JEC Professional Services is offering 5 free days consultancy a to 3rd Sector organisation

John Eary, a pro bono O.R. volunteer, set up JEC Professional Services 5 years ago to provide informed, impartial advice on new ways of working. To celebrate this anniversary, and to encourage the take up of new ways of working, he is offering 5 free days of his consultancy time, excluding travel expenses at cost. This offer is open to registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

Click this link Free consultancy for New Ways of Working for more information.

Further information about agile working can be read on John's LinkedIn blog 

Using scientific approaches to improve an organisation’s effectiveness

“Using scientific approaches to improve an organisation’s effectiveness”

- Pro Bono O.R. (Operational Research)

What is Pro Bono O.R.?


Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme that was launched by The OR Society in 2013 that places volunteer analysts in short term projects with third sector organisations across the UK to assist them in making operational improvements.


Operational Research uses a scientific approach to improve an organisations effectiveness. Areas include: strategy, systems, processes, operations and decision-making.

Benefits of free professional support

Third Sector organisations face extremely complex decisions about the direction they should take and how to allocate scarce resources. These are some of the common issues that organisations we’ve spoken with face:

· ‘We have lots of different options for the future but it’s impossible to decide which to choose in such uncertain times.’

· ‘We’re under huge pressure to do more with less, and we don’t know how we’re going to do it.’

· ‘It’s hard to stay objective when we’re faced with such emotionally charged decisions.’

· ‘We know we’re doing a good job – but how can we prove it?’


Time is always a pressure, especially in the third sector and we are often under pressure to ‘do more with less’. Collating and analysing data, planning strategy, improving processes and measuring impact are all areas that require time and in many cases specialist skills. Pro Bono O.R. can provide the time and the skills.


Don’t just trust us

“I would recommend to other charities looking for consultants to deliver operational projects that they reach out to Pro Bono O.R. in the first instance – securing first class consultants/volunteers who will deliver a project for free is something that no charity should overlook!”                      Head of Fundraising & Strategy

“Pro Bono O.R. developed a resource planning tool that can be used to generate new ideas and ways of working and create a budget plan for 2014/2015 academic year and beyond.”
Chief Executive 

"We are enormously grateful for being able to benefit from the advice and support of such a knowledgeable and experienced professional, who was able to raise challenging issues in a sensitive and helpful way"
Performance manager 

So far…

Since launching in September 2013, Pro Bono O.R. has completed over forty projects and is currently working with a further twenty organisations. We have over 350 volunteers across the UK and these range from retired professionals to analysts in their early career, consultants and others in the O.R./analytics profession who either volunteer in their own time, are given company time or a mixture of both. Ninety of those volunteers have already worked/are working on projects and many more are eager to get involved with helping support third sector organisations.


Here are some of the issues the projects we’ve already completed have addressed:


· Strategic planning/review

· Impact measurement

· Process improvement

· Data analysis

· Business planning

· Efficiency improvement

· Options appraisal

· Decision making

· scheduling


To see all the projects we’ve work on and read the case studies please visit: Case studies


What next?


For further information about O.R. and the ways in which is can help please read: O.R. and the Third Sector

For more information about the scheme, to see case studies and to request support, please visit the webpage.

Great feedback from Diabetes UK

A team of volunteers has recently finish a project with Diabetes UK (case study slide to follow shortly).

This is what Diabetes UK had to say at the end of the project:

'I would recommend to other charities looking for consultants to deliver operational projects that they reach out to O.R. in the first instance – securing first class consultants/volunteers who will deliver a project for free is something that no charity should overlook!'

Here's what the had to say about the volunteers:

'The team were able to pull out the key issues that were causing delays/duplication within our processes and systems and make a wide range of recommendations for us to deliver on. They were really easy to communicate with and took on board feedback from us at various stages and were dedicated to helping us achieve our goals.'

