Centres across England Awarded with net:gain Funding

Second stage funding to deliver the net:gain programme has been announced today to 14 UK online centres across England.

Adding to the 16 centres already awarded funds during stage 1 selection proceeding, a total of 30 centres spread across all 9 Government Office regions of England will receive support to deliver net:gain.

Newly onboard are centres from the North-West, East of England and Yorkshire and Humberside.

This support initiative will enable these centres to help local Voluntary and Community Organisations to develop and implement strategic plans for ICT effectively through a simple, hands-on approach. 

The first step on the ladder for awarded centres will be to prepare a business plan to deliver the programme.  Centres will receive training in net:gain workshop delivery and will by given face-to-face support from a net:gain mentor to help prepare for their first workshops in May

Whilst net:gain is funded under the Home Office’s ChangeUp programme, the development grants are from Ufi, a net:gain partner. A full list of winners is at www.net-gain.org.uk. 

Participants from Voluntary and Community Organisations who enrol on the programme will be able to draw on a range of resources including access to workshops, planning materials and discounts on ICT training, all provided trough their local UK Online centre.

For further information about the net:gain programme, go to www.ruralnetuk.org and www.directsupport.org.uk.

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.