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Devon Connect

A county-wide partnership.

Devon's online community hub.

Devon Connect is a free community platform linking local people to nearby activities, services, groups and volunteering.

Free to use and open to all, the platform is quietly transforming how Devon connects - helping residents discover activities, find volunteer opportunities, local groups, charity jobs and various other sources of support.

In 2025, Devon Connect celebrated a major milestone with over 5,000 members, making it one of the largest community-led digital networks in the South West.

Devon's online community hub.

The challenge

Devon’s size and rural geography create isolated communities where people often struggle to access up-to-date information and support.

These challenges are intensified by reduced public services, rising social needs and fragmented signposting across sectors - all of which particularly affect people living in rural villages, coastal communities and small market towns.

With Devon County Council no longer funding its already outdated directory, Devon Connect has become the county’s shared platform, built around a clear mission: to reduce isolation, improve access to support and help communities thrive.

Created through a unique collaboration between Devon’s local Councils for Voluntary Service, the platform strengthens community life at every level.

Local partners bring their knowledge, relationships and care to the platform. Each locality manages its own hub, ensuring the experience always feels rooted in the people and places it serves.

This personal connection is Devon Connect’s unique selling point. Local teams curate listings, support contributors and join the dots between residents and the opportunities around them.

As partners often say: “It’s the one-stop shop - but with a human touch.”

Communities tell us they lack up-to-date information about services and support. Devon Connect addresses this, especially for those in rural or isolated areas.

Karen Nolan, former Chief Officer, Devon Voluntary Action

The challenge

Our solution

Connecting what matters most.

Devon Connect helps residents see what’s going on, get involved and feel part of something. The platform also provides a great foundation for CVS partners to collaborate.

Sitting behind this online platform is a strong and established partnership of organisations absolutely committed to helping communities reach their potential.

Its flexibility allows each area to shape their hub around local priorities, while the shared infrastructure delivers consistency, value for money and a stronger collective identity across Devon’s communities.

Key features and outcomes include:

  • Shared backbone
    Local ownership with shared rules, branding and quality standards across all hubs.
  • Social value generation
    £626,937 in estimated social value created in 2024 alone - up from £381,894 in 2023.
  • Neighbourly support
    Nearly 40,000 volunteer hours gifted through the platform over the last four years.
  • Integrated referrals
    Through our integration with the Joy App, healthcare professionals can refer residents directly to local support.
  • Insightful reporting
    A shared data dashboard gives partners a clear view of engagement, trends and impact.
  • Consistent standards
    A governance model that ensures high-quality listings, clear information and a reliable user experience.

Our solution

The power of partnerships

Devon Connect shows what’s possible when local organisations choose to build something together rather than work alone. Over 500 community organisations have shared more than 4,000 activities. In fact, in 2024:

  • 2,445 activities were added (up from 1,494 in 2023).
  • 1,145 new members joined.
  • The platform saw 50,083 unique users, up from 31,169.
  • Page views rose to 240,267 (from 170,592 in 2023).
  • Every £1 spent generated £29.85 in social value.

This growth reflects a network that is becoming more connected, more collaborative and more effective each year.

Marie Gould, Chief Officer of NDVS and Chair of the Devon Connect partnership, put it simply:

If we want people to give time in their communities, the answer isn’t always to go bigger - it’s to get closer.

Her full interview on the Place Makers podcast explores the realities of place-based leadership and the “orchestra” of partners who make Devon Connect work.

The power of partnerships

Looking ahead

Quietly transforming how Devon Connects.

Because Devon Connect is built on trust, partnership and local knowledge, it has grown into a genuinely valued service for local people - fast becoming the digital backbone of community life.

Devon Connect proves that that when organisations share their strengths and technology stays human, communities become stronger and more connected.

And as more localities join, Devon Connect is ready to meet the evolving needs of residents.

Looking ahead

Devon Connect

Building a stronger, more compassionate Devon from the ground up.

 

Devon Connect is the one-stop shop but with a human touch. It’s been a fantastic journey and we’ve been supported brilliantly by Made Open.

Marie Gould, Chief Officer of NDVS and Chair of the Devon Connect

Visit Devon Connect
Devon Connect

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What best describes your community?

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How big is your online community likely to be?

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Do you need assistance managing your platform?

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What features are you most interested in?

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How ready are you?


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Based on your answers, we think you are...

56% ready

for a Made Open platform.

If you are looking to harness the strengths of your community or network, we can help get this figure closer to 100%.

What best describes your community?

You selected: A community of place

Our community software empowers a diverse range of public and voluntary sector partnerships. We've designed it with a deep understanding of what holds communities back and how leaders can make them thrive.

Unfortunately, communities often go unnoticed, despite their potential to make a difference. Yet, in every community, there's a treasure trove of untapped knowledge and compassion. The secret is to embrace each member's unique contributions. Our software shifts the focus away from problems and challenges to the boundless value they bring.

Each platform connects members to the skills, knowledge, support and resources within their community - propelling them towards a brighter future.

You selected: A community of practice

In the quest for excellence, individuals and groups often struggle to access expertise when they need it most. What they may not realise is that a wealth of untapped skills and knowledge is readily available to help them.

Our software serves as the key to unlocking the full potential of your network or workforce. We believe that success, whether for individuals or groups, hinges on the effortless exchange of skills and knowledge.

Each platform allows members to share their ideas, skills and talents within their network - propelling everyone towards excellence.

You selected: A bit of both

Whether it’s nurturing a local community or a community of professionals, our software understands what holds people back and what tools are needed to help them make a difference.

