Connecting professional analysts with good causes - for free! Request support today

O.R. volunteers can help third sector organisations make better decisions, improve efficiency, improve effectiveness, and tackle the problems that are keeping their top team awake at night, applying scientific approaches to the organisations specific circumstances, people, data and needs.

To find our more or request support, please visit www.theorsociety.com/probono

This support is available to all UK based Third Sector organisations - please spread the word!

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 

New project with Pro Bono O.R. #volunteer #ThisisOR

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.

I am aware that many of the projects are based in London and the South West. This is due to lots of recommendations from successful projects in those areas. Where possible we highlight when projects or parts of projects can be carried out remotely to open up the opportunities to volunteers based around the country.

In order to help us get a better spread of projects around the country if you have contacts with third sector organisations who you think would be interested in receiving support please do pass on my details or email me for further information to pass on.

Help on your doorstep

Charitable objectives:  To improve the life opportunities of individuals and families that live in the Borough of Islington.

Main activities of the organisation:  Our core work is our door to door outreach and referral model called Connect. Connect aims to connect disadvantaged people with local services, addressing a wide range of issues, including: employment, welfare benefits, housing, financial hardship, skills and learning, debt, disability and mobility, fuel costs, volunteering, parenting and family support and health. Through Connect we help over 1,600 people per year, making around 3,600 referrals, and 1,100 further cases of direct support.

Project summary

Project: Planning investment in information systems: Review the charity’s information needs, the data they currently collect, and working practices to help them specify their future IS requirements.

Time commitment: minimum 5 days

Location: 2 days at the office (London, N1 8HX), the rest from home.

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 29th July

Please note this project is suitable for an individual, pair or team 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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Analysts: volunteer your skills for good causes with Pro Bono O.R.

Pro Bono O.R. is a scheme run by The OR Society that connects volunteer analysts with voluntary sector organisations across the UK to work on short term projects in order to assist them in making operational improvements. The aim of Pro Bono O.R. is to help third sector organisations to do a better job, impacting upon desired outcomes, and build capacity by using the skills of volunteer O.R. analysts and consultants. Types of projects include: data analysis, process improvement, strategic planning, risk analysis, efficiency improvement, decisions making, impact measurement, scheduling and business planning.

Volunteers can work on projects individually or as part of a team (you can apply individually and request to be part of a team). There is also a possibility to work with the support of a mentor. Benefits of volunteering include:

• Being involved in the whole project cycle
• Working in a different sector
• Building your CV
• New challenges
• Consultancy skills
• Team building
• Learning new skills
• Making a real difference

To hear what current volunteer analysts have to say please watch this short video.

Being a volunteer does not require any commitment, it just means you will receive information about projects that require volunteers.

For further information about O.R. and the ways in which it can help please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/probono

You can connect with Felicity McLeister, the project coordinator, on Twitter, LinkedIn and via her blog.

4 new projects requiring volunteer analysts

Spaces remaining for Volunteer Celebration & 4 projects requiring volunteers

With less than a month to go until the Volunteer Celebration please remember to register for your FREE place. Whether you have actively volunteered or are just currently registered and looking for an appropriate opportunity we appreciate your support and would like to invite you to this exclusive free event where you can hear more about the scheme over complimentary food and drinks. Further details and registration here.

Please find details of four projects below.  If you are unable to access the links please let me know and I can send you an attachment. 

Please note these projects are suitable for an individual, pair or team 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. 

miKind Online

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: Provide a platform with Online Global Interactive Map of community projects worldwide. Bring together communities worldwide and provide website features that facilitate knowledge and info sharing, collaborations and partnership opps.

Main activities of the organisation:  Social - Creating, Developing and Running online global community platform. Enterprise – Global Partnership Service at community level.

Project summary:

Project: Global partnership analysis of miKind registered NGO’s: miKind wants to develop analytics that will enable them to understand and better serve the different communities they work with.

Time commitment: approx. 5 days

Location:  Remote

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 Thursday 9th June.

Volunteer Centre Sutton

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: to advance education, protect health, relieve poverty, sickness and distress.

Main activities of the organisation:  See project scope.

Project summary:

Project: Analysing a Prescribed Volunteering Programme: Determining a spreadsheet model to be used for data collection and analysis as part of a project to assess the health benefits of volunteering.

Time commitment: approx. 5 days

Location:  Sutton SM1 1SJ (Mix of onsite and offsite meeting)

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 Thursday 2^nd June.

Islington Play Association (IPA)

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives to advance education of children and young adults in Islington and the surrounding area by offering appropriate play and learning facilities.

Main activities of the organisation: 

·        Campaigning for children’s right and freedom to play

·        Direct delivery of 6 adventure playgrounds and a children's centre in Islington

·        Support play providers in Islington

·        Dissemination of good practice

Project summary:

Project: Evidencing the adventure playgrounds' success: Harnessing the ability to accurately record visitor numbers to the adventure playgrounds, an essential measure of their success.

Time commitment: approx. 2-4 weeks depending on availability

Location:  Various sites across Islington

Note: This project would suit a team of junior analysts or students who could investigate the different playgrounds.

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 Thursday 2^nd June.

We are still looking for a volunteer for the following project (please note the deadline for applications has been extended).

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: to initiate and support action to change lives, strengthen communities and challenge inequalities across Chester-le-Street and the wider surrounding area.

