child there is often very little support for the bereaved sibling. The memory boxes are a very simple, but effective way of helping a sibling remember their brother or sister and preserve their very precious and personal memories. The boxes can be an important part of therapy to encourage children to show emotions and to talk about their bereavement.

For further information about the Harvey Hext Trust please visit harveyhexttrust.com

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Support to Skilz Academy for Strategy Planning

Project summary

Provide OR support to Skilz Academy to help them better define their vision, values, impact and audiences to inform their 3 year strategic plan. 

Project description

The volunteer would be required to research the charity, plan and facilitate a workshop with trustees and staff to help them define Skilz Academy’s vision, values, impact and audiences. 

The output of the project would be a series of recommendations, reached through consensus, regarding the strategic direction of Skilz Academy. 

The volunteer should be experienced with workshop facilitation, soft OR methods and strategy planning. Knowledge of how charities operate would be desirable. 

This project will ideally run before or alongside Skilz Academy second Pro Bono OR project looking at how to maximise the insight value from existing data collection methods. 

Location

Flexible - remote or in person depending on volunteer location. Skilz Academy is based in Arbroath, near Dundee, Scotland.

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Skilz Academy. An estimate of 5-7 days is suggested.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

As soon as possible.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 2 November 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Skilz Academy are devoted to building a brighter future through sport - improving health & well-being, developing life skills, improving opportunity and building stronger communities. 

By impacting on our communities positively we believe that we will all benefit from a more motivated, confident, happier and healthier society.

For further information about Skilz Academy please visit www.www.skilzacademy.org.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Skilz Academy Data Roadmap Project

Project summary

Provide OR support to Skilz Academy to help them unlock actionable insight from data and to embed good data working practices that become part of ‘business as usual’ activities.  

Project description

The volunteer would be required to:

• Understand the current data collection (e.g UpShot App, feedback and evaluation forms) and analysis picture 
• Identify some key metrics that provide insight on audiences and beneficiaries
• Provide recommendations on data collection, storage, management, use and retention to maximise the value from Skilz Academy data in a compliant and sustainable way

The volunteer would ideally have some experience developing data strategy for organisations and working knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This project will run alongside another Skilz Academy project providing OR support to help re-visit and define their mission and values. Outputs from this data project could inform strategic discussions on the charity's vision. 

Location

Flexible - remote or in person depending on volunteer location. Skilz Academy is based in Arbroath, near Dundee, Scotland.

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Skilz Academy. An estimate of 5-7 days is suggested.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

As soon as possible.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 2 November 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Skilz Academy are devoted to building a brighter future through sport - improving health & well-being, developing life skills, improving opportunity and building stronger communities. 

By impacting on our communities positively we believe that we will all benefit from a more motivated, confident, happier and healthier society.

For further information about Skilz Academy please visit www.www.skilzacademy.org.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Impact measurement for health and well-being support

Project summary

Develop an approach for impact measurement of the health and well-being support services provided by Tonic Health.  

Project description

The aim of this project is to develop a framework for impact measurement for one of the key programmes the charity runs on dementia.  This programme provides support for those with dementia and their carers, such as food, entertainment, and support groups.

The volunteer will shape the approach for what quantitative and qualitative evidence would help measure impact of this programme, what key metrics might be, and how this evidence should be collected by the organisation. This will be developed through facilitated conversations or workshops with the staff and volunteers, and a desk review of existing approaches to health and well-being impact measurement in the NHS.

Project benefits for the organisation

Impact measurement will allow the charity to seek further funding, as well as share with the public and beneficiaries what value the dementia programme creates. This project will also enable the organisation to develop similar impact measurement approaches for their other programmes. 

Location

The volunteer will be able to conduct most/all of the work remotely and through video/phone calls.  It may be desirable for the volunteer to make one visit to the Tonic Health office in Spalding, Lincolnshire to experience the work of the charity. 

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Tonic Health. An estimate of 3 days is suggested.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

As soon as possible.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 2 November 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Tonic Health is charity community hub for health and well-being for south Lincolnshire and Boston. The aims of the charity are:

1. Provide high quality, cost-effective, sustainable healthcare services in a welcoming modern environment.
2. Create a point of access for information regarding health and well-being services, helping people to easily find the information they need, when they need it.
3. Foster strong links and effective collaboration with local groups, companies and organisations, both voluntary, community, statutory and commercial, all for mutual benefit.
4. Facilitate and promote local complementary and multi-disciplinary therapists and instructors.
5. To be seen as the go-to venue for health and well-being activities in South Holland.

