An introduction to 'tech for good' and digital development for charities

We're helping organisations build confidence, motivation and focus to begin their digital journey

What is a Design Hop?

Design Hops are the first step for charities exploring the role of digital in their services. By demystifying technology and design approaches, this free half-day creative workshop builds confidence and motivation to take the next step, as well as focus on what that immediate next step should be for each organisation.

Who are they for?

People working in established nonprofits who are interested in exploring the role of digital. Ideally, we’re looking for decision-makers, who will be able to put the methods learnt directly into practice and are in a position to further develop their ideas, e.g. through grant-funding applications. You should also have a good understanding of your charity’s existing services and the challenges in providing them.

Unfortunately these workshops are not suitable for organisations with an income below £10,000.

How does it work?

An energetic and practical half-day workshop where you will unpack a key organisational challenge, map existing responses as well as your organisation’s assets, then identify and test points where digital might help.

You will leave having drafted the outline of a brief that can be used to approach tech partners or as the basis of a pitch to relevant funding opportunities. You’ll also be connected to local networks, experts and tools that can support the next step of your digital journey, as well as live funding opportunities, where relevant.

Attendees will gain:

Digital confidence

Understand what ‘digital’ means, how it can help and how it might be approached in your organisation
Set achievable goals and simple actions for digital progress
Meet and network with peers in your area who are tackling some of the same challenges.

Motivation

See examples of how digital approaches have helped other charities become more resilient and responsive to the needs of their service users
Learn simple exercises and tools you can use and share with colleagues immediately
Identify elements of your current service and networks that you can draw on to help manage change.

Focus

Identify and prioritise a key problem that can be addressed with digital
Before the end of the workshop we will have helped you hone in on a specific next step to take that will enable you to test some key assumptions around that problem
Maintain momentum through a range of follow-up opportunities with CAST and our network.

When and where are the Design Hops?

Our latest confirmed sessions are:

Brighton – Wednesday 30th January 2019

1-5pm at 68 Middle St.
BN1 1AL

Birmingham – Wednesday 6th February 2019

12.30-4.30pm at Impact Hub
Walker Bldg, 58, Oxford St.
B5 5NR

London – Thursday 7th February 2019

12.30-4.30pm at The Foundry
17 Oval Way
SE11 5RR

Preston – Monday 11th February 2019

12.30-4.30pm at Society 1
9-10 Cross Street, Preston
PR1 3LT

Newcastle upon Tyne – Wednesday 13th February 2019

12.30-4.30pm at Auditorium,
Ground Floor, MEA House, Ellison Place
NE1 8XS

Lincolnshire – Tuesday 26th March 2019

12.30-4.30pm at The Venue
Grantham Rd, Navenby, Lincoln
LN5 0JJ.

We will be running several more Design Hops over the next few months across the country. Details of others will be published here soon, and if you apply through the link below we’ll let you know when we have one in your region.

“The Design Hop workshop is a friendly and engaging space to explore how digital might help your charity, community group or social enterprise deliver better services. Rather than focus on specific digital solutions, the session offers a simple step-by-step approach which puts your users at the heart of it. It serves as a timely reminder: that digital evolution is less about using new tech for the sake of it and more about starting with a problem, looking at your existing user needs and service, and exploring how tech might be part of the solution to improve it.”
– BRIGHTON & HOVE CITIZENS ONLINE

“It’s a highly practical workshop for charities and community organisations with the seed of an idea for delivering a service or aspect of their work digitally. It was not only the space and time we needed to put our heads together away from the office and get to the crux of the issue but essentially it’s given us a blueprint for a new project. Unmissable.”
– SUPERHIGHWAYS

“Much enjoyed the workshop, learnt how to articulate my thoughts and got good tips on project implementation.”
– VOLUNTARY ACTION ISLINGTON

How do you sign up?

Fill out the short form at the link below to apply for one of the live design hops, or to be considered for a future event. We will respond within a couple of weeks of registration confirming your place, or signpost you to alternative opportunities if we think they’d be a better fit for your needs. Registration will typically close two-three weeks before the event, or once the event is full.

What previous attendees have said

THE WELL: "We worked with the extraordinary people from CAST on our rapid response service Warrior Down. Even though we only spent a little more over a half day, we achieved so much!"

READ THE WELL CASE STUDY