MCIN

I think I should start to do this by each stream.

Web Connect

It was time to review Web Connect and refocus it. But we wanted to use an innovative approach to this. We decided to set up a sub group of the board to review the stream and develop an action plan. What we did not want to do was another “flip chart” session that came up with lots of great ideas but did not get into the substance. We wanted a group that would be critical, and challenging but not necessarily one where we have “experts” in the area of ICT and Social Media. We had found that previously these “experts” had come up with solutions on the way we should develop rather than helped us explore Web Connect possible development. In other words it was there business rather than ours.

After some thought we felt that we needed to run a serious of meetings rather than a one off event. We felt that the best way to do this would be through a breakfast club, short 2 hour meetings over a period of 6 months, which will allow us to reflect on what was, said previously and develop ideas. We also felt that an outside facilitator should facilitate these but someone who understood social enterprise rather than someone who new about new media. We found the Oldham collective who are specialists in the development of Social Enterprises and were up for trying a different approach so we went with them.

The next question was who to invite. We felt that what we lacked was enterprise experience and people who could think outside the box. So in the end we had 2 board member one of which is a specialist in developing social enterprise, a person who runs academic enterprise for Manchester Metropolitan University a person who develops enterprises and innovation and has extensive experience in the private sector running commercial business and a person from our marketing company. We felt that subject specialist would come on board at a later date. This group went right back to basics. We had discussion on social networks, social media etc. Which did not get us anywhere. We then explored what the core business was about and came to the conclusion that the concept of the “Reuters of the community ” was a good way of describing it. i.e. an organisation to develop and market community content. We decided it should be technological neutral so it could adapt and change. A number of proposals were developed on how this might work. Eventually we got an agreement on to what the core business was.

We then realised we need a more detailed business planning process. The problem was that all of the existing models for business planning did not meet our needs. We were interested in a partnership model with different organisations coming together to supply services. Similar to the way that Learn Net operates. As a result of a discussion with the University of Salford we came across a methodology used by the University called UPBEAT. UPBEAT is a methodology developed by Professor James Powell. It is the result of a pan-European study to explore how universities can maximise the impact of their work with business and the community. The methodology is now used widely within the University of Salford and its four core partners, Lancaster University, Leeds Metropolitan University, University of Teesside and University of Westminster, who have collaborated to create a database of case study evaluations. UPBEAT is an evaluation framework that takes a holistic view of a project or enterprise, combining soft facts and value added, with more traditional financial and output based measures. The framework centres around the UPBEAT matrix, constructed from four key human characteristics repeatedly identified during the evaluation of many successful university reach out projects; Business Acumen, Social Networking Intelligence, Individual Performance and Foresight Enabling Skill. The characteristics are plotted against six levels of engagement, from Recognition to Mastery up to Global Stewardship.The result is a clear profile of the enterprise’s development, its strengths and areas for improvement. Used throughout a project, UPBEAT provides a simple and intuitive tool for both formative and summative evaluation. Once an enterprise has established its objectives, the UPBEAT matrix can then be used as a business planning tool to ensure successful progress is made towards their achievement. With Level 1 Recognition being the starting point, and Level 4 Mastery being achievement of objectives, the levels in between offer a step by step path to ensure that the relevant development is undertaken for each characteristic and steady progress made. At a glance, the successes of an enterprise can be identified, along with the areas for improvement and the next steps to keep it moving forward.

After discussion with the university we thought this approach matched more what we were trying to achieve. We are now exploring this approach as a business planning tool and as a way for us to develop Web Connect. Meanwhile we are still applying for funding and putting in tenders to develop the business and we have a number of these out currently. However, the key element for us to ensure that we are not just developing projects but we are using the project monies to develop Web Connect.

Learn Net

Learn Net continues to grow as a partnership. A further 3 centres have now come on board making a total of 20 centres. In addition we have developed other stratgic partnerships with mainstream, providers and are now positioned to expand. A number of application have gone in which if successful will give us much valued resources. It seems to work as people have a the same value and goals. Learn Net has now expanded outside of Manchester and has 2 centres in Salford. The flexible nature of the partnership and its grassroots connections providing frontline services seems to engage organisations and presents an effective point of delivery for organisations that want to commission Adult Learning. The difficulty is we need to develop the infrastructure in order to expand. I reckon this will be about 30k. I am still not sure where we are going to that from.

Circuit Riders

This continues and its development is still largely through word and mouth. It would be useful to have some real investment and develop further but its impossible to attract in monies to do this. Change Up seems to be exactly about this but it appears it will not offer any investment to develop this service. Instead Change Up seems to develop courses and products and directly target the groups we are working with. This just send a confused message to these groups and makes a job even harder. It would be nice if they worked in partnership with the front line delivery organisations.

On a final note we have now badged everyone in the organisation. Each person has their own cards for the function they are involved in and a badge, which they wear when they go and meet people. All in order to try and create brand awareness.