Communities can collaborate in various ways, electronic or face to face, or a combination of both. Teleconferencing and web conferencing can also be valid working and communication practices.  It is worth defining this important aspect of the community culture at the early stages, ensuring that all members have input.

Consider publishing a statement of working practices and communication strategy in your Shared Space as a 'Resource i.e. Welcome pack'.  All members can use this for reference. 

Link to template for Community of Practice Charter and  Welcome Pack

Shared Space

You can also use the Consultation feature to consult on proposals. Link practices and communication strategy in your Shared Space as a 'Resource'.  All members can use this for reference.  You can also use the Consultation feature to consult on proposals.

Introductory reading on topic of consultation.

Members may need some support in understanding how they can contribute to the community.  Practical support may be required to use online tools e.g. the Shared Space or e-Library tools.

Members who have assumed the 'Facilitating Learning' role should consider how they will identify and meet the needs of community members in developing their skills and confidence in information and knowledge management.

Organise a training session, the MKN team can provide materials. mkn@nes.scot.nhs.uk

Set up a mini survey or discussion asking users how confident they feel in the community and any skills they feel they need to be an active participant.

Information Literacy portal provides access to sources of e-Learning and help and tutorials eg. Information literacy skills course: (www.infoskills.scot.nhs.uk)

Remember that local library services and information literacy networks are also available to offer support. Use the Library Services link in the e-Library to find your nearest NHS library. 

Shared Space users

The 'Administrators' Shared Space community enables Administrators to learn from each other.

The 'Help' menu on the Shared Space and e-Library provide step by step instructions in usage and PowerPoint demonstrations.

Ways of working, roles and responsibilities should be clearly understood and a code of conduct should be available.  It can help to agree a charter / ways of working using this template and notes.

Rules around moderation of publishing and discussion should be clearly defined and available to all community members.

Leaders, communicators and resource managers need to find ways to encourage members to publish and share resources openly and to participate in discussion. 

Ensure all documentation relevant to the community is posted as a 'Resource'.

Send discussion threads to members encouraging a response.

Set appropriate moderation levels for resources and discussions.

Reading material on copyright or link to copyright section in 'Help'.

Establishing and identifying early wins is a good way to encourage the community.

It is also worth while acknowledging all input from members so as to encourage an open and fair working environment.

If possible an initial face to face meeting can set the tone for the community.

Publishing a useful information resource or a discussion topic of high importance in your Shared Space can be simple ways of highlighting the benefits of the community and its technology tools.

Managing the discussion - prompt with topics/guidance.

Identify short term goals and ways to stimulate and maintain activity.

Link opportunities for learning to KSF.