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net:gain wins funding to continue market-based innovation in ICT support

ruralnet|uk, the charity behind net:gain, is delighted with Capacitybuilders’ announcement today awarding funding to continue the highly innovative net:gain programme until 2011.

Building on best practice to develop existing local support organisations, net:gain has been funded under ChangeUp since 2005 to develop a market-based framework for ICT support – based on a Capacity Builders Social Franchising model.

National project manager, Jane Berry, says:

“Designing and running net:gain has been a huge learning curve. Our most successful centres have been real innovation partners. Through all the adaptations, one thing holds true: Give VCOs – however large or small – the time, tools and support to think through their needs and they will find practical solutions. Not everyone likes the idea of ‘strategy’ but it just means standing back, and looking forward. We help people ask the right questions, be more aware of costs, benefits and pitfalls to avoid. We’re not trying to turn Trustees into Techies – we’re helping create ‘better customers’ for ICT. That’s good for all suppliers, and we want to win more private sector sponsorship in future, so more organisations can benefit.”

The ‘franchise’ is awarded to local support organisations – also UK online centres - to become net:gain centres. They in turn help chief officers, trustees and managers from local TSOs (Third Sector Organisations) to improve their strategic planning skills, particularly in relation to ICT decision-making. Each centre can build its own ICT support services – such as web design, training or technical help - around the core support net:gain provides: meetings and workshops; materials based on practical tools and templates; online and local guidance; signposting and discounts.

A range of other benefits are drawn in from both local and national partners, such as Charity Technology Trust (CTT). William Hoyle, CEO of CTT says:

“Our collaboration with net:gain ensures that the donated technology provided through our CTX programme is being used to implement a well thought through strategy and therefore maximizes the impact of the donation on the recipient organisation.”

By June 2008, 1000 organisations will have been introduced to the net:gain process. Case Studies are available, with a wider evaluation in progress.

The development of net:gain has been supported financially by Ufi Ltd, responsible for the national network of UK online centres. Anne Faulkner, Head of Policy and Business Development for UK online, says:

“UK online centres play a vital role in improving ICT access, skills and confidence for individuals. The UK online centres delivering net:gain are going one step further by empowering other organisations to make best use of ICT, as well as developing their own organisation’s capacity and expertise in social enterprise. net:gain is creating a wide and deep impact across the third sector.”

Both Ufi and CTT will support the next phase, with exchange of experience with other Capacitybuilders’ funded programmes, particularly building on already close ties with regional ICT champions, managed by NAVCA.