The Future of Fair Work Challenge is a hack weekend with a difference. We're bringing together talented creatives, developers, designers, entrepreneurs and data experts, along with people who have a deep understanding of the problem, to test and launch ideas for using technology to create a fairer future of work. 

 The world of work is failing too many people. In the UK 6 million people earn less than the living wage, insecurity at work has increased with more people working as agency workers or on zero-hours contracts, and routes into higher wage jobs are limited. We think it's time we used technology to push back against these trends. We need new WorkerTech solutions that address the massive inequality in the jobs market and create a fairer future of work for all.

Over one weekend the Future of Fair Work Challenge will combine the best of lean startup and user-centred design principles to help people rapidly test and prototype new solutions - turning bright ideas into a viable proof of concept in as little as two days.

The Future of Fair Work Challenge is organised by Bethnal Green Ventures (BGV), Resolution Trust and techforgood.global, and will be held at BGV's co-working space in central London. At the end of the challenge teams will get the opportunity to pitch for further support from BGV and our event partners, to help turn these ideas into successful ventures that will have a significant impact far beyond the weekend.

You should apply if:

You have a  great idea for using technology to improve the future of work and you're up for a weekend of intensive support to help you test and develop it (if you're already working with people on the idea then you should bring them along);

and/or 

you are interested in this area and have relevant skills and expertise to help people develop and test their ideas. We're looking for volunteers with a range of skills and experience to help teams, from user design, prototyping, coding, product development and data science to marketing, communications and business development - a wide range of experience and skills are welcome. 

This is a collaborative weekend so be prepared to mix and learn with lots of different talented people!

*APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - HOWEVER WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SOME DESIGN AND TECH MENTORS. EMAIL HELLO+FAIRWORK@BETHNALGREENVENTURES.COM*

 It's time for some fresh thinking on the need for innovation in worker organisation and support. We believe there's a huge opportunity to use technology to address the inequality in the jobs market and improve prospects for workers. 

For example, we'd like to see new solutions that provide: 

1) better ways of organising workers, strengthening their bargaining power and ensuring their legal rights are respected, 2) new worker-friendly agency models that ensure ‘flexible work’ isn’t just about benefiting employers, and 3) easier ways for workers to acquire new skills, access training and learn about better job opportunities.

Click to read more about the opportunities we've identified.

When's the deadline for applying? 

Wednesday 14th February at 13:00. There are limited places available for the Challenge so please don't be offended if we're not able to accommodate you this time around. 

How much does it cost? 

It's free to enter and attend the Challenge and we'll provide you with plenty of food and drink to keep you nourished and refreshed over the weekend. If you need support with travel costs within the UK we may be able to help, let us know when you apply. 

What do you need to bring? 

Please bring your own devices and cables (we will supply good WIFI and PAT tested power strips).

Who can attend?

We encourage high levels of diversity and welcome a broad range of perspectives, approaches and background in attendees. We ask that participants under 18 be accompanied by an adult.

Have another question? 

Contact hello+fairwork@bethnalgreenventures.com