Assemble launch delayed

This year, we’ve been working hard to prepare to launch our new volunteer management system (VMS), Assemble. You can find out more and watch our sneak peek video about what it will do here.

We’d hoped to start rolling out Assemble to both staff and volunteers this autumn. However, due to reasons relating to the wider project it’s a part of, we’ve unfortunately had to delay the launch.

Why?

Assemble’s one of multiple connected systems that form a new data platform we’ve been developing called Sage. This platform will bring all our data into one centralised location, creating a single and reliable source.

Project Sage is all about transforming how we handle and use data across the MS Society, bringing in new systems and software to support many of our teams. We’d hoped to launch Sage this autumn, but as with any big project, there have been a few unexpected twists along the way. Going live isn’t just a matter of flipping a switch—it’s a journey. We’re taking the time to get it right, making sure that when we launch, it’s a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Assemble itself is nearly ready to launch. But, due to the tightly interconnected data across the Sage platform, launching Assemble on its own isn’t feasible. To ensure we continue providing effective services to the MS community, all the connected Sage systems need to go live at the same time.

When will we ‘go live’?

When we say, ‘go live,’ we’re talking about the moment our new systems are fully activated, replacing the old ones.

The project team’s working hard to resolve issues and set a realistic timeline. Once Sage is ready, we’ll need to ensure everything is running smoothly. After that, we can start gradually rolling out Assemble to staff and volunteers as planned.

We aim to share more on the timeline in the coming weeks so stay tuned for updates.

What does this mean for the systems volunteers use?

To transfer over the necessary data and information for when Assemble was due to launch, we had to freeze some of the systems that volunteers use.

Now that the Assemble launch has been delayed, please follow the guidance below for recruitment and Portal updates.

The Portal

• As previously communicated, the Portal will reach the end of its life this year. Therefore, the Portal will no longer be available to volunteers, including read-only access from mid-December. We’ll be emailing relevant volunteers with further information next week.

• We understand many of you will have questions about how to access group contacts. We’re working hard on a solution and will share further information soon.

• Please continue sending new services, or changes to services, to the Volunteer Support Team (VST) to approve and upload to the website. A lot of work has been taking place to transfer services to Assemble ready for the launch, and we’ll do our best to post your updates as quickly as possible, but please be patient. The VST may need to contact you with queries or requests to review dated SLAs, so keep a look out.

Volunteer Recruitment Freeze

• We’ll lift the freeze on REACH on Monday 25 November so volunteer recruitment can resume.

• If you need to add a new vacancy, please contact your Volunteer Support Officer or Volunteer Recruitment Officer, Simon Moran, who’ll add it to REACH and ensure the same role will be advertised on Assemble after it launches.

Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Support Team by calling 0300 500 8084 (select option #3) or by emailing [email protected].