Main activities of the organisation:  Bullion Hall is a community centre which hosts activities e.g. parent and toddler groups for approx. 800 people per weeks as well as providing office space to a number of local charities.

Project summary:

Project: Demonstrating impact: To examine the activities that currently take place in our community centre and identify how these impact upon participants and whether this can be illustrated as a financial return so that we can present this evidence to funders and commissioners. (Happy for the volunteer to decide on the best approach).

Time commitment: approx. 5 days

Location:  County Durham, DH2 2DW (Mix of onsite and offsite meeting)

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 Thursday 2^nd June.

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 or follow me on:  twitter & LinkedIn

Felicity McLeister

Pro Bono O.R. Project Manager

The OR Society

Direct Tel +44 (0)121 234 7826, Main Tel +44 (0)121 233 9300

Pro bono blog: http://probonoor.blogspot.co.uk/

New project with Pro Bono O.R.

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:

Bullion Community Resource Centre

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: to initiate and support action to change lives, strengthen communities and challenge inequalities across Chester-le-Street and the wider surrounding area.

Main activities of the organisation:  Bullion Hall is a community centre which hosts activities e.g. parent and toddler groups for approx. 800 people per weeks as well as providing office space to a number of local charities. Planning permission has been granted to extend the building (cost £600k) and are currently exploring how we can take this forward. In November we took on a community café operating in Bullion Hall since 2005 from Durham County Council. We now employ a care coordinator and have responsibility for service users (adults with learning disabilities) referred by DCC for which we are paid. We need to ensure that this café can operate a surplus

Project summary:

Project: Demonstrating impact: To examine the activities that currently take place in our community centre and identify how these impact upon participants and whether this can be illustrated as a financial return so that we can present this evidence to funders and commissioners. (Happy for the volunteer to decide on the best approach).

Time commitment: approx. 5 days

Location:  County Durham, DH2 2DW (Mix of onsite and offsite meeting)

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 Thursday 26^th May.

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

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Three new projects requiring YOUR help

With the good news about Pro Bono O.R. spreading and the fantastic outcomes of projects being shared, the request for support is increasing. We currently have three organisations that have requested support.

The projects require the help of professionals who work in operational research, analytics or related professions.

You can find details of all the projects below. 

Nb. All projects are suitable for an individual, pair or team 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.

IMARA CIC

Information about the organisation:

Imara CIC provides early intervention support to a yearly average of 100 new individuals (child victims and their safe family members) after a disclosure of sexual abuse. 

Main activities of the organisation: 

·         Trauma Care Worker Legal

·         Trauma Care Worker Therapist

·         Trauma Care Worker Advocate

Our service provides a systemic approach to all safe family members, recognising that the impact affects everyone.

Project summary:

Project: Evaluating Impact: To help IMARA assess their impact and cost-effectiveness, building on previous work by New Philanthropy Capital.

Time commitment: Min. 5 days

Location:  West Bridgford, Nottingham (Mix of remote and on-site working).

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 2^nd March.

Disability Law Service

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: To challenge the poverty and inequality disabled people face by securing equal access to legal rights and entitlements

Main activities of the organisation: 

·         To ensure that disabled people have access to high quality, specialist legal services.

·         To improve awareness and understanding of the legal rights of disabled people and the range of legal and advice services available to them.

To challenge discrimination and exclusion by enforcing and strengthening laws that protect the opportunities, choices and legal rights of disabled people.

Project summary:

Project: Evaluation of our MS project in order to better understand a) the outcomes for our service users with MS and b) more about the experience of using our service. This evaluation will help us to both promote the service to new funders and partners, but also to identify areas for service improvement. 

Time commitment: Approx. 6-10 days dependent on approach

Location:  This project can be carried out remotely. (London, Vauxhall)

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 2^nd March.

Transformational Cornwall

Information about the organisation:

Charitable objectives: Focus on supporting anti-poverty work across Cornwall

Main activities of the organisation: 

·         1:1 bespoke support

·         Meet the Funders (MTF) programme

·         Follow-up workshops in response to identified need

Project  summary:

Project: Develop a clear quantitative and qualitative picture of current areas of poverty and deprivation in Cornwall and their nature

Time commitment: Approx. 5-7 days

Location:  Truro, TR4 9NH (mix of remote and on-site working)

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 2^nd March.

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

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New projects with The National Autistic Society

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

The National Autistic Society have requested support for two projects.  Please see the details below:

National Autistic Society

Information about the organisation:

Providing information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.

Main activities of the organisation:  http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/about-us/impact.aspx

Project summary:

Project 1: Analysis of surveys and “intelligence”: Analysis of existing client data from surveys and social media to build a better understanding of autistic people’s needs.

Time commitment: Approx. 5-6 days

Location:  London (EC1V 1NG). Some on-site time to agree project requirements and to access current sources of data. Most work can be done off-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 Monday 15^th February.

Project 2: Analysis of helpline capacity and demand: Data collection and analysis of helpline demand and capacity to identify ways to improve resource allocation.

Time commitment: Approx. 6-8 days over 2-3 months, depending on the length of time required for data gathering to understand current performance.

Location:  London (EC1V 1NG). Some on-site time to agree project requirements and to develop data collection approaches with staff. Most work can be done off-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 Monday 15^th February.

These projects are 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.  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.

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

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