net:gain

What do you get from net:gain?

If you are a Chief Executive, Trustee or senior manager working in the Voluntary and Community Sector, then the net:gain programme is designed for you. By joining net:gain you will embark on a flexible professional development programme to equip you and your staff to make better ICT decisions. Invest as much or as little time as you need, over a full year of membership. You will work with your peers in three practical workshops, and benefit from online support which will help you to:

• Master a simple and effective Ten Step planning method
• Share issues with experts and peers
• Become a more effective leader of your organisation

In addition your net:gain centre will select for you a range of local, regional and national opportunities that fit your particular requirements. This includes personalised signposting to the products and services of the ICT Hub, such as searching the Suppliers Directory and Knowledgebase.

And it only costs as little as £75 for a year's membership - Can you afford not to join net:gain?

For a full decription of the net:gain programme ...

National Offers

Good planning helps everyone - so help yourself!

Organisations that have planned for ICT are welcomed by funders, ICT volunteers and suppliers alike. They have a clear idea of what they want, and why. Organisations on the net:gain programme can tap into a growing range of offers and discounts.

Current offers include:

• Charities can claim discounts on equipment and software, from the Charity Technology Trust (Pay ONLY 8% of list value, eligibility criteria may apply).
• net:gain members are eligible for a 30% discount off the ICT Hub's products and services such as events. Find a suitable event now
• A range of other discounts and benefits are coming soon....

We have more national offers under negotiation, and each centre also has local offers and discounts.

The ICT Hub is a partnership of national voluntary and community organisations that provide a range of services to assist other voluntary and community organisations with their ICT. To find out more about the free and low cost publications and resources visit the website or call the
free helpdesk (0800 652 4737)

Experts Online

net:gain membership offers you free access to Experts Online, a service run by the sector for the sector, consisting of a special set of online forums you can visit whenever you need help or guidance in any aspect of running your organisation. Experts Online is not an automated help menu, but a panel of real people with specialist expertise who will interpret and understand your question, and reply usually within 48 hours. Experts Online is part of the Networks Online group of VCS services, and has been running since 2002.

Users can post any number of questions; all questions and answers are can be found in the appropriate areas and are visible to all users. Questions which require a confidential reply are made anonymous.

The Experts Online service also includes a Useful Resources area containing downloadable resources including sample policies, templates, tools and guidelines. Why develop a policy document from scratch when you can adapt something that is already being used by other voluntary sector organisations?