ICT Collaborations
Passing on expertise for free or at low cost |
Summary
Organisations may be willing to pass on expertise for free or for minimal cost. Collaborative
schemes managed and run by and for the sector are currently rare (see the next page details the
Buddy System). Private sector expertise, made available through volunteering schemes, can be a
model for passing on strategic expertise without the usual consulting costs. VCOs are usually
encouraged to identify a specific, time-limited project that requires expertise that they do not
possess or cannot afford. They are then matched with an ICT volunteer.
Discussion
These programmes offer a co-ordination and matching service, drawing on a pool of ICT professionals, willing to volunteer their time and expertise to VCOs. To do this effectively, models of volunteer matching or brokering have developed. As ICT expertise – as well as time and resources - are scarce within the sector, VCO to VCO support using this model are few, though some pay-for services are emerging. The programmes are usually supported directly or indirectly by industries where ICT expertise resides.
Charities first need to identify a project and make sure it is suitable for professional volunteer help. This is usually done with help from matching/broker organisations and the details of the project are made available to the volunteer pool. Once matched with a suitable volunteer, the volunteer works directly with the beneficiary organisation to deliver the project. Projects can range from help with a website design or database choice to strategic planning. This approach is ideally suited to providing support for one-off projects or longer-term strategic help, but not 'fire-fighting', maintenance, or ongoing 'helpline' type support.
Pros |
Cons |
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Can provide valuable, clearly defined help |
VCO must spend time and have expertise to specify the project |
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Low or no cost to recipient |
Limitations on projects that can be undertaken |
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Can encourage organisations to focus on the longer term |
Limitations on timescales |
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Not suitable for maintenance or technical support |
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Using volunteers can be unreliable |
Case studies: ICT Hub, 5 Counties Project, Experts Online and Superhighways.
Wider examples:
- ProHelp: A programme of Business in the Community delivered through local 40 local ProHelp groups offering free professional help to VCOs in a number of legal, marketing and business areas including ICT. See also: ProHelp in High Peak & Derbyshire
- City Action: City Action – A project that helps transfer of time, skills and resources (including ICT) between City firms and community-based organisations in Camden, Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Westminster.