Innovation Voucher Project: THAW Orkney

UHI Moray partnered with THAW Orkney in the development of a digital referral system.

THAW Orkney work for households in all Orkney communities to reduce levels of fuel poverty and achieve affordable warmth.  This project produced a proof of concept to replace the paper based/spreadsheet referral system between multiple sites in Orkney to develop a digital referral platform.   The aim was to enhance and innovate the process for inter-agency referrals via a digital service for both citizens and organisations to self-refer.

Micheal Butler, Manager, THAW Orkney:

“This project has been a successful start to the collaboration around digital referral platforms.  The project worked well at fitting to new externalities, such as the local Foodbank beginning to use the Trussel Trust online platform, as well as local cash-first initiatives which are beginning to explore options for improved digital referral methods. The project completed a working version of a product that could simplify processes and services locally.  A positive experience, and we look forward to working with UHI Moray on the next phase.”

Mauro Sousa, Research Assistant and Dr Malcolm Clark, Deputy Head of Curriculum in Computing:

“This was an enjoyable and rewarding project to be involved in with THAW Orkney.  Positive collaborative working enabled the design and development of the final proof of concept for an online product for THAW Orkney.  This will allow anyone that needs help to go online and fill in the form and submit it without having to go in person and perhaps feel uncomfortable doing so. We look forward to continue working with THAW Orkney, developing this relationship further and moving the project on to the next phase."

Sam Scott, Deputy Head of Academic Partnerships:

“A key aim of Academic Partnerships at UHI Moray is to support the growth of research and develop research partnerships between academia and business.  We are involved with the research community at both a local and national level.  Through funding opportunities, we can partner with a business to develop an innovation. If your business has a problem needing solved, a new challenge to face or if you have an idea that will help improve the efficiency or running of the business, access to a research and/or innovation opportunity with UHI Moray might be the answer.”