New Pro Bono OR Project: City of London, Partnership for Young London .

Partnership for Young London Project

Vision for Young Londoners 

Project:

To aid Partnership for Young London (PYL) to identify a key issue for young Londoners and build a data model aiming to influence youth policy.

Project description:

PYL has been working with a range of key partners to develop the Vision for Young Londoners; this seeks to develop a policy platform for London looking at what organisations can do collectively to help young people’s transitions into adulthood. One of the key issues across the region is not the paucity of data but the fact that there is so much data and currently there is no way of looking at cross-cutting or overlapping themes and future projections across one group.  The aim of this project is to do a data modelling exercise for a key issue for young people for the region, looking at existing data sources and assessing how these can be used more effectively to support service planning in the future. This data is from a range of sources such as the Greater London Authority, London Councils, NHS London, London funders. What is missing from all of this is an overlapping of the data to tell partners how to set priorities for the future.

The needs and issues of young people across London are wide, covering areas such as employment, housing and homelessness, demand for and availability of school places. There is a need to identify key areas of major importance to young Londoners and where there are gaps in data. Once a key area has been identified, a research exercise focusing on this will identify available data, develop a data model and showcase to the Greater London Authority as a proof of concept. 

It is anticipated that the volunteer will:
1. Have a project initiation meeting with PYL and obtain available documentation
2. Facilitate a workshop with PYL and key partners to identify a major issue for young Londoners where there are gaps in data
3. Review the key data sources for this area and develop a data model
4. Demonstrate this data model to the Greater London Authority and major partners

Requirements: 
1. experience with facilitation 
2. skilled with data and data modelling


Experience of working with the third sector would be helpful but is not necessary. 

Time commitment:  7 days over 3 months

This project would suit a team of two or more volunteers. Please state on your application if you would be willing to work with another volunteer on this project. 

Location: It is expected that much of the work analysing the data provided could be carried out remotely, however, the volunteer would need to visit the PYL offices (Guildhall London EC2V 7HH) for the project initiation meeting, facilitation of the workshop and the presentation of the data model. 

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 Tuesday 12^th February.

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: 

Partnership for Young London believes in a future where every young person’s right to wellbeing is recognised and fulfilled. With young people making up a quarter of London’s population, we have to respect that they are crucial to its future. PYL is uniquely placed in the region to connect, develop and influence the policy and delivery of services for young people and acts as a unified voice for London. We provide market intelligence across the various key stakeholders, sharing intelligence, information and data about services for young people, both in terms of the current situation and how they can be improved.

For further information about the food poverty working group please visit http://www.partnershipforyounglondon.org.uk or email Sharon.Long@cityoflondon.gov.uk

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

New Pro Bono OR Project: Lancaster Food Poverty Working Group

Food Poverty Working Group Project

Investigating data on food poverty in Lancaster and the surrounding District

Project:

Several sources of data need to be combined to understand the extent and location of food poverty in Lancaster and District.

Project description:

As a first step in seeking to plan future provision to meet needs arising from food poverty, the working group of interested parties, including several food banks, will need to have a clear understanding of the extent and location of the need.  Data, both quantitative and qualitative, will be available from several sources and needs to be brought together to provide an accurate picture. Guidance in designing questionnaires will also be appreciated. 

Time commitment:  12 days.

Location: It is expected that much of the work analysing the data provided can be carried out remotely, however, it is hoped that the volunteer would be able to attend working group meetings, once a month in Morecambe. This may be possible via skype.  

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 Friday 8^th February.

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: 

Council Plan 2018-2022 Work with others to address food poverty, work to alleviate food poverty across Lancaster and the surrounding district. The city council are working closely with a number of third sector organisations to develop a food poverty action plan. 

For further information about the food poverty working group please contact Richard Walsh, email rwalsh@lancaster.gov.uk

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

New Pro Bono OR Project: Compassion UK

Compassion UK Project

Achieving insights into the effectiveness of Sponsor interactions and identifying opportunities for improving the efficiency

Project:

To recommend and develop a performance measurement approach that will enable CUK to quality assure and improve continuously its processes and interactions with sponsors (supporters).

Project description:

Compassion UK wish to achieve insights into the effectiveness of their interactions with sponsors and ways to improve these, as well as identifying opportunities for improving the efficiency of sponsor-focused operational processes. Ideally this project would also aid with the quality assurance of sponsor-oriented processes. 

