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CloseHEAT System Review
We are undertaking a comprehensive review and rebuild of our evaluation and tracking system. Our goal is to shape the future of HEAT, with a once in a decade opportunity to design the next system together.
- News
- System Review
The HEAT system is central to how our members record, manage and understand their work. As technology evolves and the needs of the sector change, now is the time to take a fresh look at how the HEAT system looks and functions.
Why are we doing this?
For many years, HEAT has evolved in response to emerging requirements and member requests. This approach has helped us meet changing needs, but it has also meant that development has often been incremental.
The System Review provides an opportunity to step back and ask:
- What do members need from HEAT over the next decade?
- How can we make everyday tasks simpler and more effective?
- What new technologies could help us work smarter?
- How can we strengthen the value of HEAT as a shared sector resource?
- What functionality do we need to support future evaluation, reporting and collaboration?
This is an exciting opportunity to move from evolving the system one change at a time to creating a shared vision for the future.
How are we achieving this?
Over the coming months, we will undertake a comprehensive System Review to explore how HEAT can be refreshed, redesigned and future-proofed for the next decade. This review is not simply about updating technology. It is about ensuring that HEAT continues to work for members individually, collectively, and as a sector-wide resource.
Members will be at the heart of every stage of the process.
Designed by members, for members
The most important input into the System Review will come from the organisations and individuals who use the system every day.
Our members bring different perspectives, priorities and experiences. Some need HEAT to support operational delivery, others rely on it for reporting, evaluation, collaboration or strategic planning. Whether you are a regular system user, a data specialist, a manager, an evaluator or a strategic leader, your perspective matters.
Throughout the review, members will help us to:
- Identify challenges and opportunities.
- Prioritise future requirements.
- Review emerging proposals.
- Test ideas and provide feedback.
- Shape the final recommendations.
The stronger and broader the engagement, the stronger the future system will be.
How will it work?
The review will be delivered in four distinct Phases: Discover, Define, Design and Decide.
Each phase will have a clear set of objectives and outcomes that must be achieved before progressing to the next stage, with members helping to shape both the process and the outcomes. The outputs from one phase will directly inform the next, ensuring that member feedback is embedded throughout the process.
Phase 1: Discover
Building a robust evidence base to understand member needs, challenges and aspirations.
Phase 2: Define
Mapping key user journeys and identifying opportunities for a future-ready HEAT.
Phase 3: Design
Creating and testing proposed solutions that reflect member priorities and emerging technologies.
Phase 4: Decide
Agreeing the future system vision and roadmap for implementation.
How will decisions be made?
The review will be guided by a Steering Group and facilitated by the HEAT central team, who’s role it is to gather, synthesise and present member feedback, ensuring that the views of the membership community inform every stage of the process.
Information, ideas and feedback will flow in both directions throughout the review. This is not a one-way consultation exercise. It is a collaborative process designed to ensure that member voices remain central to the future development of HEAT.
How you can get involved
Engagement will look slightly different at each phase, but there will be multiple opportunities for all members to contribute.
There will be opportunities to engage whether you have five minutes to complete a survey or would like to take a more active role throughout the review.
- Email Contributions
- Member Workshops
- Surveys
- Webinars
- Website Feedback
Stay tuned
The System Review will only succeed if it reflects the needs and ambitions of HEAT members.
Together, we have an opportunity to design a future-ready HEAT that harnesses new technologies, supports evolving sector needs and delivers value for years to come.
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing updates, insights and opportunities to get involved in the review process.
