Background
The FGM Specialist Network is a discrete e-platform created with funding from the Royal College of Midwives, the Department of Health and NHS England. Its primary aim is to provide a virtual forum where relevant resources on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) can be accessed, including links to appropriate data. This e-network also serves as a confidential platform for discussing issues, sharing specific problems, and disseminating best practices in a safe and supportive environment.
Before collaborating with More Time To, the FGM Network faced significant challenges. They lacked a single, central online space for collaboration and information sharing. This made communication difficult, especially for busy midwives, resulting in lower levels of collaboration and information exchange.
The Problem
Before collaborating with More Time To, the FGM Network faced significant challenges. They lacked a single, central online space for collaboration and information sharing, making communication difficult. Busy midwives were unable to share information effectively, resulting in lower levels of collaboration and engagement.
The Solution
The primary goals of the project were to improve communication within the FGM Network, create a central space for information sharing, and ensure privacy and restricted access exclusively for invited midwives. To achieve these goals, More Time To developed a private professional network with invite-only access. This solution ensured the privacy and security of communications among the midwife groups, allowing them to interact and share information more effectively. The project was recently rebuilt using Buddy Boss within the WordPress CMS, enhancing the system’s usability and functionality.
Outcomes
The results of this project have been highly positive. The main midwife group now runs quarterly meetings through the system and regularly shares information within the platform. Although there are no specific metrics available, the improved communication and regular use of the system by the midwives highlight the project’s success. Astrid Fairclough, Expert Adviser – FGM Prevention, shared her positive feedback, stating, “More Time To solves any of our technical problems. I know that Chris is there, and if something is not right, I’ll ask him and he’ll help. And he puts up with our daft questions!”
Additional Information
While the project did not involve groundbreaking features, it focused on improving communication in a private and straightforward manner. The long-term impact of the project has been significant, easing communication, information sharing, and the conduct of quarterly meetings for the FGM Network. The network is now seeking funding to continue the project for a further two years until 2026, building on its success since 2018.
“More Time To solves any of our technical problems, I know that Chris is there and if something is not right I’ll ask him and he’ll help. And he puts up with our daft questions!”
“Before working with More Time To, I was running out of time for things, but now I have time freed up which is really helpful. I had been doing the website management and programming off the side of my desk, but it has to be done with someone like Chris, who understands it and understands the environment that is changing so quickly.”