A net:gain delegate improves communication

Jack Drum Arts was started in 1986 to provide the community and young people in a rural setting with access to the arts. Its services include mentoring young people, taking them and the wider community to see touring companies, drama classes for young people aged 5 to 21 years old and film workshops. A number of 16-17 year olds who have been trained by Jack Drum Arts are now being employed part time to deliver classes to younger children. In addition Jack Drum Arts hires out costumes and film equipment to schools, charities and other film makers.

The Office Manager, Stacey Taylor, felt that there was a need to improve communications within the organisation. Frequently bookings and meetings couldn’t be arranged as the directors and artists were in meetings or workshops around the country and were unavailable. She felt that Jack Drum Arts was giving an inconsistent and unreliable service to its customers.

On the net:gain programme Stacey learned to think through problems more widely. “It showed me how to think of things outside of the box.” She has been applying these skills both at work and at home.

Resulting initiatives include:

• Trial of a web-based on-line diary
• Time savings for office manager of 2-3 hours per week
• No more missed messages, appointments easier to make
• Improvements in the payment of casual staff

The improvements in organisation and communication are already having an effect. “We can communicate so much better. Everything is all there, we can all see it.” Stacey feels this is helping them provide a smoother and quicker service to clients. “Providing this professional edge is important when customers
are buying a service as it gives them more faith that Jack Drum Arts will be able to deliver.”

Stacey’s hot tips

• Go into it with an open mind and don’t have any preconceptions
• Discuss things, don’t feel your question can’t be asked
• Don’t be afraid to think big

net:gain centre - Teesdale Village Halls, County Durham