In every community or network lies an abundance of skills, wisdom and compassion. The secret is to embrace each member’s distinctive contributions and empower them as drivers of change, not mere bystanders of it.

Our software connects members to the wealth of skills, knowledge, support and resources residing within their online community.

How big is your online community likely to be?

You selected: Less than 100 members.

Why not dip your toes into the water with our 'Entry' platform? This starter-level solution is perfect for smaller communities or pilot projects, offering the most budget-friendly licensing option available.

You selected: Less than 1,000 members.

This is normal. Why not choose our ‘Creator’ pricing model? It accommodates up to 1,200 members while keeping your costs at a minimum as you establish your online community. You can easily add more features, services and members at a later stage.

You selected: 1,000 to 10,000 members.

The choice of many thriving communities, our 'Innovator' pricing model is designed to propel your success. Supporting up to 3,000 members and with many extra features coming as standard, our account team can help you manage queries and requests from your expanding user base.

You selected: More than 10,000 members.

For large communities with high expectations, our 'Enterprise' pricing model is the perfect fit. It's ideal for scale-up communities seeking top-tier products and services from Made Open, with the added flexibility to collaborate with partners and request enhancements as needed.

You selected: I don't know.

That’s fine. Fledgling communities often have big dreams but lack the specifics to make them happen on day 1. Consider starting small with our 'Creator' pricing model and scale up as you achieve certain milestones. You could also buy extra time from our team who specialise in growing online communities.

Do you need assistance managing your platform?

You selected: We can manage this platform ourselves.

The good news is that this is the most affordable choice. Our ‘Entry’ and ‘Creator’ models are like do-it-yourself options. But if you need help along the way, help is still at hand. We provide many guides, webinars and group training sessions that you can be part of.

Do you need assistance managing your platform?

You selected: We could use some assistance getting started.

Except for our Entry model, where it's more self-service, our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way. You'll receive a tailored Welcome Pack, help with setting up your platform and personalised training to get you started. In a nutshell, we’ve got you covered!

Do you need assistance managing your platform?

You selected: We’re likely to need help growing this community.

Many of our clients appreciate both our service and our platform's features. With our token system, you have full control to customise your dream platform. If you require ongoing support from us, you can easily add this to your plan.

Do you need assistance managing your platform?

You selected: We want to outsource platform management.

Some of our clients often have a budget for a platform but lack the resources to manage it. That's okay; we can be your complete outsourcing solution if you need assistance. Our account team specialises in community growth!

Do you need assistance managing your platform?

You selected: I don’t know

No worries! You might find our 'People Power' plan useful. It offers a clear roadmap for leaders like you to create a successful online community. If necessary, we can help you shape the big vision for your platform and offer practical day-to-day support.

What features are you most interested in?

Here are the features that are most important to you right now:

Timebanking ✔  
Listings ✔ 
Volunteering ✔ 
Events ✔ 
Idea sharing ✔ 
Discussions ✔ 
Polls ✔ 
Teams ✔ 
Campaigns ✔ 
Guides ✔ 
Goals ✔ 

It’s tempting to begin with all the features you desire, but starting small and expanding slowly is often a wiser choice. This approach ensures you platform begins life clear and focused.

Our recommendation would be to select the key features that align best with your community’s current needs and remain agile as these needs evolve.

Keep in mind that opting for just one feature initially offers the most budget-friendly option, as adding more features will also increase costs.

You have indicated the following:

  • You do have a budget for an online platform.
  • You might have a budget for an online platform.

    Things for you to consider:
    What is the funding strategy for this platform?
    Is investing in an online platform a priority worth budgeting for?
    Could you share the cost of licensing a platform with other organisations?

  • You do not have a budget for an online platform.

    Things to consider:
    Are there grants available for your project?
    If you represent a marginalized community, you may be eligible for a free starter platform.
    Are there local sponsors who might support your cause?

  • You are involved in the buying decision.
  • You are not involved in the buying decision.

    Things to consider:
    Who is on board and how can you (or we) engage them effectively?
    Could Made Open send any literature to support your business case?
    What objections might you encounter and what’s the best way to handle them?

  • You might be involved in the buying decision

    Things for you to consider:
    What’s the best way to engage other stakeholders in this project?
    Can Made Open assist you in engaging others through demos or discussions?
    Would beginning with a small-scale approach allow you to start and involve others later on?

  • A platform will address a key challenge within your community or organisation.
  • A platform won’t address a key challenge within your community or organisation.

    Things to consider:
    What is the key challenge you want to solve?
    What got you thinking about using technology in the first place?
    Is the current solution for this challenge fit for purpose?

  • A platform might address a key challenge within your community or organisation.

    Things for you to consider:
    What happens if you take no action?
    Can you gain insights from other Made Open platforms facing similar challenges?
    Would a small-scale trial or proof-of-concept be a valuable exercise?

  • You do need to address this challenge quickly.
  • You don’t need to address this challenge quickly.

    Things to consider:
    What are your timescales?
    How long do you need to prepare for them?
    Are there any events that might alter your deadlines?

  • You might need to address this challenge quickly.

    Things for you to consider:
    What will make this a pressing issue that needs immediate attention?
    How probable and imminent is this threat?
    Do you want to prepare in advance or are you okay with waiting?

These factors are key to rating your readiness for licensing our software but, whatever your level of readiness, we’re more than happy to help you explore next steps.

Thank you for completing this survey and we hope it was useful. We will be in touch to see if we can help further.

Let's build a better community.

Regards, the Made Open team


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