Understanding ICT is becoming ever more crucial to voluntary organisations. From the initial process of matching organisation and client needs with emerging technologies, to deciding what to buy and how best to fund and maintain it, this vital field is often poorly supported in the sector. By enrolling on a net:gain programme in their local area, voluntary organisations – both large and small – will be able to liaise with colleagues facing similar challenges, and devise a plan to tackle these issues, in a way that best fits their own needs, budgets and priorities.
By joining net:gain, they will be able to draw on a raft of subsidised support through workshops, planning materials and ICT training discounts, all provided through their local UK online centre.
net:gain is being offered to UK online centres as a ready-made support programme (or type of ‘social franchise’) that they can adapt to suit local needs and conditions. So, working at a national level, centre staff will use development grants to fit what is needed in the local area, as well as fitting with their own strengths and future plans. It will be up to net:gain centres themselves to put together an imaginative package of benefits and discounts that will tempt busy VCO managers to take time out, and look at their ICT planning, an area most do not relish. So that even the smallest VCOs can join, their membership fees will be heavily subsidised for at least the first year. Centres will then face the challenge of making net:gain into a sustainable income stream for the future.
Second Stage Applications
A further 15 centres can be funded through a second round of development funding. Centres can express their interest on the net:gain website up until 12 December and those invited to apply will have until the end of January to put together a full application.
For further information about the net:gain programme, including requirements for applicants and a list of grants awarded so far, go to www.net-gain.org.uk or call the project team on 024 768 53054.
Editors notes
1. The net:gain programme is directed by a consortium of partners lead by ruralnet|uk in association with Ufi, Foyer Federation and Funding Matters. ruralnet|uk is a rural development charity, combining ICT expertise and community development. It also owns and runs RNUK Ltd, which manages programmes in both rural and urban areas and has lead the DirectSupport consortium since 2000, delivering free support to UK online centres. For more see www.ruralnetuk.org and www.directsupport.org.uk.
2. Ufi Ltd, one of the government’s key partners in delivering the workforce development and lifelong learning agendas, is responsible for the network of 6000 UK online centres and over 1400 learndirect centres. It aims to drive up demand for learning, help adults improve their employability by acquiring new knowledge and skills, and help businesses become more competitive. Further information is at www.ufi.com.
3. The Foyer Federation is the national umbrella body for Foyers in the UK . Foyers provide an integrated service, including accommodation, support and access to training and employment opportunities, for homeless and disadvantaged 16-25 year olds. The Foyer Federation has developed a network of UK online centres in 50 Foyers across England.
4. Funding Matters is a small consultancy that provides funding information advice and guidance to government departments and agencies, VCS intermediaries and Neighbourhood Learning & UK online centres. The Funding Matters service focuses on ICT-related Social Inclusion, Learning and Regeneration. Funding Matters has been a consultant to the DfES and LSC on matters relating to the development of UK online centres.
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