Ecosystem mapping
My flexible approaches to mapping help stakeholders to understand what currently exists and help them to imagine the approaches they could take. With an eye on describing and another on communicating, I’m able to produce compelling visuals that engage stakeholders and develop buy-in.
Problem
Social Care Wales wanted to bring closer together those creating evidence about interventions (Academic researchers) with those using (or wanting to use) that evidence in their social care practice.
There were a number of different ways of approaching this, from developing a website to developing evidence summaries or other communications methods.
Approach
I supported Social Care Wales to understand how Communities of Practice would support development of connections between these diverse groups. As part of this work I undertook research with existing engagement groups within Social Care Wales in order to understand their approaches, how they interface with user groups, and the methods used for collaborative working.
Mapping
I began by using a simple visual language underpinned by a coloured key to help me to map the approaches being used within the organisation against a best practice example. I was able to generate a number of maps communicating information about the participants and relationships between the organisation and external groups or individuals.
I used these maps to foster discussion with Social Care Wales about the nature of interactions with groups and members of communities, and the role of community platforms in the best practice example.
Zooming out in Miro was a really powerful tool in helping this client to see the big picture in terms of their closeness to people they hope to influence or collaborate with, and how technology and platforms were being ultilised.
Outcome: Social Care Wales went on to evaluate and select a community platform, and to hire 4 Community Managers to support the ongoing and sustained development of these Communities of Practice
Read more about this work…
Read more about this work in a Blog post on Social Finance’s website: Reshaping Communities of Practice for Social Workers
Read more about this work in a Blog post on Social Finance’s website: Defining the role of Community Manager for Social Care Wales
Sam Villis 