http://patchworkhq.com

2. What is it?
Patchwork is a simple web application which allows users across
multiple agencies to quickly and simply access the contact details of
other front line staff working with their clients. By helping practitioners
communicate better across organisations, Patchwork means more
effective multi-agency working. The application is accompanied by a
bespoke change programme designed to support more effective multi-
agency work practices.
What does it do?
Patchwork allows frontline staff to discover and communicate with
the hidden network of practitioners working with a particular client.
Patchwork shows practitioners where other colleagues are working with
their clients and, if so, will provide them with each other’s contact details.
It also allows for quick and easy referrals and signposting between
organisations if a practitioner feels their client would benefit from them.
When implemented as part of a wider change programme designed to
improve multi-agency working, the technology makes it easier for staff
to build networks across organisations and better coordinate services to
their clients.
Who is it for?
The need for simple, coordinated multi-agency working across local
government means that the uses of Patchwork are far-reaching. Initially
designed for people working with children and their families, we have
also implemented for older adults services and are seeking to work
across other areas such as probation services, homelessness and
domestic violence among others. The strength of the application is that
it is not limited to a council, or to council partners, but is of benefit to any
area within the public service and beyond where a client has interactions
with many organisations.

3. How did it come about?
Originally, the prototype was developed in response to the Baby Peter
tragedy, working with a small group of people from across the world
of social care. FutureGov worked closely designing with frontline
practitioners across Children’s and Adults Services in Lichfield and
Staffordshire, as well as Children’s Services in Brighton. Breaking the
mould, FutureGov have actively partnered with these authorities to
develop a product that is entirely designed by and for the frontline staff
who’ll be using it.
A innovative development approach allows frontline staff to propose
functionality included in the application through an open and
collaborative co-design process. By involving practitioners, it allows them
to both design and more easily adopt new ways of working.
Who we want to partner with?
Patchwork’s development is supported by funding from Staffordshire
Council and partners, NESTA and The Nominet Trust. So far we have
implemented in Staffordshire and Brighton and we are now looking for
another local authority partner who can work with us and other councils
to build on the existing strengths of the technology and shape Patchwork
as part of our early adopters programme.
We are keen to work with progressive authorities who are committed to
a bringing innovation to how they approach and deliver services. We’ve
lots of ideas around how and where Patchwork might develop, including
ambitions to join up individual clients, and begin to show the landscape
of agencies and staff around a complex families or at risk groups.
Patchwork is currently being used to support multi-agency working in
children’s services and with vulnerable adults, but has the potential to be
used anywhere where it would help frontline staff to have visibility of the
other agencies or practitioners involved in their caseload.

4. What’s the hook?
This opportunity to partner on the development of Patchwork, offers
councils a unique chance to shape modern user-centred public services.
By becoming a partner, your local authority can contribute to the
direction in which the technology evolves, and suggest and co-design
the app as part of the early adopter community. Your council can also
share learning and thought leadership with the other partner authorities,
building new collaborative solutions. This innovative approach to service
transformation will allow agencies to foster a new relationship with their
frontline staff and promote an open and hyperlocal approach to service
delivery.
Get in touch at:
dom@wearefuturegov.com
For more info go to:
www.patchworkhq.com