This is what they said about the difference it would make:

'We now have a raft of recommendations to deliver that will help us reduce inefficiencies in our processes. It has also highlighted areas for us to spend more time evaluating and we will now take them forward. Ultimately, this work will help us provide a better standard of supporter care to all donors across the charity.'

All the Pro Bono O.R. volunteers are doing a great job and making a significant difference.

To find out more and to see how to get involved, please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx

Pro Bono O.R. - some important information

I have a few requests as well as some important information to pass on.

Firstly the South West O.R. group (part of The OR Society) has asked if Pro Bono O.R. would give a talk at one of its events in late Feb/early March.  As well as giving an overview of the scheme I am looking for a couple of volunteers who could talk for 15 minutes about why they joined the scheme and about a project they are working on/have worked on (what they have/are doing) and the impact it has.  The event will be in Cardiff at 5:45pm on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.  Please let me know by the end of November if you'd be interested (travel expenses will be covered).  

Additionally The OR Society has other Regional Society Groups across the country as well as Special Interest Groups (SIGS) who would be interested to hear from volunteers, please get in touch if you would be happy to present at one of these groups (pleased note you do not need to be a member of The OR Society).

Secondly I have created a LinkedIn group for volunteers and those interested in Pro Bono O.R. https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=8422271&trk=my_groups-tile-grp Please do sign up, the purpose of the group is to provide a space for updates, discussion, support, advice and to for members to post relevant information.

Thirdly please do share the news about Pro Bono O.R., both to analytical professionals who might want to get involved and to third sector organisations you may have connections with.  We just completed our 40^th project this week and the scheme continues to go from strength to strength.  If you do have connections with a third sector organisation who you think would benefit from Pro Bono O.R. support please do get in touch and I can pass on an information pack.


Lastly, I’d just like to say a big thank you for your continued support of the scheme. The feedback I get from both volunteers and the organisations we work with is overwhelmingly positive – the time you give really does make a huge difference!

What is Pro Bono O.R.?

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme that was launched by The OR Society in 2013 (a pilot scheme started in 2011) that places skills-based volunteers in short term projects with third sector organisations across the UK to assist them in making operational improvements.


Operational Research in a nut shell helps managers make more effective decisions. It is a very broad spectrum and there is usually a way in which it can be applied whether that is increasing efficiency, helping to reduce costs, plan strategy or demonstrate impact.

Since launching in September 2013 the scheme has completed 35 projects with organisations such as RSPCA, Diabetes UK, Work for Us, Elfrida Rathbone Cambden, The Disability Law Service, Parentskool CIC and many more. We work with all types of third sector organisations ranging from large national organisations down to small community groups. We are currently working on 20 projects and have a further 15 in the initial interest stages.

Volunteers are operational research/analytical professionals. These vary from people in their early career to those who are retired. Some work on projects in their own time, others are given volunteer days by their company and some do a mixture of both. Volunteers can work as individuals, pairs or teams on projects.
Pro Bono O.R. volunteers can make a huge difference in a small amount of time by using their skills to enable organisation to make more effective decisions and as a result help them become more efficient.

Projects vary greatly and as a result so do the skills we are looking for in our volunteer analysts. Skills  include: data analysis, data mining, database design, decision analysis, facilitation, financial analysis, forecasting, logistics, mentoring/coaching, modelling, optimisation, performance measurement, problem structuring, programming, project management, regression, risk analysis, scheduling, simulation, statistical analysis, strategic planning/development, system dynamics etc.

The projects vary in length of time from half a day to over a week and can be spread out over a period of time. The types of projects so far have involved: impact measurement, data analysis, efficiency improvement, options appraisal, strategic planning/review, scheduling and process improvement.

Signing up as a volunteer does not require any commitment, volunteers are added to the volunteers database and then receive emails as and when projects become available. Volunteers can then choose to delete the email (which are currently around 4 per month) or if they would like to apply for a project, volunteers are asked to send in a CV and short application form. Volunteers can work individually, as teams and can also be paired up with a mentor if they require some support.


