Taking it forward from here

The PIElink was first created as a resource for PIEs by Robin Johnson, the original author of the PIEs approach, and for the first 7-8 years was managed single-handedly by Robin as 'curator' or 'editor'. But Robin's intention was always for the site to be more than a resource library, and to host an interactive community of practice; though it was only with the advent of COVID that engagement with live streaming became commonplace for all.

Over this time the PIEs idea grew, and was taken up in many areas besides homelessness and hostels-based work; and the site grew in scope, to match this evolution. It was already outgrowing the level of in-put that any one man could provide; and being by then in his mid-70s, Robin was keen to pass this resource on to a new generation; though in the end if it was health problems that precipitated and accelerated the transition to next stages.

The lunchtime forums of Spring 2022 therefore discussed the future of the PIElink, after Robin's retirement not just as editor here, but as the key theorist and overall 'steward' of PIEs. The videos in the side panel explain the ideas Robin had, in a characteristically informal and  lively style.

But for those that prefer the written word, and/or may wish to print this out to share with others, Robin's proposal in brief is HERE:

 

A wider advisory role for the group

Although advising on developments with the PIElink as a community of practice website will be the primary role of the editorial board,  there is an important potential secondary role that follows quite naturally from that. That is, to advise on the continuing development of PIEs, and of the Pizazz and the PIE Abacus.

In the four years since its publication, the Pizazz on paper has gained users and momentum – now even a growing evidence base for effectiveness – as an instrument for ‘front-line led’ service development. The software version the PIE Abacus, now allows us to take this still further, in developing whole agency embedding, but also in using the Pizazz approach in networks, including in locality networks to address more systemic 'hindrances’. (For examples, see : HERE)

The Pizazz and the PIE Abacus themselves also need to keep evolving, responsive to innovation and creativity in the field; and the editorial board may well prove to be a useful sounding board for future development in the software, and the guidance on its use. This role is now written in to the operational policis of PIEPR, the Community of Interest Company now formed to continue the work, see: HERE

 

And what else?

For the 'business' side of continuing the PIElink, see the page 'And now a word for our sponsors' :  HERE

And for more details on the Community of Interest Company PIEPR, see: HERE

Background thinking and business plans

And now a word for our sponsors :  HERE

An advisory group ( or 'editorial board') for the PIElink : HERE 

Core members : HERE

PIEPR CIC Ltd : HERE

 

A quick summary of one possible future:

Income via the PIE Abacus

PIRAN Co Ltd: HERE

FAQs - Costs and sustainability: HERE

Company structures, partnerships and a (more) modest strategy for maintaining the PIElink : HERE

Licences, costs, and the Abacus income re-investment strategy:

 

Income via the vocational training model

Is this the future of vocational training? :  HERE

Is this the future of academic publishing : HERE

The role of an incubator partner : HERE

The homelessness sector as beneficiaries   :  HERE

Company structures and partnerships for significant growth :  HERE

And a thought on three ways to retire: