
The SiteWorks volunteer team have successfully migrated over all u3as using SiteBuilder to the new dedicated website platform for u3as, SiteWorks.
The entire project was led and delivered by u3a members - exemplifying the member-led structure that is one of the key principles of the u3a movement.
The project to replace the website platform for u3as, which was then Site Builder, first began three years ago, with a steering committee forming to oversee the transition. By late 2022 and into 2023, a call for volunteers brought together a passionate team, ready to take on the challenge. A group of ‘Pioneer u3as’ were the first to migrate, testing the process and receiving guidance from volunteers. Their success paved the way for the full-scale rollout that followed.
Throughout 2024, the SiteWorks team achieved incredible milestones, with Coventry Spires becoming the 100th site to go live in April, Bicester u3a marking the 250th in July, and Didcot & District u3a reaching the 500th milestone in November. The team worked tirelessly, averaging an impressive 15 site migrations per week since February 2024.
In December, the final planned site was successfully migrated, bringing the total to 676. This project is estimated to benefit 250,000 members and countless prospective new members.
Along the way, u3as migrating to the new site were supported by volunteers. One of those migrating members said to the volunteering team, "Thank you for all the hard work you have done getting our local u3a groups to build websites. Especially for many like me who had not attempted anything like it before. Once we got into it we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves even if some of it was hard work. We had a great sense of achievement. We now have a much simpler and easy to use website. The feedback from our members is very positive and they are very happy with it."
Another member said of the migrating process, "I have to say it's fun. It's great to learn something new."
Looking forward, the project will now be moving into a new phase. As well as supporting the SiteWorks sites, there will be a focus on Beacon and SiteWorks integration. We are looking for new volunteers to help with this - if you would like to be a part of the team, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.