New projects are advertised every month and volunteer applications must be received by a specific date (typically two weeks after the project is advertised) but the timings of the projects are flexible and to be agreed between the volunteer and the organisation.

For more information about the scheme, to sign up as a volunteer, register you support to receive Pro Bono O.R. support and to see the projects we have worked on so far please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx

Send me an email
Follow me on Twitter
Connect with me on LinkedIn

Volunteer(s) required for scheduling project #thisisOR #ORblog

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

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme run by The OR Society that offers free support to third sector organisations in the UK. 

Please find details of new projects below that we are seeking volunteers for.

Emmaus Mossley

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: At Emmaus Mossley we offer a home, work, companionship and personal development opportunities to previously homeless and unemployed people. The project finances itself by collecting, refurbishing, and selling donated goods such as furniture, bric-a-brac, antiques, electrical appliances, clothing, books, toys, etc.

Main activities of the organisation:

·         Providing a home, work, companionship and personal development opportunities to 24 previously homeless and unemployed people.

·         Operating a recycling and re-use enterprise.

·         Generating funds to assist others in greater need.

Project summary:

Project: Scheduling: Help to devise a computerised work-scheduling system which will save staff time and allow rapid response to changed circumstances.

Time commitment: Phase 1: approx. 5 days

Phase 2: dependent on phase 1 (volunteers do not have to be able to commit to both   phases.  A second volunteer could be found to do this if necessary)

Location:  Mossley (Greater Manchester) One day required on site, the rest can be done 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 Wednesday 23^rd September 2015.

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

We are still looking for volunteers for the following two projects:

Disability Rights UK

(Although the deadline is tomorrow if you are interested please let me know by midday (GMT) tomorrow and late applications will be considered)

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives:

·         Mobilise disabled people’s leadership and control – in our own lives, our organisations and society.

·         Achieve independent living in practice.

·         Break the link between disability and poverty.

·         Put disability equality and human rights into practice across society.

Main activities of the organisation: disability rights, policy and campaigning, putting information in the hands of disabled people through advice lines and publications e.g. Disability Rights Handbook and DR UK website

Project summary:

Project: Develop a consistent approach to impact measurement: Review existing approaches to gathering, analysing and reporting impact data in order to recommend a more consistent and “modern” approach.

Time commitment: approx. 6-9 days

Location:  London

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 Wednesday 9^th September 2015.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer or pair 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.  Lastly, if you are interested in working on a project but cannot meet the deadline specified please do register your interest in the first instance before the deadline.

Selby Trust

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives:

To promote for the benefit of the public resident in the London Borough of Haringey and neighbouring areas without distinction of sex, race, colour or political or religious or other opinions

Main activities of the organisation: The Selby Trust manages The Selby Centre which encompasses the diversity of Haringey and aims to include everyone. It is an inclusive space for local people in an area of high deprivation that brings together a rich mix of individuals and organisations, primarily from BME, refugee and other historically marginalised communities.

The Selby Centre is used by over 500 visitors a day accessing programmes either run by the Selby Trust, its 39 onsite organisations or delivered by the 100+ social enterprises, environmental projects, charities, not-for-profits, sports groups, employability support organisations and faith groups in its network.

Project summary:

Project: Impact measurement: The Trust seeks an analyst who can critique how well they measure impact against their plans to date and work with them to develop an holistic framework of impact measurement along with the identification of any further measures/indicators and further development of their databases to support measuring impact. 

Time commitment: approx. 5 days

Location:  London (mix of remote and onsite working required)

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 Monday 14^th September 2015.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer or pair 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.  Lastly, if you are interested in working on a project 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.

