University of Bristol student volunteering support centre, Bristol Hub, wants to hear from charities and community groups that could benefit from a new programme that provides pro-bono consultancy for voluntary organisations.

The Social Innovation Programme is an eight-week scheme that matches a talented team of students to a local charity to research, innovate and plan a project or challenge.

The programme takes place twice a year. In previous programmes students have developed marketing strategies, explored avenues for project development, created innovative solutions to fundraising and much more.

The programme is run collaboratively with Burges Salmon who provide support for the organisations involved and mentor the student teams.

The next cohort starts at the end of October and the organisers are hoping to identify charities and community groups that are in particular need due to the impact of COVID-19. There are four places available with the current cohort; however organisations that do not get on the programme this time can express their interest for next time. 

“This could be charities with a change in delivery which need additional research or support, a charity that's taken staff cuts and needs to rethink an area of work such as fundraising or marketing or something similar,” explained Lydia Green, Bristol Hub Manager.

“We are particularly interested in the City Funds theme of 'No Child Goes Hungry', so if there are any organisations that work in that area then that would be ideal – however, this is by no means compulsory and we would encourage any groups that are interested to contact us.”

The support provided by the project is consultancy only. The students will not be able to implement the work; however, they are given full training to make the project bespoke to the organisation so that they can either implement it themselves or through a third party.

The organisation will need capacity for a member of staff to answer questions over the course of the eight weeks and it will ideally be based in the city of Bristol.

For more information or to show your interest, contact: Lydia Green.