Strengthening community infrastructure in Hackney with MRI Software’s support

Delivering measurable social value through digitally enabled community spaces      

The London Borough of Hackney is working with The Shared Power Collective and local estate communities to strengthen resident-led community infrastructure through an innovative Shared Power programme; a collaborative model designed to strengthen digital access within council-owned community spaces, and support community-led activation of public assets.

In partnership with Hackney’s Strategic Property Services team, MRI Software’s structured social value approach aligns directly to the borough’s community priorities. As part of this collaboration, MRI donated essential IT equipment to support the Shared Power Community Hub initiative, enhancing digital access and operational capability in community venues.

This contribution reflects a shared commitment to ensuring public assets are not only managed effectively, but actively enable stronger, more connected communities.

Strategic alignment

The Shared Power Collective model empowers residents and grassroots organisations to lead the use and programming of council-owned spaces. By connecting local groups and coordinating activity, the programme increases participation, strengthens collaboration, and supports sustainable, inclusive,community-led delivery. 

MRI’s contribution enhances the digital capability of these spaces ensuring they can operate efficiently, host digital skills activity, support employability programmes, and provide access to online services. In doing so, community venues become not only physical gathering points, but digitally enabled hubs for opportunity. 

Delivering meaningful community impact

The initiative supports priority outcomes across three key areas 

Digital Inclusion 

• Increased access to devices for residents without home technology 
• Improved access to online services, education and employment platforms 
• Reduced digital exclusion within the community 

Skills & Employment 

• Enabling delivery of digital IT skills 
• Supporting job search activity and employability programmes 
• Facilitating enterprise and micro-business development 

Asset Activation 

• Strengthening resident-led programming within underutilised community spaces 
• Increasing collaborative use of council-owned venues 
• Supporting sustainable activation models 

By embedding digital infrastructure within community assets, this work is reinforcing the long-term resilience and accessibility of its local ecosystem. 

Alice McCreadie (she/her)
Spacebank Officer – Strategic Property Services, London Borough of Hackney 

The equipment MRI Software has contributed will be available for residents to use in our shared workspaces towards their personal and professional aims. It will also be used by partners in the Shared Power Collective, who will now be resourced to support residents with digital access and education in ways which are relational and responsive.

A responsible partnership approach

For MRI, delivering property and asset management technology to local authorities extends beyond system implementation. It means aligning with the strategic ambitions of the places those systems support. 

This initiative demonstrates: 

• Clear alignment with Hackney’s established community priorities 
• Early and proactive engagement with council stakeholders 
• Delivery of tangible, place-based benefit 
• A long-term commitment to responsible public sector partnership 

It is not a standalone contribution, but part of MRI’s broader approach to embedding social value into every stage of its public sector relationships. 

We are proud to support Hackney’s community-led initiatives. Providing technology that enables grassroots organisations and residents to thrive demonstrates how social value can be practical, collaborative and impactful. We look forward to continuing our partnership in delivering positive outcomes across the Borough.

-Malcolm Payton, MRI Software