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

Felicity McLeister

O.R. Pro Bono Project Manager
Direct Tel +44 (0)121 234 7826, Main Tel +44 (0)121 233 9300

Webpages that may be of interest:

http://probonoor.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx
http://www.LearnAboutOR.co.uk
http://www.ScienceofBetter.co.uk

Free tool available: VRP Spreadsheet Solver

Many thanks to Dr Gunes Erogan for making this free resource available.  Please see all the details below:

VRP Spreadsheet Solver is a freely available open-source tool for representing, solving, and visualising the results of Vehicle Routing Problems. VRP Spreadsheet Solver runs on Excel, an interface most businesses use or are at least comfortable with. 

The main challenge of logistics problems, driving distances and durations are acquired through a public Geographical Information System (GIS), facilitating its use. 

Using VRP Spreadsheet Solver, it is possible to:

     

•    Define the location of the home base (depot) of the fleet and the locations of the customers
• 
  
•      Convert the addresses of the depot and the customer locations to coordinates
• 
  
•      Compute the driving times and distances between all locations
• 
  
•      Define multiple types of vehicles with the associated operating costs and capacities
• 
  
•     Manually define your service routes by choosing customer locations from drop-down menus
• 
  
•      Visualise the solution on a map supplied by a GIS
• 
  
•      Use the solver to find low-cost (or high profit) routes.

Upon free registration, VRP Spreadsheet Solver can be downloaded from the web site of the Working Group on Vehicle Routing and Logistics Optimization within EURO, the Association of the European Operational Research Societies (VeRoLog) at http://verolog.deis.unibo.it/vrp-spreadsheet-solver. 

A video tutorial is available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enCBp2lBn64. 

The developer of the file (Dr Gunes Erdogan, G.Erdogan@bath.ac.uk) is willing to provide free basic consultancy for its use through e-mail and Skype, in exchange of letters of support and acknowledgement.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VRPSpreadsheetSolver?ref=hl  

Strategy planning and database insight: #skilledvolunteering for two projects

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

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme run by The OR Society that offers free support to third sector organisations in the UK. 

Please find details of a new project below.

Hope North East

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: Hope North East exists to inspire, motivate, empower and support all those affected by substance misuse, to sustain long term recovery and lasting positive change.

Main activities of the organisation: We have a variety of funding from grants and a sub-contracting relationship. We provide psychosocial support through individual and groupwork, we have a housing team and provide supported housing and tenancy support. We have a volunteer coordinator with 34 volunteers as part of the organisation. We have 20 staff and 15fte.

Other relevant information: Hope North East started as a CIC and achieved charity status 2 years ago, it has had a rapid growth spurt 18 months ago which has left areas of the organisation in need of development and modernization. There is no strategy in place and I feel we need support to work up the beginnings of a strategy which informs future workstreams.

Project summary:

Project: Facilitating strategy planning: To aid the CEO, trustees and staff to develop a 3-year strategic plan

Time commitment: approx. 2 days

Location:  Middleborough

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 Monday 31^st August 2015.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer or pair 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.  Lastly, if you are interested in working on a project but cannot meet the deadline specified please do register your interest in the first instance before the deadline.

We are still looking for volunteers for the following project:

Big Issue

Information about the organisation:

Main activities of the organisation: Enabling Big Issue vendors to access a wide range of ‘support’ agencies that will help them journey away from homelessness.

Charitable objectives: The relief of poverty with particular reference to the needs of homeless persons.

Other relevant information: Big Issue are seeking to gain further insights into the data that we hold on our supporters which, in turn, we hope leads to further growth again regular committed income (monthly direct debits) and seasonal appeals. The CRM database that we use is ‘Raiser’s Edge’

Project summary:

Project: Gaining insight from a CRM database: To analyse supporter data held on a Raiser’s Edge CRM database to gain insights that will help identify and target opportunities to grow income.

Time commitment: approx. 2 ½ days on site

Location:  London (SW8 2LN)

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 Monday 17^th August 2015.

This project is suitable for an individual volunteer or pair 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.  Lastly, if you are interested in working on a project 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.

