Determine Shift Viability

To determine shift viability for Orange Sky services, we need to identify key enablers (factors that support successful shifts going live ) and deterrents (factors that hinder or delay shifts going live). By assessing these before activation, we can streamline the process and reduce shifts sitting in the "build" phase for extended periods.

Note: that any assessment is wildly subjective and the following should only be used as a guide and in discussion with the SIM.  The aim is to focus energy and priorities across Impact and Support teams to enable viable shifts to go live faster. 

Enablers for Shift Viability

Confirmed Service Demand

• Strong engagement with service providers, partners, or community organisations (from initial enquiry through to shift activation). 
• Evidence of demand (How many friends frequent the SP service at the time and date of the proposed shift, is there a shift close by that they can use or are already using, what is the desk audit data for the area)

Partnership Support

• Collaboration with NGOs, shelters, food providers, or other services that increase attendance and impact.

Secure and Suitable Location

• Approval from the site owner or council, ensuring long-term viability.
• Accessibility (safe parking, power access, amenities).
• Proximity to  van base is a high predeterminater. Agreement that 30-40mins from van base would be the max limit. 
• Proximity to other Orange Sky services in the region

Existing Service Health

• Is the service region operating well? Are there adequate volunteers, leaders, and asset leader?
• Are there any other shifts in the service area that have existing building shifts?
  • how many, how long have they been building
• Are current shifts being cancelled due to lack of volunteers?

Operational Readiness

• Asset availability 
• OSO support and alignment
  • a quick huddle between OSO and RC to develop a clear plan to go live and make sure they are on the same page. 

Volunteer recruitment and onboarding plan

• focused and active recruitment plan between OSO, MFP and RC tailored to the community. Not a cookie cutter approach. 
• Regular check ins with RC's, MFP and OSOs to align and discuss success and next steps if required.

Reliable and Committed Volunteers

• Sufficient interest and commitment from volunteers within the service region.
• Availability and capacity of the local volunteer leader or coordinator to support this. 
• Van drivers - each shift requires 3 drivers to make the shift sustainable

Community Engagement & Awareness

• Local buy-in and understanding of Orange Sky’s mission and service.
• Local business buy-in.

Funding and Financial Viability

• Confirmed budget to support ongoing operations. 
  • real gap in RC's in understanding of how funding operates and aligns to services. They are keen to understand so that they can field any questions
  • do we need a minimum of 2 yrs operational funding prior to activation?
• Local or national sponsorships/donations for sustainability.

Deterrents to Shift Viability

Lack of Demand or Low Friend Engagement

• Uncertainty about whether people will use the service.
• Competing services and/or Orange Sky shifts meeting the same need in the area.

Limited or No Local Partnerships

• No collaborative support from local service providers.
• Difficulty in securing reliable partner services.
• Service providers sustainability
  • Are they often closed due to lack of staff/volunteers, safety issues, operational funding

Site Issues

• Unstable or revoked permissions from landowners/councils.
• Safety concerns (lighting, security, accessibility).

Health of existing service and shifts 

• Lack of local leadership or ongoing volunteer recruitment challenges.
• Inconsistent volunteer availability making shifts unsustainable.
• Existing shifts being cancelled due to lack of volunteers

Volunteer Shortages or High Turnover

• Lack of volunteer drivers
• Volunteers applying for multiple shifts which makes it look like we have more volunteers on the waitlist than actually available
• Length of shift building resulting in waitlisted volunteers moving on to other opportunities. 
• Relying on a passive volunteer recruitment plan.

Operational Constraints

• Vehicle maintenance or reliability issues.
• Logistical barriers (e.g., long travel distances from van base, restricted access to water or power).

Funding Gaps

• Insufficient funding to sustain operations.
• Uncertainty in financial support or sponsorship.

Regulatory or Compliance Barriers

• Health and safety risks not being mitigated.
• Council or government restrictions impacting operation.