Net Gain for Senior Management

Tuesday, 25 July 2006

Net:gain is an innovative programme, designed to bring about a step-change in the ICT capability of the voluntary and community sector (VCS). The net:gain service will be offered to the sector through VCS UK online centres. It aims to help Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) to take a practical, appropriate and informed approach to ICT planning and support. Net:gain is not designed for 'techies', but is for anyone who guides the strategic direction of their organisation: Chief Executives, Trustees and Managers. It will:

ensure those who lead VCOs both understand and can harness the potential of ICT
identify areas where ICT could improve business processes and service delivery
help VCOs develop an action plan for ICT development and training: what to do; how to pay for it
help to get the most out of ICT investment
provide a better basis for levering that investment, and managing it well
provide ongoing support, signposting, and opportunities for further training

The net:gain service blends existing good practice, with flexibility to respond to local markets and build on existing local infrastructure and partnerships, to ensure a good fit with regional plans. UK online centres will offer delegates who enroll on the net:gain programme a series of workshops and support services to help them develop their own plan for effective ICT use. Support for delegates may last up to a year. The mix of services will depend on local market need and on maximizing local opportunities and partnerships. This will help develop support programmes which offer what local VCOs want, and give each net:gain centre the chance to develop a sustainable, income-generating service for the future, as the VCO market for ICT services matures.More information can be found here: http://www.net-gain.org.uk