ICMIF member Benenden Health (UK) has launched a dedicated online community platform for its members.

The platform from the not-for-profit healthcare provider allows members to connect with other members in their local area and across the country, as well as other key functionalities including access to the latest Benenden Health news and announcements. It also allows members to engage in organisational discussions and polls, as well as RSVP to its face-to-face ‘Member Meetups’.

The launch of the platform follows shortly after the organisation’s member base voted in favour of its new democratic structure. The proposal set-out the intention to modernise Benenden Health’s democracy by:

• Giving all members the opportunity to have their say, and therefore encouraging a more diverse member voice.
• Giving members the ability to make decisions quicker and more sustainably.
• Focusing its new democracy on the Society’s strategic direction, as well as healthcare.

The platform, built in partnership with online community specialists Standing on Giants which has built online communities for organisations including AirBnB, O2 and Tesco Bank, fully integrates its ‘Community Representatives’ for each region. Community Representatives are Benenden Health members who volunteer to ensure member voices are heard in their region. The representatives also have full training on Benenden Health’s products and services, so they can answer critical questions from members. Representatives also have access to post regional-relevant content on the platform.

Benenden Health Chief Executive Officer, Bob Andrews said: “I am delighted that we can introduce new ways for our members to engage with Benenden Health; to have their voices heard, and to work closely with us to improve and grow the organisation.

“Our online community will allow for all of that and more. We learnt from the pandemic that an online presence is vital to continue the conversation, and we hope that having this space encourages members from all corners of the country to get involved, even from the comfort of their own homes.

“I personally look forward to our first open discussions online with members and their Community Representatives, as well as seeing some face-to-face at our Member Meetups.”

Robbie Hearn, Co-founder at Standing on Giants said: “We are very excited about our partnership with Benenden Health. The online community will be a place for members to connect in ways they haven’t, and couldn’t before, and will be able to provide feedback to the organisation on how to deliver the best possible care.

“At its heart, as with all successful communities, will be meaningful relationships, so that members feel consistently supported and engaged not only with the business but with each other.

“Throughout our time building communities for businesses all over the world, we have been inspired by what people can achieve when they come together and collaborate for mutual benefit. There is huge potential for the Benenden Health community to make a real difference to people’s lives, and we feel privileged to be with them on that journey.