First pathfinder workshop sessions hit the spot for delegates on the net:gain programme.
net:gain is an innovative programme, designed to bring about a step-change in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) capability of the voluntary and community sector (VCS). It helps CEOs and decision-makers to take a practical, appropriate and informed approach to ICT strategic planning and support.
The first phase of net:gain was a series of pathfinder workshops designed to test the delivery and content of the programme. An evaluation of feedback shows that delegates awarded more than 4 out of 5 across every category. These included: meeting their expectations of the programme, their response to materials, the trainers’ knowledge and style, and the net:gain centres facilities and booking processes.
net:gain Progamme Development Manager Jane Berry was delighted that 95% of delegates expressed confidence in being able to put the theory presented into practice back in their workplace - going through ten simple steps, at their own pace,
"We are delighted with the feedback, especially as this is not an area most voluntary organisations relish, particularly with so many demands on their time and resources. The net:gain programme shows Technology Planning doesn't have to be a 'dark art' - we can help VCO leaders to grasp the nettle."
So far, the net:gain programme has started in 14 selected UK Online centres throughout England, offering 100 Voluntary and Community sector organisations a simple framework to help them develop their own approach to technology planning. net:gain shows them how this can help to gain funding, plan training and support for ICT developments and put in place an approach that will deliver the benefits of ICT to their organisation.
Delegates have been very postive in their response:
“…It has opened my eyes to ways of planning that are likely to be useful, and we may be able to identify further IT needs…”
“I am looking forward to the next 12 months and to implementing an ICT strategy and understanding an IT audit. I shall be undertaking more training”.
“Very interesting. Looking forward to the next workshop”.
Further information about the net:gain programme is available at: www.net-gain.org.uk
Editors’ notes
1. The net:gain programme is directed by a consortium of partners led 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. To date, feedback has been taken from 40 evaluation forms received from workshops run at 7 net:gain centres. Feedback from other workshop sessions is currently being processed.
3. A list of all the net:gain centres is available at http://www.net-gain.org.uk/map.htm
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