Coffee Connect - Meet Someone New, Share Something Useful!

When did you last have a work conversation with someone completely outside your usual circle?

You probably work with the same 5-10 people every day.

You know your immediate team inside out. You grab lunch with the same colleagues. You solve problems with the same faces around the table.

And that's... fine. But limiting.

Because somewhere else in this trust:

• Someone has already solved the problem you're struggling with
• Someone has expertise you need but don't know exists
• Someone is working on something that complements your work perfectly
• Someone would be a brilliant collaborator if only you knew each other

Coffee Connect (also known as a randomised coffee trial) exists to make those connections happen. It is one of the tools used for mobilising knowledge in the NHS. Everyone has valuable knowledge. Coffee Connect facilitates the sharing.

The magic is in the randomness. You don't choose who you meet. You don't filter by department or profession or seniority. You get matched with someone you'd never have encountered in your normal working life.

How It Works

Step 1: Sign Up (Deadline: 12th December)

Complete our quick (1-2 minutes) expression of interest form here with:

• Your name and email address
• Your role and department

Step 2: Get Matched (Week of 15th December)

We will randomly pair you with someone from a different area.  We aim to match:

• Different departments (not your own)
• Different professions where possible
• Different sites if practical
• Different levels of seniority (mix it up!)

You will receive an email with:

• Your match's name, role, and department
• Their contact details (email and Teams)
• Optional conversation starters (if you want them)
• Tips for a great Coffee Connect conversation

Step 3: Make Contact (January/February 2026)

Either of you can reach out first. Send a friendly email or Teams message:

"Hi [Name], we've been matched for Coffee Connect! I'd love to find 30 minutes for a chat. What times work for you next week?"

Flexible scheduling is key. Find a time that suits you both - could be morning, lunchtime, or afternoon/evening.

Step 4: Meet for Coffee (30 minutes)

Choose your format:

Microsoft Teams (Most popular)

• No travel time
• Works across sites
• Easy to schedule
• Can share screens if discussing tools/resources

In Person (If you're on the same site)

• More personal
• Actual coffee!
• Face-to-face connection
• Might bump into others

Either works. It's about the conversation, not the format.

Step 5: Connect & Share

30 minutes flies by when you're having a good conversation.

Sign Up Now

Coffee Connect sign-ups close 12th December 2025

👉 Expression of interest form: Coffee Connect - expression of interest – Fill in form

Questions? Email  mtw-tr.clinical.libarians@nhs.net