net:gain - encouranging change across the sector

Humberside Learning Consortium is a relatively new organisation that has developed out of a small training project started in Hull CVS twenty years ago. HLC aims to make access to learning easier by delivering information and supporting both providers and learners in the sector.

Les Braim, the Communications Manager, attended the net:gain programme at Electroville. He recognised that in many organisations it is difficult to get senior managers and board members on board in the planning stages.

Les said, “I personally did not need a specific trigger, but I do recognise that senior managers/trustees do. The main way forward is to relate the need to plan for ICT, whether purchase or ongoing support and replacement, with the effect on outputs should systems fail because such planning was not made core to
the organisation’s annual plan and budget.”

The main benefit of the net:gain programme was affirmation of the path already being followed by the organisation and reinforcement and justification for improved ICT planning including budgeting and full cost recovery.

Resulting initiatives include:

• ICT strategy for Humberside Learning Consortium and a Sub-regional ICT strategy for the Federation of Local Development Agencies (FoLDA) as well as a joint bid to Capacity Builders Consortium Development Fund for a major share of ICT project

It is anticipated that a number of benefits will result from these strategies including better integrated data about the state of the sector in the sub-region, facilitation of collaborative project work between partners, improved targeting for information and the ability to obtain up to date data when required. This links
into in-house systems which will enhance assessment for all quality marks for all partners.

“The FoLDA ICT Strategy marks the most significant change. This shows a growing commitment to incorporating ICT in all planning processes. It is hoped that the change in attitude will permeate down to other members of the VCS in the area.”

net:gain centre - Electroville, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire