Developing and Delivering Challenge Statement Workshops

Descriptions

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS2.1This brief relates specifically to the LEADER projects (Gwynedd and Ynys Môn), however it may also be applied within other activities if it proves successful. The ‘What is LEADER’ document provides an overview of the project and outlines the approach being adopted by Menter Môn. This should be read in conjunction with this brief.2.2The new approach has been developed as a result of the findings made in the mid-term evaluation. Among the recommendations were that LEADER projects invest more resources into defining the problems that need addressing prior to developing projects / interventions.2.3The main characteristics of the approach are as follows:•LEADER seeks to respond to defined challenges faced by rural communities within 3 strategic projects i.e. Places, Resilience and Enterprise.•The starting point for any intervention is developing a ‘challenge statement’ which will define the problem. The premise is that you must first understand the problem before developing a solution. An example of a challenge statement’ is ‘We want to support the High Street to adapt to the COVID19 guidelines’.•A ‘Challenge Statement’ may also include second tier ‘Problem Statements’. An example would be ‘We want to support businesses to monitor and control customer numbers in order to conform to with COVID19 guidelines’.•Once the problem has been well defined LEADER can support interventions e.g. projects that prototype or pilot a potential solution. Again a process is required to define the type of intervention.•LEADER should adopt a bottom up approach and the process for defining problems and developing solutions should be delivered in partnership with communities, communities of interest and various stakeholders.•This approach is innovative and is very different to the traditional approach of submitting project proposals. It will therefore require guidance and a clearly defined process.2.4WP 1 - Developing the ‘Challenge Statement’ Workshop2.4.1We are generally approached by groups or individuals with project ideas. However, in future we must start by defining the problem prior to exploring potential interventions (in the form of prototypes or pilot projects). To support the process of defining the challenge (Challenge Statement) we need to develop a bespoke workshop that will guide participants through the process. The workshops should also help define more specific ‘second tier’ problems within the Challenge Statement.2.4.2The workshop should also help explore and identify potential interventions that could be implemented to respond to the Challenge Statements, or specific problems within the Challenge Statement.2.4.3We are not looking to precisely define the length or detail of the workshop, however we would expect the company bidding for the contract to consider the likely audiences e.g. community groups, business clusters, public sector workers. They may also include a combination across many sectors that have a shared interest. From our own experience I would envisage that 2 workshops (max 2 hours) would probably be sufficient i.e. one workshop to define the problem / problems, and a second to identity potential solutions.2.4.4The workshop should have an unique brand identity which makes it more appealing and easier to sell to potential participants. An example is ‘Miwitini’, which is a 3 month businesses accelerator programme delivered as part of the Enterprise Hub. The brand ‘Miwitini’ was chosen as it uses the pirate theme, who are widely recognised as being enterprising, innovative ad entrepreneurial (See ‘Be More Pirate’ by Sam Conniff). We would procure any design work separately as it is important that there is consistency with other projects. However, the successful company would need contribute.2.4.5At the end of the workshop we would expect that the participants would be able to present well defined Challenge Statements along with justification for specific interventions. It is important to emphasise that the ability to define a problem and developing a solution is an important skill that will have benefits beyond the LEADER project. The tender should provide a price for developing a fully bilingual workshop, which should include all supporting materials.2.5WP 2 - Running ‘Challenge Statement’ Workshops2.5.1Project Officers work closely with community groups and other stakeholders, and it is important that we develop internal capacity and skills to run these workshops. However, given that capacity is limited we will also require the support of third parties to deliver workshops. In some instances this may be preferable as Project Officers may be too close to the groups or the problem being addressed.2.5.2Bidding companies must be in a position to deliver workshops either remotely or in a physical location. We would work with the successful company to schedule a programme of workshops over a three month basis, however there may also be a need to arrange one off workshops in response to a particular enquiry.2.5.3The successful company must have the proven ability to deliver workshops in English and in Welsh. We would also expect them to have experience of working in a bilingual environment with both languages being used within one workshop setting.2.5.4The tender should include a price for delivering a workshop, both remotely and in a physical location.2.6WP 3 - Train the trainer2.6.1An important element of LEADER is capacity building and therefore we are eager to train people to deliver the workshop themselves. This could include members of Menter Môn staff, members of the LAG and other stakeholders in the community e.g. Council Officers, members of the community groups.2.6.2The successful company must have the proven ability to deliver workshops in English and in Welsh. We would also expect them to have experience of working in a bilingual environment with both languages being used within one workshop setting. The tender should include a price for delivering a workshop, both remotely and in a physical location.2.7WP 4 - Preparation of Challenge Statement template2.7.1The Challenge Statement workshop will become a key element of the LEADER process, and will reinforce the methodology i.e. developing solutions to challenges. Attending the Challenge Statement workshop will be a prerequisite for engaging with LEADER to ensure all participants understand the process. Only after attending a workshop will they be invited to submit an expression of interest which will detail the problem they are seeking to solve, along with interventions. We would be eager to work with the successful company to prepare the expression of interest form to ensure it aligns with the contents of the workshop.2.7.2We would not expect this element to involve significant resources, however it will require collaboration. Bidding companies should provide daily rates for this element of the work.2.8General2.8.1We would welcome suggestions around terminology as there is some inconsistency e.g. challenge statement, problem statement, prototype, pilot etc. We are not precious about the terminology used in this document, and would welcome alternatives if they help people’s understanding of the process.2.8.2Menter Môn must retain the rights to all the material, and must be allowed to deliver the workshops in the future within other projects or contracts. An alternative arrange would be that the rights are shared with the successful company.