NHS Leeds CCG approached HMA to execute and implement a new internal communications tool that would primarily improve engagement, help to crowdsource ideas and mobilise the workforce at scale and pace as and when required.

Workplace by Facebook was chosen primarily as it is a free platform for non-profit organisations such as the NHS, but also as it would be familiar to those who already use Facebook. However, it has the benefit of being completely separate to regular Facebook with a completely separate account, as a work email is used to log in.

Workplace by Facebook is a relatively new platform, launched fully in 2016 after a year of testing. It is a dedicated and secure space for companies to connect, communicate and collaborate. Organisations of all sizes can use familiar Facebook features such as News Feed, groups, messages and events to get things done. In addition to this, more business focused features are available, such as video and voice calls, video conferencing and multi-company group creation.

Measuring success would also be critical on this project – as (after researching) it would appear that Workplace is a communications tool that no organisation within the NHS has ever used before. This project could certainly be seen as an exemplar within other areas of the NHS.  Initially, goals were set to:

  • Achieve 50% profile activation rate (185 of 370 users)
  • Active users to be across a good spread of different departments
  • Above average level of user activity (including frequency of logins and group activity)