New Pro Bono Project with Ormiston Families - Help develop an IT strategy

Ormiston Families

Project:

Support the development of Ormiston Families IT strategy by reviewing current IT infrastructure, systems and requirements. The organisation are looking for options and recommendations for inclusion in a new strategy to help achieve delivery objectives. The project should help initiate an IT strategy that aligns with the current business plan, servicing the needs of clients, staff, managers and support.

The volunteer should look to:

• ·         Review current IT arrangements
• ·         Review current framework of policies and procedures
• ·         Help gain an understanding of the risks in IT software, IT processes and cyber security
• ·         Address cybersecurity risks
• ·         Develop an IT strategy and aid its implementation

 Time commitment: Minimum of 5 days. To be reviewed by the volunteer during consultation.

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9QR

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to hope.meadows@theorsociety.com by Tuesday 8th May.

Information about the organisation:

Ormiston Families is a leading children and families charity in the East of England, providing wide-ranging support for children and young people. Ormiston Families run four programmes of work that reflect what they do and what they believe the future will hold; supporting children, young people and their families to manage the challenges they face and improve their life chances. The organisation is a registered charity with a vision of safe, healthy and happy children.

The organisation currently has performance data managed on spreadsheets from various sources, including the use of separate finance, HR and fundraising software packages.

For further information about Ormiston Families please visit https://www.ormiston.org/ 

For further information about the Pro Bono OR scheme please visit:

http://www.theorsociety.com/Probono or email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com

OR in the Third Sector Special Interest Group: Join our committee.

OR in the Third Sector SIG are currently looking for new members to join the committee. This SIG has been running successfully for many years, hosting a number of well attended events and sharing valuable content.

You do not need to be a member of the OR Society in order to join the committee. We're looking to engage with diverse groups including charities, academics, practitioners, businesses and so on; so if you have the interest, then we have a special group for you.

Committee members provide vital support in running a SIG. Whether it's sourcing speakers, drafting content or event logistics, there is always plenty to get involved in. The committee typically meet three/four times a year (mostly virtually). The SIG aims to host three/four events per year. For further information about Special Interest Groups and the Third Sector SIG, please visit: http://www.theorsociety.com/Pages/SpecialInterest/SpecialInterestList.aspx

If you have an interest in Operational Research and/or the third sector please get in touch with Hope Meadows hope.meadows@theorsociety.com to find out more.

We look forward to having you on our team. 

New Pro Bono OR Project: Research, Review and Report with Transforming Autism Project.

Transforming Autism Project

Project:

Facilitate a problem structuring workshop with the Transforming Autism Project (TAP) Chairman and Directors to review, define and agree strategic direction and prioritise next steps for the organisation.

TAP is a relatively new charitable organisation in the early stages of defining its business plan and organisational structure. The project will require getting an understanding of Transforming Autism and its current position, conducting the workshop and producing a report with a summary of outcomes.

This pro bono OR project should help the organisation to:

·         Understand what the possibilities and risks are

·         Determine a set of deliverable actions

·         Prioritise key actions

Time commitment: 3-5 days

Location: Predominantly remote working, with requested presence at an arranged workshop.

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to hope.meadows@theorsociety.com by Friday 27^th April.

Information about the organisation:

Transforming Autism Project is an organisation committed to empowering the families and carers of children with autism to optimise their life prospects.  

The organistaion aims to revolutionise public and professional understanding of autism globally and to empower people with autism to be encouraged for and to live to their true and full potential. Main activates of the organisation include a specialist early intervention clinic, a comprehensive online portal, a schools autism awareness programme and early intervention awareness campaigning.

For further information about Transforming Autism please visit https://transformingautism.org/

For further information about the Pro Bono OR scheme please visit:

http://www.theorsociety.com/Probono or email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com

New Pro Bono OR opportunity with Stroud Valleys Project

Stroud Valleys Project

Project:

Stroud Valleys Project would like to understand their data and make use of it in strategic planning and annual reports. The ultimate aim is to provide a tool for data gathering and information output. The project should look to design and use the tool to help gain an understanding of last year’s data; information which can be used in an annual report. The data tool should be easy to use for the organisation to record, analyse and report data in future. 

Time commitment: 5 days

Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AF. Following initial meetings, most of the 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 hope.meadows@theorsociety.com by Friday 13^th April.

Information about the organisation:

Stroud Valleys Project is an environmental charity founded to help protect the industrial heritage of Stroud and its five valleys. Aims and objectives include:

     1.      forge a greater awareness of environmental and biodiversity issues so that local people are able to influence local planning and policy-makers to ensure sustainability is at the heart of the local agenda

     2.      engage as many people as possible in the work of sustainable development by working with local partner agencies and health providers

     3.      provide a lively learning resource for local people of all ages.

The organisation has just completed a 3 year strategic plan where the main objective was looking at diversifying funding streams. SVP is looking now at strategic planning for the next 3 years.

Main activities of the organisation include conservation work with volunteers in funded projects, public environmental events and training. SVP have an Eco shop selling sustainable household and garden products as well as maintaining their very own mill pond.

For further information about Stroud Valleys Project please visit http://www.stroudvalleysproject.org/  

For further information about the Pro Bono OR scheme please visit:

http://www.theorsociety.com/Probono or email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com

Sign up for our new pilot programme: A joint venture looking to support charitable organisations on their impact measurement journey. Training provided!

