The Client

The client is a leading Community Interest Company based in Suffolk, that provides employment, learning, and development opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. Their mission is to enhance the economic and social wellbeing of disadvantaged or disabled individuals across Suffolk and Essex.

The Challenge

The client was awarded a new contract by a local authority that aimed to provide coaching and support to long-term unemployed or economically inactive adults with barriers to learning and employment. The new service had a deadline for launch, requiring the recruitment of a new coaching team and the establishment of rigorous processes and controls to meet contract requirements and regulations such as GDPR.

The client faced major challenges.

• Tight Timeline

  The service needed to be operational within a few months.

  
  

• Complex Requirements

  The solution had to support the delivery of the coaching contract and comply with various regulations.

  
  

• Scalability

  The system needed to be adaptable to future needs and scalable to support additional services.

Our Solution

The client and their IT provider investigated CRM systems but these lacked adaptability and cost-effectiveness. We therefore developed a tailored solution using Microsoft 365 technologies to support the new contract.

Key components included:

Optimised Database

A SharePoint database architecture to support all processes and information relating to delivery of the contract.

Coaching Service Application

A comprehensive app solution designed to enable delivery and tracking of the coaching service.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

A detailed UAT plan to ensure the solution met the requirements.

Microsoft 365 Technologies Used

• Power Apps

  Used to develop a comprehensive app solution to support the delivery of the contract.

  
  

• SharePoint

  Facilitated document management and collaboration, integrated with Power Apps to enhance functionality.

  
  

• Microsoft Teams

  Enhanced collaboration among the coaching team.

  
  

• Power Automate

  Automated processes, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.

  
  

Outcomes

Successful Contract Delivery

The ability to support the roll out and ongoing management of the new coaching contract, within tight timeframes.

Improved Operational Efficiency

The new solution significantly improved the client’s operational efficiency, reducing manual processes and increasing automation.

Continuous Improvement

A standalone development environment allowed for ongoing enhancements and support without disrupting live operations.

Conclusion

The client’s development project has demonstrated significant positive benefits and outcomes. By leveraging Microsoft 365 technologies, the client achieved improved operational efficiency, enhanced user experience, and continuous improvement. The tailored solution not only streamlined processes and reduced manual effort but also provided a scalable and adaptable system to support future needs. Overall, the project has successfully empowered the client to better serve individuals facing barriers to employment, contributing to their mission of enhancing economic and social wellbeing.