1. What actually is FrontlineBuddy?

FrontlineBuddy is a team mindset- this means that it is a way that we can choose to think about how we work in and behave in a team or organisation. Ideally, we would all be seeing teamwork from the same perspective.  At FrontlineBuddy we believe that when we are working in a team or a group we should all hold the Buddy principles as standard.  Particularly in crisis though in no way limited to this.  We believe these are basic shared principles that all people at all levels in organisation can uphold.  For the well-being of all. 

2. Do I need to pay to use FrontlineBuddy?

FrontlineBuddy is currently free to use for Frontline and Essential Worker organisations such as the NHS, Care Homes, Schools, Food Producers and Suppliers, Delivery Service- the list is long.  If you are unsure please contact us.

We are developing a paid for version for corporates.   If you are a Corporate and would like to early adopt or donate then please contact.

3. How do you Buddy people up?

To be clear FrontlineBuddy does not actually Buddy people up.  Teams can choose to use their own specific pairing processes for themselves.  This can help when you have new team members, are a new group.  It can also help to Buddy people up on a day or shift if your team works on the basis of a quickly changing rota meaning you rarely see the same members of your team.  We believe that once you have experienced being Buddy’s in pairs then the Buddy mindset spreads throughout the whole group- that is what we are aiming for!  We provide you with the tools to help you achieve that state. 

4. Do I need to be a leader to use FrontlineBuddy?

No!  FrontlineBuddy in a team or organisation can be started and driven by anyone.  Ideally you would like to involve your management/leadership team in implementing this though Frontlinebuddy is for everyone in an organisation- we are all FrontlineBuddy’s !

5. What do I need to do to start using FrontlineBuddy?

Follow the ‘Get Started’ page to start implementing FrontlineBuddy in your team.  You as the person who is implementing Buddy need to be confident that you can apply the principles of Listening, Understanding, Support and Caring so you can be a role model and influence the group.  You also need to be aware of the Buddy Boundaries to help you know what being a Buddy is about and what it is not.  You can use our linked training material to help this process.  We would also recommend you look at our disclaimer and privacy principles.

6. Who can help me get started?

Joining the FrontlineBuddy LinkedIn professionals closed group can help you get tips and joining hints.  If you are part of a larger organisation or need extra help because your organisation is currently in a state of complexity (use our health organisation checker) we can supply some organisations with a Consultant led support service to help you settle things down before you adopt the FrontlineBuddy System. 

7. Which Organisations can use FrontlineBuddy?

In theory any organisation can use this system.  We have developed this for Healthcare, Education, voluntary and charity sectors though this can be adapted for corporate and Higher Education.  Do get in touch with us if you have any ideas about how we can modify the platform for different uses.

8. Can my family and friends be my Buddy?

Of course.  Getting support from your family and social circle is really important, especially in difficult times.  Sometimes it is difficult to ask for that support or to let people know that you are in need.  Sending them the FrontlineBuddy Principles is a good way of letting them know you could do with a hand.  

9. What is the evidence that this actually works? 

FrontlineBuddy is based on best up-to the minute evidence from multiple sources as well a best practice principles and standards.   We are also developing our own evidence base and will let you know as soon as we can. 

10. My organisation is a really unhealthy place to be at the moment- can FrontlineBuddy help us?

We have designed FrontlineBuddy to help all organisations however if the state of your organisation is really not good then there may need to be some issues that need to be dealt with first of all before adopting our system.  The risk is that you start implementing FrontlineBuddy and it does not help- or could make things worse.  FrontlineBuddy has developed from ideas and principles that have been tested by people managing real disasters and crisis situations where there have been high levels of stress and so is applicable to all sorts of stressful organisational situations.  For organisational wellbeing this would be part of a managed organisational approach and strategy to the wellbeing of a team or organisation.  

11. Does having FrontlineBuddy mean we cannot compete or challenge each other? 

No- competition is really important between people, groups, teams and organisations.  Though at FrontlineBuddy we believe that the FrontlineBuddy values we have set out override competition as we all have a mission and focus on the wellbeing of all and each other so we can create better together.