net:gain is an innovative programme, designed to bring about a step change in the ICT capability of the VCS. Services are offered to the sector through local and regional centres. net:gain aims to help voluntary and community organisations to take a practical, appropriate and informed approach to ICT planning and support.
Introduction to net:gain
net:gain tackles a question facing many in the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) - how to make the right decisions about technology faced with a shortage of resources and funding restrictions.
The programme adopts a social enterprise model to help Voluntary Sector Organisations (VCOs) develop an ICT strategy which corresponds to the organisation's activities and mission.
Aims of net:gain
All those who have ever felt pressurised to make decisions about technology for which they are unqualified will find solace in net:gain.
The programme's primary aim is to help VCOs understand the business applications of ICT and how these can best be used to develop an ICT strategy. Rather than applying a broad brush approach, net:gain encourages VCOs to look at their own mission to define a strategy which complements their unique objectives.
net:gain is delivered through a network of around 30 UK Online centres based in the VCS. As VCOs themselves, the centres understand the needs of the local VCS and use this knowledge to wrap additional benefits into their delivery of net:gain. Although net:gain has been developed nationally it is tailored locally, increasing the capacity of VCS based UK Online centres at the same time.
Your local centre is Electroville. Electroville is a social firm providing IT services and technical support to voluntary and community organisations within Yorkshire and Humber.
Contact: Vihing Lee at Electroville Ltd, Bretton Street Enterprise Centre, Bretfield, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF12 9DB
Email: VihingLee@electroville.org.uk
Tel: 01924 488 725
Web: http://www.electroville.org.uk
How net:gain delivers its aims
net:gain is not a programme for 'techies'. It is targeted at decision makers (Chief Executives, Trustees, senior managers etc) within the VCS, who will consider how technology fits into what their organisation delivers now and where it can lead them in the future.
Delegates who subscribe to net:gain benefit from 12 month's membership including a programme of at least 2 workshops, support and guidance, signposting, online support and materials.
At the heart of the process is an ICT Action Plan, which leads the delegate to examine areas of their organisation such as their mission, existing resources and staff skills, ICT requirements and associated costs and risks.
With support from their local net:gain centre, showcasing of some key applications of ICT and follow up workshops, the delegate will gain the knowledge they need to implement an ICT strategy right for their organisation.
Resources for VCS
net:gain centres are assisted by several tools including a detailed business planning spreadsheet and a database to manage delegates. In addition, net:gain develops and produces a series of marketing and training materials for centres to deploy with the programme.
Delegates who subscribe to net:gain receive a package of benefits including 12 month's membership to the online advice and guidance resource Experts Online, already delivered to 2500 individuals. As well as receiving additional services and follow-up support from their net:gain centre, they may also take advantage of signposting by the centre to other local initiatives, such as Circuit Riders, for example.
During the workshops, delegates are given a full set of materials, including a copy of an ICT Action Plan to follow. net:gain also gives delegates the opportunity to network and support each other through a secure conference accessible via a membership login, as well as informally during workshops.
Further resources, including links to other programmes, are available on the net:gain website. Relationship of net:gain activities to regional and local projects
As a ChangeUp programme, net:gain is committed to working with stakeholders at all levels. Liaising in particular with the ICT hub at a national level, net:gain also ensures that regional and local stakeholders are fully briefed about the programme before it is deployed in their area. In fact, net:gain will not operate in any area until the appropriate ChangeUp consortium has given it the seal of approval.
Centres are also encouraged to liaise with their local ChangeUp body and are required to deliver a letter of support as part of their development activities. Working in partnership with ChangeUp stakeholders at all levels is vital to net:gain, ensuring that delegates have access to all the support available to them as they develop a comprehensive ICT strategy.
For further information please contact:
net:gain, National Rural Enterprise Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2RR
Tel: 024 768 53054 Email: info@net-gain.org.uk Web: www.net-gain.org.uk
