BOOST FOR CHARITIES TO SHARE SERVICES

Collaborative working between voluntary and community sector organizations to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the way they use information technology has taken a step forward with the launch of a new range of tools.

Research by the ICT Hub, which is part of ChangeUp, the Capacity Building and Infrastructure Framework for the Voluntary and Community sector and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, found that for many organisations it can be a challenge to realise the potential of ICT because of the difficulty of finding and resourcing the support needed. The research also revealed that there is significant potential for a more collaborative approach to reduce duplication and to exchange information and best practice.

The resources now available include help with communicating partners, sharing information, including databases and content management systems. Details of the resources are at: http://www.icthub.org.uk/publications/ICT_Tools_Collaborative_Working/index.html

Other ogranisations available to give support include AbilityNet, which is a national centre of excellence in computing and disability and provides national pan-disability services. IT4Communities is an initiative to encourage companies and individuals with professional IT skills to volunteer these skills for the benefit of the community. It aims to bridge the gap between IT professionals and charities needing IT help. Also, the London Advice Services Alliance (LASA) provides expert advice and information and has developed a number of innovative ICT systems to assist with the raising of standards including Knowledgebase, a free database of ICT information and advice.