We have an exciting new opportunity available! 

Coalition for Efficiency and Pro Bono OR have teamed up to support charitable organisations in the Midlands and the North. We invite you to take part in this pilot programme as we learn and adapt the programme to incorporate support from professional OR analysts.

MEASURING THE GOOD PILOT PROGRAMME
 
The Measuring the Good programme places professional volunteers in short term projects with charitable organisations looking to improve impact measurement. The programme has supported over 100 organisations since 2013. 
 
PROJECT OVERVIEW
 
Over a period of 2-3 months, the volunteer follows a step-by-step, structured framework to guide an organisation through the challenges of developing and embedding a robust impact practice by acting as an independent facilitator and applying their professional skills.
 
The role of the volunteer can be undertaken alongside full-time employment or other commitments. Volunteers will need to dedicate 12–15 hours for meetings with additional time preparing for the scheduled sessions.
 
It is the CEO of the organisation, supported by staff and a designated trustee, who leads the project and the volunteer who facilitates discussions to help them take steps to identify the key metrics, find ways to communicate achievements more transparently and lead to a more results-driven culture within the organisation.
 
Benefits for the Organisation 

• Achieve greater transparency and accountability
• Demonstrate achievements and strengthen case for funding
• Improve communication with stakeholders
• Increase support and engagement from the board
• Improve strategic focus and refine planning steps on how to achieve
• Incentivise staff by demonstrating the results of their work
• Gain business insight and improve quality of services based on measurement outcomes
• Continue to measure impact autonomously and sustainably

Benefits for the Volunteer

• An opportunity to practice OR skills within a wider arena
• Gain insight into the third sector
• Broaden experience in a new environment with different strategic issues
• Develop project management, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Gain personal satisfaction by helping multiple beneficiaries
• Refine consultancy skills

Why take part?
We are able to adapt and manipulate the programme based on your learning outcomes of the pilot programme. Your feedback will help shape the future of the programme which will aid not-for-profit organisations throughout the West Midlands and the North (but you can apply no matter where you’re based).
Unlike Pro Bono OR, the pilot programme will deliver a day of training which includes an introduction to the programme, insight into the third sector, and consultancy hints and tips to see you through the project. On top of that I’m excited to see what you can bring to the table.

NEXT STEPS 
The workshop in Birmingham on Friday 20^th April will provide a detailed introduction to the programme for volunteers as well as a “Consultancy: Hints and Tips” session. Please join us!

To sign up to this great opportunity, or to find out more, please email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com 

Please note, this pilot programme does not affect the running of the Pro Bono OR scheme. All activity on the current programme will continue as usual. 

New Pro Bono OR project with Article 25. Volunteer required to develop an impact model. Volunteers apply today!

Article 25

Project:

Article 25 have identified the need for improvement on measuring the impact of their work. The organisation currently has no structured approach for measuring the impact of their work and this is critical for persuading funders and for influencing policy-makers. The project would develop an Impact Model and identify/define the underpinning measurement system.

Time commitment: 4-6 days

Location: London E14 5AB

Please read projectscope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to hope.meadows@theorsociety.com by Friday 16^th March.

Information about the organisation:

Article 25 is a UK registered charity that manages sustainable architecture projects in areas effected by poverty and disaster. Articles 25 seeks to relief and assistance to those affected by war or natural disaster with the supply of architectural services that respond to the environment in context. The organisations activities include building homes, schools and community buildings wherever there is the greatest need internationally.

The organisation’s vision is a world where buildings are designed and constructed to provide sustainable solutions to disease, poverty and need. Article 25 work with local community, engage local partners (training them as necessary) and use local materials.

For further information about Article 25 please visit http://www.article-25.org/   

For further information about the Pro Bono scheme please visit:

http://www.theorsociety.com/Probono or email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com

New Pro Bono OR project. UK based organisation with international ties looking to review impact methodologies. Volunteers apply today!

Wefarm

Project summary:

This project requires a volunteer to help decide what evaluation methodology to use to assess the organisations impact. Wefarm would like a report highlighting a range of impact assessment methodologies with a cost/benefit analysis. The volunteer will need to know about data gathering methods, policy implementation and evaluation, and an understanding of social research techniques would also be beneficial.

Time commitment: 5 days. Work could possibly be done remotely.

Location: London, EC2Y 9AR

Please read projectscope and if you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to hope.meadows@theorsociety.com by Friday 16^th March.

Information about the organisation:

Wefarm is a free peer-to-peer service that enables farmers to share information via SMS, without the internet and without having to leave their farm. Farmers can ask questions on farming and receive crowd-sourced answers from other farmers around the world in minutes.

Wefarm seeks to empower farmers to share and access information to solve problems, spread innovation and ultimately improve their livelihood.

Wefarm’s vision is to create a new digital ecosystem for global agriculture, made for farmers, by farmers. To date, the organisation’s’ main activities have been:

1) Development of the technology (including machine learning algorithms)

2) Developing a playbook of engagement strategies to register new users and launch Wefarm in new countries

3) Developing partnerships with NGO’s, companies and governments

For further information about Wefarm please visit www.wefarm.org

For further information about the Pro Bono scheme please visit:

http://www.theorsociety.com/Probono or email hope.meadows@theorsociety.com.