ruralnet|uk news

net:gain shortlisted for SEC award

ruralnet|uk has been shortlisted for this year's "Enterprising Solutions" awards by the Social Enterprise Coalition. ruralnet's entry outlined the successful first year of the innovative net:gain programme, which uses a social franchising model to build the ICT and strategic planning capacity of Voluntary and Community organisations across England.

The awards, the winners of which will be announced in October, recognise innovation and entreprenuerial spirit, both of which are fundamental to the ethos of ruralnet|uk.

Top Marks for net:gain Pathfinder Workshops

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.

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. 

net:gain First Stage Funding Winners announced

From rural Teesdale in the North East to Newport on the Isle of Wight, 16 UK Online centres across England have been selected as the very first to receive funding under the net:gain programme.  This innovative support initiative will enable these centres to help local Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) put a firm foot forward with their future ICT planning and developments. Whilst the programme is funded overall by 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.

ruralnet|uk shortlisted for award

ruralnet|uk is pleased to have been shortlisted for the upcoming Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards, run by Warwickshire County Council. This reflects the ruralnet|uk approach to work-life balance and commitment to its people.

net:gain development grants announced

   The net:gain programme has now started the first round of funding for UK online centres. For those centres keen to participate, they can apply for a grant to help them meet development costs.  This will then aid and prepare them for delivery of the net:gain service to Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs).

The Home Office awarded £1.2 million to net:gain under its ChangeUp proposals to help the Voluntary and Community sector gain a better understanding of ICT strategic planning.  A further £250,000 has now been set aside for a programme of net:gain start-up grants.  UK online centres can apply to the fund for between £6,000 and £9,000 to support their development activities.

Home Office invests £1.2 million to help voluntary and community organisations make better use of ICT

The Home Office has awarded £1.2 million for an innovative proposal to bring about a step-change in the ICT capacity and capability of the voluntary and community sector (VCS). The net:gain service aims to train Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) in the strategic use of ICT through a programme of face-to-face and online support, delivered by UK online centres. The service has been developed by a consortium led by charity ruralnet|uk in collaboration with Ufi, Foyer Federation and Funding Matters.