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

Kind regards

Felicity McLeister

O.R. Pro Bono Project Manager

(Mon, Tue & Wed)
Direct Tel +44 (0)121 234 7826, Main Tel +44 (0)121 233 9300

If you are not already a member of The OR Society and are interested in joining please visit https://www.theorsociety.com/ or send an email to carol.smith@theorsociety.com

Additionally you may be interested in becoming a member of our Third Sector Special Interest Group (ORiTS). For more details visit:  https://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/SpecialInterest/ORThirdSector.aspx

Other webpages that may be of interest:

http://probonoor.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/Probono/Probono.aspx
http://www.LearnAboutOR.co.uk
http://www.ScienceofBetter.co.uk

Pro Bono O.R. Summer newsletter #ORblog

The OR Society: Pro Bono O.R. (Summer newsletter - Issue 3)

 Twitter        LinkedIn       Webpage        Email

Promoting Pro Bono O.R.

IFOS (International Federation of Operational Research Societies) has been promoting Pro Bono O.R.

in its quarterly newsletters.

In March it published a case study carried out with Crimestoppers: ‘Pro Bono O.R. delivers quick response to call centre problem’ which can be found on page 12 http://ifors.org/newsletter/ifors-march2015.pdf

In the latest edition it published a case study with HARCVS: ‘Pro Bono O.R. addressing loneliness in rural North Yorkshire' which can be found on page 11 http://ifors.org/web/june-2015-newsletter/

Career Volunteer’s sister company Charity People helped to increase the profile of Pro Bono O.R. by publishing a blog explaining how Pro Bono O.R. can help third sector organisations in the UK. 

 

Pro Bono O.R. offers free consultancy services to third sector organisations across the UK. The OR Society wants more organisations to benefit from operational research and recognises that third sector organisations have an even greater need to be more efficient. Organisations may seek a wide range of operational improvements:

• Strategic planning/review
• Impact measurement
• Process improvement
• Data analysis
• Business planning
• Efficiency improvement
• Options appraisal
• Decision making

Whatever the aim, O.R. can offer the flexibility and adaptability to provide objective help.
Visit: Pro Bono O.R.  for more information or send an email to Felicity McLeister to request Pro Bono O.R. support.

Volunteer Experience

Are you considering skilled volunteering? Wonder what it might be like? This guest blog from Sarah Culkin tells you about her experience of Pro Bono O.R. with Harrogate and Rippon CVS.
http://probonoor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/addressing-loneliness-in-rural-north.html

                                    

The findings will help inform forward planning for this service and also help to support funding bids’ CEO

 Have you got a story to tell?  If so I’d love to hear from you and would happily publish the article as a guest blog and promote via my social media channels.

With the initiative growing we are always on the lookout for new volunteers.  If you know of any individuals or organisations that would like to get involved with skilled volunteering please ask them to contact Felicity McLeister or complete the online volunteer details form.

Third sector SIG

The OR Society has a Third Sector special interest group that puts on events three to four times a year.  This year the Spring Seminar looked at ‘Services to Young People’ that included talks from four Pro Bono O.R. volunteers who had carried out projects with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, The Childhood trust, Elfrida Rathbone and AYME.  The latest event hosted a talk by Tom Cherrett - O.R. & Oxfam: optimising donation bank collections using remote monitoring sensors.  Both writes ups and video (OR & Oxfam) can be found here

Skilled volunteering really makes a difference

Thank you for the feedback from Noise Solution.  It’s always great to get such positive feedback about the work our volunteers are doing: 

'The commitment shown to the idea of the project was excellent. The volunteer did a really good job of understanding what was required. He produced some excellent work, which looked visually great and has been instrumental in me being able to demonstrate clearly the impacts that we are achieving with Noise Solution.'

Project updates

Since the start of the year we have completed 9 projects including Noise Solution, Parentskool and CALM (keep an eye on the webpage for the case study slides).  We have had 26 new enquires and have started 12 new projects which includes The Care Forum, Extra Care and St Michael’s Fellowship.

Thank you for all your support.

Felicity McLeister