For further information about Tonic Health please visit www.tonic-health.co.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Strategy development with Facial Palsy UK

Project summary

The volunteer will work with Facial Palsy UK to help them develop a strategic framework and set out its priorities.  

Project description

Facial palsy is a condition resulting from damage or absence or impairment of the facial nerve that supplies the muscles of facial function and expression. It affects blinking, closing the eye for sleep, eating and drinking, speech, smiling and frowning. 

Facial Palsy UK was set up in 2012, to offer support to the 100,000 people affected by facial palsy due to any cause. Its aims are:

• To increase awareness of facial palsy and its social, physical, and psychological consequences.
• To improve the physical and emotional health of adults and children with facial palsy.
• To promote diagnosis, acute and long-term management and rehabilitation of people living with facial palsy.

The charity has two members of staff and has been successful in developing support, advice and information services via its website and support services through its community of people with facial palsy, parents, family members, friends, and health professionals. However, some of the charity’s growth has been opportunistic, for example in response to the finance available from specific grants. It would be helpful for the charity to set out its priorities more clearly and focus its energies and fundraising on these, rather than try to do too much or spread its resources too thinly.

The charity wishes to take a longer-term, more strategic view of the development of its services, research projects and its efforts to get the facial palsy fully recognised by the NHS as a specific condition (and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic services accordingly).

The volunteer would work with the charity and its trustees to help them develop a strategic framework within which to set out its priorities for service development and research, including a funding strategy to support these priorities. The volunteer would be familiar with strategic planning, decision analysis and decision-making tools.

Project benefits for the organisation

Currently, the diagnosis and treatment services for people in the UK with facial palsy are patchy across the UK and some people are not getting the support and treatment they require. It takes on average 5.6 years from point of diagnosis for a person with facial palsy to reach a specialist. This project will help Facial Palsy UK to set priorities for developing services for people with facial palsy and enable it to set priorities for its work with the NHS and medical research community. 

Location

The project will be undertaken remotely, although one or two face-to-face meetings may be helpful at the beginning and end of the project, depending on the location of the volunteer. 

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Facial Palsy UK. 

The staff in the organisation expect to be busy from February 2023 and have more time to devote to supporting the project during the autumn of 2022. Ideally, the project will be completed in time for the charity to discuss the new strategy at its AGM in mid-January 2023.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

As soon as possible.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 2 November 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Facial Palsy UK’s mission is for every person in the UK affected by facial palsy to be given access to the best information, treatment and support available.

For further information about Facial Palsy UK please visit www.facialpalsy.org.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Hamelin Trust - Development of performance indicators and impact measures

Project summary

Review the effectiveness of a recently developed set of strategic KPIs and develop a new set of impact measurements.  

Project description

Hamelin Trust have a new Chief Executive and recently created an updated strategy and a set of supporting performance indicators. They would like help to review these KPIs to see if they are the right ones to enable the senior team to manage the charity and to provide suitable oversight for trustees. They don’t have a Theory of Change and, therefore, feel there is a need to develop an impact measurement system (which would be a sub-set of the organisational KPIs). Plans are underway to implement new IT systems (including CRM) and the trust has already reviewed their systems and processes as a precursor to this investment. The outputs from the proposed KPI/ToC project(s) would inform the design of new reporting systems but this falls outside the scope of work for the volunteer(s).

There is the potential to split this into two projects but recognising the dependencies between them. This could be suitable for two volunteers, or a small team who would address the full scope of requirements. 

The project(s) would require:

Project A: 

• A review of the current KPIs against the new strategy and comparison with, for example, a Balanced Scorecard model to check for completeness and alignment
• Recommendations for any new or amended KPIs for the senior team to manage the charity effectively and efficiently (including how the data could be collected from existing systems and processes)

Project B:

• A facilitated process to develop a Theory of Change, to identify more clearly where impact data needs to be collected/reported
• Recommendations for how the ToC data could be collected

Project benefits for the organisation

This will enable Hamelin Trust to ensure its resources are focused on delivering services that create the desired impact and support the senior management team in managing and improving the performance of the organisation. This will also make it easier to secure statutory and discretionary income; improving the charity’s financial sustainability. 

Location

Project can be carried out remotely but, if necessary, in-person workshops may be appropriate (Essex). 

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Hamelin Trust. An estimate for each project, potentially 4-6 days over 2-3 months.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

October 2022.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Monday 25th July 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Hamelin Trust is an Essex based charity that offers development, independence and high-quality personalised care for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

For further information about Hamelin Trust please visit www.hamelintrust.org.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Data for Impact at Carers' Support (Bexley)

Project summary

Facilitate the organisation to design a framework to identify desired outcomes and impacts for carers through better data collection and analysis. 

