Following on from the recommendation in ‘Positive Steps‘ that there should be an ICT strategy for the sector voluntary and community sector the ICT Consortium took on the task of developing the strategy.
How we got here
Over the past 12 months we have researched existing best practice in delivering ICT to the voluntary and community sector worldwide - from the use of Free and Open Source Software in Bulgaria to the increasingly impressive range of services delivered by the ICT Hub in the England and the work being carried out in the US by NTEN and others.
There has been no funding to develop the strategy but the consortium members recognised this work as a critical step in helping the voluntary and community sector get the best from ICT. The members have freely given time, effort and expertise to reach this stage.
Delivering a strategy
Key to delivering an effective strategy was finding out how ICT is being used in the voluntary and community sector. There had been some work carried out as part of State of the Sector but this was almost two years old, and didn’t focus enough on the key issues as we saw them.
We carried out a survey in November and December 2006, with almost 200 organisations taking part. This resulted in an extremely useful document which has formed the basis of our draft strategy.
Next steps
Online Consultation – from 16 March 2007 to 20 April 2007
We’ve drawn together an outline of a strategy from best practice around the world, our experience and the results of our survey. However, we want to ensure that this strategy is fit for your needs.
Have a look at the draft strategy - from the vision right down to the aims and objectives. Do you think these are going to help you get more out of ICT? Tell us if you think we’ve got it wrong.
Consultation event – 17 April 2007 at NICVA
Come along and give your input at the consultation seminar at NICVA on the 17th April 2007. We’d like as many organisations to come as possible to discuss the strategy. Register now and we’ll send you out more details closer to the time.
Funding
Funding has yet to be secured to deliver the strategy programme. Exploratory discussions with potential funders will begin early April.
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