Project outputs should include:

• Recommendations on what CUK should measure and how the associated data could be collected; e.g. definition of KPIs, sources of data, sample sizes, analysis and presentation

• Example reporting tool(s); e.g. dashboard
• Recommendations for future actions/developments; e.g. process changes, systems opportunities

 To achieve this, it is envisaged that the project will follow the following key stages:

1. Agree Project Definition with CUK Sponsor (Louise Bland)
2. Confirm definition and scope of processes
3. Review existing process measurement and reporting system
4. Review other sponsor feedback data
5. Propose KPIs for sponsor process QA
6. If appropriate, develop example reporting tool(s)
7. Prepare and present report for CUK; final sign-off by sponsor

Time commitment:  5 days.

Location: It is expected that much of the work can be carried out remotely, however, an initial meeting with the CUK project sponsor and the presentation of the final report would ideally be done face to face at CUK's offices in Hampshire, GU51 2UT. Conversations with CUK staff (e.g. Engagement Centre), and check-in meetings with CUK sponsor can both be carried out online or by phone. 

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 18th April.

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: 

Compassion is a leading children’s charity that aim to empower every child left vulnerable by poverty. Their approach to fighting poverty is highly focused and personal. For 66 years, they have been giving children the opportunity to escape the suffering and fear poverty brings. CUK work in partnership with local churches in developing countries, and link a child in critical need with a caring sponsor in the UK. Each sponsor enables CUK to provide exceptional care for their sponsored child through every stage of their childhood.

For further information about Compassion UK please visit https://www.compassionuk.org or email LouiseB@compassionuk.org

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

New Pro Bono OR Project: Citizens Advice North Lancashire

Citizens Advice North Lancashire Project

Data Analysis of Demand for Services

Project:

To analyse data concerning the services provided, with the ultimate intention of providing help to more effectively match volunteers to clients

Project description:

Citizens Advice North Lancashire are concerned to more effectively match the supply of volunteers with the demand from clients.  To achieve this, it is envisaged that two projects may be necessary.  The first, which is the project proposed here, is to understand the patterns of demand for advice in the areas of welfare, debt and housing etc. It is hoped that this may lead to a project in which the data is used to give advice on how best to organize the services provided.

Time commitment:  10 days.

Location: It is expected that much of the data required can be provided from the national Citizens Advice database, Casebook.  At the premises an initial discussion with the Operations Manager, and observation of one of the two centres at Lancaster and Morecambe would be required (perhaps 0.5 days), and a closing presentation/discussion of the results would be expected (0.5 days). 

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 Wednesday 5^th December.

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: 

Citizens Advice North Lancashire offers free, confidential, up to date information and advice to those living, working or studying in Morecambe, Lancaster, Heysham and the surrounding area. Their service aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and equally to improve the policies and practices that affect peoples lives. 

For further information about Citizens Advice North Lancashire, please visit http://www.northlancashirecab.org.uk or email adamg@northlancashirecab.org.uk

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

New Pro Bono OR Project: Project Girl Foundation

Project Girl Foundation
Impact Measurement and Business Planning

Project:

To help new charity Project Girl Foundation develop a solid basis for future Impact Measurement through developing a framework based on Theory of Change, and a business plan to see it through the first 18-24 months of operations

Project description:

It is anticipated that the work will include:

1. Impact measurement: the volunteer should work with the trustees to establish an outline Theory of Change and use that to identify sensible outcome measures and how they should be used to assess the charity’s impact.

2. Improve the robustness of the short-term business plan: help the trustees to review their activities to make sure they are confident that these are the right activities, that each has a reasonable time frame, clear purpose and target outcome; and review the resource plan to make sure resources (in particular finance) will be available when needed. A spreadsheet model of high-level financial inflows and outflows over time is likely to be useful, to enable exploration of ‘what-if’ questions such as whether or not certain grants are received, or the future financial commitment implied by steps such as buying trucks or employing staff.

Skills required: workshop facilitation; financial modelling; knowledge of impact measurement/theory of change or ability rapidly to get to grips with that; business or project planning

This may suit two volunteers, dividing the work between them. Please say when applying, if you are only interested in doing one or the other part of the project. 

Time commitment: 

Initially 5 days: 

• 2-3 days to produce high-level Theory of Change and recommended measures, and
• 2-3 days to review business plan and provide simple spreadsheet

If more detailed work is needed, that can be arranged by the volunteer(s) or a follow-on project can be specified

Location: The project needs some face-to-face time with trustees, estimated at 1-2 hours for initial meeting to decide exactly what is to be done; 2 x 2-3 hour workshops to review Theory of Change and business plan respectively; and 2 hours for reporting at the end. The volunteer can work remotely for the rest of the time.