Project description

Carers' Support (Bexley) aims to relieve the physical, mental and material distress amongst unpaid carers in the London Borough of Bexley and Greenwich by providing flexible home-based respite care, support and information for such carers to assist the carers and their cared for person.

The aim of this project will be to develop a framework to clearly define the outcomes and impact of the organisation’s work and how these are achieved through better and more efficient data collection and analysis.  Working with the CEO of Carers' Support (Bexley) and teams within the organisation, the volunteer will design and facilitate workshop(s) to develop this framework, including quantitative and qualitative indicators and what data needs to inform this. 

This is designed to be a multi-stage programme of work, of which designing the framework is the first project.  Follow-up projects (outside the scope of this initial project) may include data collection and analysis, and how this can then be used for customer relationship management. There will be an opportunity for the volunteer to who undertakes the initial project to also apply to do the follow up projects if they wish, but there is no commitment to do so and developing the framework can be considered a standalone project.

Location

Carers' Support (Bexley) is based in London. The project will be a mix of in-person (Bexley, London) and remote/virtual working.

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Carers' Support (Bexley). An estimate of 5-7 days is suggested.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

August 2022.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Monday 23rd May 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Carers' Support (Bexley) have a simple vision; they want to make a real
difference to the lives of carers in Bexley and Greenwich. They are committed
to tackling the isolation and loneliness that many carers feel by providing
information, advice, support, respite and other services to those who dedicate
their lives to caring for their loved ones.

For further information about Carers' Support (Bexley) please visit www.carerssupport.org

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Refugee Roots - Design of impact measurement tools

Project summary

Conduct a review of current Impact Measurement and Theory of Change, and recommend tools to improve data collection from service users. 

Project description

Refugee Roots helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate the complexities of building a new life in the UK. 

They have an existing Monitoring and Evaluation framework, together with a Theory of Change. Funders regularly ask for evidence of the impact of the charity’s interventions and, while some feedback tools are used, it is felt there could be more effective ways to collect data regularly throughout service interventions. For example, it is challenging to collect weekly feedback from service users who may be vulnerable and for whom providing service feedback is not a priority and can feel “transactional”. 

The project would require:

• A review of the current monitoring and evaluation process, tools and reports to identify strengths and gaps
• A review and refresh of the Theory of Change, to identify more clearly where data needs to be collected/reported
• Recommendations for new data collection approaches/tools (for example through researching how other charities gather data from similar clients)
• Input into a “Vision Day” planned for some time in May

Location

The work can be done remotely.

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Refugee Roots.

Desired project start date

As soon as possible.

Desired project completion date

July 2022.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 25th May 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Refugee Roots is a Christian charity that helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate the complexities of building a new life in the UK.

Refugee Roots welcomes everyone, valuing each person and their culture, embracing equality and diversity while empowering and supporting those that need it most.

For further information about Refugee Roots please visit www.refugeeroots.org.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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

Support Marathon Kids UK – Track to the future!

Project Summary

Working with the Head of Operations, discuss and agree the most useful analyses and produce an automated reporting tool.

Project description

Marathon Kids UK organises runs both in schools and in parks. It has a bespoke system for automatic data recording but currently this necessitates manual copying and pasting into a spreadsheet. The organisation wants to consider what reporting will be most useful and automate this.

It is anticipated that the volunteer will:

• Discuss with the Managing Director, the Head of Operations and other stakeholders what statistics and reports would be most useful;
• Develop standard statistics and reports and discuss these;
• Develop an automated reporting tool that will take information from the database and produce statistics and reports in the agreed formats;
• Provide a user guide so that the Head of Operations can produce reports as required.

Skills required: the volunteer should have skills in programming, either VBA or R. Some experience of impact measurement and reporting would be useful.

Location

The work can be done remotely. A visit to the office in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, could be useful. 

Commitment

Time commitment to be determined by volunteer when completing detailed project proposal with Marathon Kids UK.

Desired project start date

Spring 2022.

Desired project completion date

Autumn 2022.

Apply

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com by Monday 9th May 2022.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities.

Information about the organisation

Marathon Kids UK inspires the next generation to become physically active through running. Marathon Kids UK believes that running has the power to show kids they can achieve more than they ever dreamed possible. The Marathon Kids UK programme and accompanying tracking systems encourages kids to set goals and run distances of multiple marathons over the course of an academic year.

For further information about Marathon Kids UK please visit www.marathonkids.co.uk

Information about Pro Bono OR

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