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Engage EM leads the regional ICT strategy for the Third Sector in East Midlands, aiming to enhance access and support for ICT services. The strategy includes benchmarking analysis, a strategic framework, and an action plan. Challenges include low awareness, resistance to ICT, and insufficient coordination.
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Bridging the Digital Dividein a Flourishing Region The Third Sector’s Regional ICT Strategy for the East Midlands
Background • Engage EM on behalf of EMISG commissioned regional strategy • Funded though ChangeUp programme support • Work carried out by partnership: • VAL Trading for Change; PurpleZebra; High Peak CVS
Starting point • Meeting with consensus about what is needed at regional level • strategic influencing of funders (both regional and sub-regional) to improve the funding available for ICT to the third sector; • a strong evidence base with which to influence statutory agencies and front-line organisations of the need to invest in ICT support; • clarity on the ICT investment priorities across the region.
Strategy to identify • how local, subregional, regional action can enable: • Frontline organisations to have consistent access to ICT services & capacity building support • Organisations to achieve service and outcomes improvements through ICT.
3 key parts to strategy • Benchmarking analysis • research with VCS and funders • Strategic framework • matching sector needs to the RES • Action plan • activities and priorities • Early draft now ready
1. Benchmarking analysis • Telephone / online / postal questionnaires • 140+ in total • Findings support evidence base from other areas • “no revelations”
Benchmarking analysis • “40% of respondents still feel hindered by a lack of providers who understand the needs and aspirations of the third sector.” • “preference for third sector organisations, wherever possible to get ICT support from within the third sector and delivered locally”.
Benchmarking analysis - issues • Resistance to using ICT • Low levels of ICT investment • Unwillingness to pay for ICT services • Lack of engagement with funders around ICT needs and issues • Inconsistent ICT support services • Lack of trusted, local support to help organisations adopt new technology
Benchmarking analysis - issues • Low awareness of the range of options and possibilities • Low awareness of ICT accessibility needs and solutions • Inefficient management of ICT resources • Ineffective ICT strategic planning within organisations • Insufficient coordination of ICT initiatives across the region
1a. Funders • Lack of engagement • LSPs, emda, PCTs • “not a priority”
2. Strategic framework • How 3rd sector “connects” with the RES in regard to ICT? • This work helps to “build a case” • opens eyes to potential of sector
3. Action plan • The actions needed (and at what level) to move the picture on • Links to work of regional ICT Champion
Strategy is a work in progress • Draft requires comment and feedback • EMISG & Consortia • Network of ICT projects in the region • Where does ICT support fit into the proposed regional model? • Case studies to complete • Capture good and bad practice • Action plan
Comments Tony Okotie tony@highpeakcvs.org.uk 01663 735 350
Regional ICT Champion • Funded through ICT hub until March 08 • Looking for continuation • 2 ½ day a week role • 2 key tasks • Championing • Co-ordinating
Regional ICT Champion • Work at 3 levels • With frontline organisations • With providers / infrastructure organisations • Funders • Mapping gaps • Supporting development of sub regional plans and initiatives • Raising awareness of ICT
Regional ICT Champion • Co-ordinating ICT workshops • AbilityNet, IT4C, MediaTrust • Potential for 2nd regional conference • Pump priming projects • Exchange visit scheme • Currently meeting with consortia and projects to explore their ideas