NOTE: If all trustees are to be involved, the meetings may need to be in the evening rather than during the working day in London, SW9 6EX

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 Monday 19^th November.

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: 

The Project Girl Foundation aims to transform girls’ education and empower them by providing them with sufficient skills and resources to enrich their lives and the lives of their families. The Foundation To empower girls from poor and deprived areas in rural Nigeria via education by building schools, providing effective family planning, teaching and implementing self-reliance and continuous professional development for all teaching staff.

For further information about the Project Girl Foundation, please visit www.projectgirlfoundation.com or email info@projectgirlfoundation.com

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

New Pro Bono OR Project: RFSA Foundation Project

Royal Female School of Art (RFSA) Foundation Project

Strategy and business planning

Project:

To help the Board with the creation of a short and long-term strategy, and a business plan to accompany this.

Project description:

It is anticipated that the work will include:

• A meeting with Cat Armstrong, the secretary & grants manager, to gain information about the charity, its activities and the available documentation
• Aiding the planning of a Strategy Away Day for the Board which is scheduled for 29/10/2018 (10am-4pm) in - central London
• Facilitation of the Strategy Away Day
• Writing up a summary of the outcomes of the Away Day

Once the new strategy has been agreed upon by the Board, it would be helpful if the volunteer were able to consider how the impact of this could best be measured. Alternatively, this may involve a second follow-up project.

Requirements: experience with facilitation and strategic planning

Time commitment: 4 days for the core tasks (extra days would be needed to examine impact measurement).

Location: The volunteer would need an initial face-to-face meeting in central London and would also need to attend the Away Day. All other work and communication could be carried out remotely.

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 Monday 17^th September.

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: 

The Royal Female School of Art Foundation (RFSA) is a small grant-giving charity based in central London. The Foundation provides grants (via colleges and universities) in order to support art and design students living or studying in Greater London.

For further information about the RFSA Foundation, please visit http://www.rfsafoundation.org/  or email admin@rfsafoundation.org

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

NEW Pro Bono OR Project: Acknowledging Youths CIC

Acknowledging Youths Project

Activity Impact Measurement Analysis

Project:

Measure the impact of activities and services Acknowledging Youths CIC provide, in support of gaining funding and creating a strategy for continuous improvement.

Project description:

Acknowledging Youths CIC (Community Interest Company) support young people experiencing disadvantage to attain employment. This support includes training (assertiveness, time management, customer care, communication) CV writing, and interview skills. This service is achieved primarily through government and community based funding.

In any competitive environment, it is important to be able to provide details of demonstrable services and quantify their impact.

Acknowledging Youths CIC has collated data from all its activities. This data can be used to support bidding for future funding and also to support the development and growth of their strategic plan.

A volunteer is required to conduct an impact measurement analysis of the existing data.

The analysis will provide quotable evidence that can be used to support future funding bids. The analysis will also provide insights that will inform and develop their strategic plan by highlighting areas of strength and providing a focus on the areas that would benefit from improvement.

The volunteer will be required to provide a report detailing the analytical techniques used, the criteria defined to assess the impact and the outcomes of the assessment.

Time commitment: 5 – 7 days 

Location: The project requires two visits to the London office located on Aylesford St, Pimlico, London. These visits would be, firstly, to launch the project and collect the data, and secondly, to provide the deliverables. The organisation is willing to work flexibly (e.g. via Skype calls).  All other work can be done remotely.  

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 Friday 31st August.

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:

Acknowledging Youths (AY) CIC are a pioneer socially responsible training and recruitment service. Set up in 2012, AY CIC was created to support young people experiencing disadvantage and to assist them in attaining employment. This support includes training (assertiveness, time management, customer care, communication), CV writing, and interview skills. Their approach has always been personal; offering a tailored one to one approach to enable the individual to work through what their motivations and barriers are and identifying what they need to do next to move forward. AY Group understands the barriers many young people face – mainly because of Chief Executive Danny’s own challenges in life – and therefore successfully engages those most vulnerable. Since 2012 the company has evolved so that Acknowledging Youths CIC exists to support and develop young people ready for transition into adulthood and AY Recruitment CIC exists to prepare people more specifically for employment using accredited training, volunteering/

For further information about Acknowledging Youths CIC visit:   https://acknowledgingyouths.org/

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