Scope embraces digital transformation with Delaware

Scope, a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting disabled people and their families, recently chose Delaware to deliver a significant digital transformation.

As a disability charity, Scope knows that they can set a powerful example by prioritising accessibility and user friendliness to help create more inclusive digital experiences.

When their old Content Management System (CMS) wasn’t delivering the user experience they wanted, at a cost that was sustainable to them, they decided to work with Delaware to switch to a different platform.

Scope were keen to find a partner that understood their cause and were able to provide assurances their specific requirements could be met.


Alan [Edmondson] and the team at Delaware really connected with our cause; really understood where we were coming from and the long list of things I said were non-negotiables. There was a genuineness about working with Delaware, which I didn't feel with other suppliers that had pitched their ideas. 
Kwesi Afful - Digital & Data Executive DirectorScope.

Facing challenges, delivering results:

To identify the shortcomings of the existing CMS platform and decide on a way forward, Delaware conducted discussions and workshops with Scope’s team. The sessions revealed several significant issues:

  • High costs: expensive licensing fees stretched their budget
  • Editing complexity: managing content was a cumbersome process
  • Slow onboarding: It took too long to train staff on how to use the platform
  • Frequent issues: Regular technical problems disrupted their workflow


Having assessed Scope’s needs, it was decided that Delaware would migrate Scope to a new Headless CMS with Kontent.AI and perform a ‘lift and shift’ of two existing front-end websites.

Before getting underway, however, the project was impacted by internal challenges which saw Scope unable to move forward in the timeframe agreed. Kwesi commented,

They were still understanding; there was still a commitment to get this project delivered within the original timescale, which I've never, ever seen before in the 20 years plus career that I've had in previous organisations.
Kwesi AffulDigital & Data Executive Director, Scope.

A streamlined approach

To meet the project’s objectives within the given budget and timeline, the Delaware team adopted a focused approach. Alastair Brown, Lead Solution Architect for the project commented,  


“With the very tight and immovable deadline in mind, we decided on an MVP approach, to get the most important site pages and functionality live for the initial switch-over and then to continue to work full capacity until the entire site is migrated. 

This was only made possible by working in an agile manner, testing regularly so we could identify areas for improvement rapidly.”

The project commenced by prioritising essential features, focusing on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to meet the urgent deadline imposed by the expiring CMS license. This approach allowed Alastair and the team to efficiently gather requirements in collaboration with Scope and implement an agile development methodology using 3-week sprints. This iterative process ensured the project remained on schedule and fostered a dynamic, results-oriented environment.


Challenges overcome, lessons learned 

When the project unexpectedly expanded, the team demonstrated adaptability by strategically scaling the team and streamlining rigorous testing processes. Delaware were therefore able to effectively manage the increased workload and meet all deadlines without compromising functionality.

By acknowledging the initial underestimation of the project's complexity, Scope and Delaware learned valuable lessons:

  • Early scoping: deeper planning and analysis at the beginning would have avoided later adjustments.
  • Data migration flexibility: automated processes have limitations – manual intervention sometimes proves necessary.

A brighter future for Scope 

The new Kontent.ai platform empowers Scope with a multitude of benefits, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings:

  • Reduced costs: license fees are minimised, freeing up resources for other initiatives.
  • Enhanced content sharing: seamless content sharing between websites streamlines operations.
  • Simplified editing: a user-friendly interface allows for faster and easier content creation and management, saving valuable staff time.

This translates to:

  • Increased efficiency: staff can focus on more strategic tasks instead of wrestling with a complex CMS.
  • Cost savings: reduced license fees free up resources for other important areas.

 

Commenting on the importance of a digital-first approach for charities, Kwesi said:

Charities need to think seriously about how we can have the biggest impact through the most reasonable cost means. Online, digital; your website is your front door. Essentially, that is where the priority needs to go - into investing and working with organisations that can help you to have the most impactful website. 
Kwesi AffulDigital & Data Executive Director, Scope.

Ready to make a difference? Let's discuss how Delaware can help your organisation achieve its goals. 

Alan Edmondson

Digital Practice Lead

Delaware UK & Ireland

Book a call