0845 643 0589Online Borders
Project status: ongoing
Awards:
European Social Fund Award for Capacity Building
UK e-Government National Awards 2006
Online Borders is a partnership project initiated by Scottish Borders
Council Community Learning and Development, Social Work Services, NHS Borders, Careers Scotland and the Borders
Forum for Councils of Voluntary Service. The project was created to
provide a Community Grid for the Scottish Borders, a diverse region
that includes areas of deprivation and faces challenges such as
transportation and infrastructure, as well as isolation and lack of
resources.
The partnership came together through a shared understanding of the issues facing the region and a strong desire to make a difference, by offering information, services, guidance and learning opportunities to both residents and practitioners across the region. During a formal tendering process, Sharedbase demonstrated its understanding of the partners' organisational and project goals, as well as their depth of knowledge regarding the technologies required. We were delighted to be appointed to the project, against some tough competition.
The various partners each held information about many of the
organisations and services available in the Scottish Borders and a core
goal for the project was to integrate this information into one
coherent directory. This was a complex task that had to take into account the differing needs of each partner going forward, as well as the different ways in which this information had been gathered.
Once the data model was established, we created a directory where each organisation could take ownership of its record. This means that the directory constantly becomes more accurate as the listed organisations are able to maintain and update their own information.
The directory is GIS enabled, so that users can find locations and distances, to make it specifically relevant to them.
Web sites for local organisations
The partnership identified the lack of resources available to local
voluntary organisations early in the project and it was decided to
provide a platform where they could promote their organisations, share
best practice and gain confidence through new IT skills. A fully
content-managed web site was built that allows any voluntary organisation
to create a web site as part of Online Borders, at no cost
to the organisation.
Interested organisations fill out a simple application form and are
then invited to join a course that takes them through the steps of
planning, creating and managing a website for their organisation. All
costs are covered by Online Borders. The training includes writing and
design skills as well as use of the content management system. For many
of the local organisations, this has been a boon, as they had neither
the expertise nor the money to build their own sites before. The course
has introduced them to new technologies such as the Internet, search
engines, e-commerce (for fundraising and donations), video, digital
photography and image editing, while creating a learning environment
based around their own interests that is accessible on an ongoing
basis, with peer support and developed learning materials.
The original goal was to provide websites (or "microsites" – sites
within the main web site) for 60 organisations. Within 4 months of launch, Sharedbase Solutions had delivered training to 76 editors who
manage 720 sections or microsites, well ahead of the project's targets. The
fantastic uptake demonstrates how welcome the initiative has been among
organisations in the Scottish Borders.
Individuals participating in local outreach programmes such as youth,
health and literacies groups have created many other microsites.
Workers within partner organisations run some of these programmes,
where Online Borders has become a normal tool to deliver programmes and
services.
Resources for individuals, practitioners and organisations
The partnership has sought to provide information that is
easy to find, simple to understand and that meets the needs of the
person seeking it. This means that information is streamed according to
the seeker. The public may enjoy browsing the web site where lots of
information is available, including the Adult Learners Guide, where and
how to become a volunteer and other topics of interest. In addition, an
online learning area encourages people into informal learning by
offering a series of fun courses that help build IT skills and
confidence through participation in online chat, learning about wine or
other topics.
Sustainable training and support
One of the project's achievements is that it builds on the success of those who participate. The training was initially developed and delivered by Sharedbase Solutions, but is now being cascaded throughout the community by individuals who were once trainees themselves. This allows for sustainable, manageable growth and removes any barriers to entry. The new trainers are supported by Sharedbase Solutions and by peer support. On a local level, Online Borders has set new targets to provide training to every community, by utilising individual volunteers who live in those communities.
The guidelines for participating in Online Borders are deliberately quite relaxed, to encourage a range of interests and people. From quilting to bridge, from continence to homelessness, from literacy to psychology, Online Borders provides a depth and breadth of information and opportunity that matches the diversity of the region itself. It helps to provide every organisation and individual with the skills and confidence required to participate fully as active citizens and members of the broader community.
Working with specialist supplier, Sharedbase Solutions Ltd, the partnership has developed a valuable resource and action plan that promotes capacity building as a major goal.
This web site includes an online learning area and various private practitioner areas, as well as public discussions and local news and information.
