Part 3: The future — iterative cycles forward…

CAST/Catalyst Definition programme blog from Brathay Trust

In Part 2 — “The Process”, we built the picture of finding your tribe to ride the digital delivery transformation rollercoaster with. Feedback from our final Definition programme playback to our digital partners, cohort peers, and representatives from CAST/Catalyst showed the importance of listening to users and getting on the same rollercoaster together moving forward:

“So interesting to hear how you have tailored to your trainers at every step of the way. It is so well thought through” (cohort peer)

“Great to see you being happy to pivot based on user insight!” (digital partner)

“Very thoughtful and reflective — it will keep your org’ ahead of the curve in terms of blended/online and F2F delivery” (cohort peer)

“Yes… Lots about cultural and organisational change required, the mindset of “I believe this is for me, it is relevant for my role and the future” (digital partner)

“Really lovely to see that growing confidence and motivation through the user research phase. And fantastic to already have those digital champions lined up to build on that positive energy!” (CAST/Catalyst).

Listening and pivoting were essential and reinforces the need to be user led. We often hear that staff are the greatest asset, and this certainly rings true here. A digital champion model for charities with limited tech experience and resource seems an obvious way forward. This team’s energy and enthusiasm positions them as agents of change in our digital delivery transformation. This needs to be coupled with the low/no-cost digital tools and a compliance checklist to ensure we are as safe online as we are on a high ropes course or in street-based youth work. With a good dash of leadership and coordination and a generous sprinkling of funding, the following transformation road map is a blended experiential learning service recipe we hope to share in the future.