UKriders

The next meeting of the ITEM3 network is now scheduled for Tuesday 11th November, 11am - 2.15pm, in Derby. Please note that this is a change of date (the original date was Friday 3 October).

Network meetings are open to to those working in the third sector (voluntary sector / social enterprise) who have an interest in seeing the sector increase and improve the way that it uses ICT. Network members might, for example, be an ICT project worker (Circuit Rider), project manager, or an organisation which is looking to develop, launch or promote an ICT project. 

The network meets regularly (usually quarterly) in different venues across the region. If you would like to attend either the November meeting, or future meetings, please get in touch with Steve Webster:
Email: steve@highpeakcvs.org.uk
Phone: 07595 119182

Steve Webster has just been appointed as the new Regional ICT Champion for the East Midlands. As Steve reports: ‘The role of a regional champion is an interesting one. The post operates strategically by working with third sector infrastructure organisations across the East Midlands.’

Key aspects of the role include:
1. Working regionally and sub-regionally developing ICT strategies, and delivering initiatives to raise awareness of ICT amongst local infrastructure organisations.
2. Signposting third sector organisations to providers of practical ICT resources and services in their sub-region.
3. Working with existing ICT service providers to facilitate the sharing of best practice, e.g. on sustainability of services. Where limited coverage exists, providing support to local infrastructure to develop services to fill these gaps.

Prior to taking up the post, Steve has been working as an independent consultant undertaking a range of third sector research and evaluation projects, including ICT needs and models of support. Steve has also held a number of posts working directly within the sector, including work with key infrastructure organisations. Further, he gained a PhD from the University of Bradford, which explored the developing use of ICT by NGOs in the UK.

The best way to contact Steve is via:
Email: steve@highpeakcvs.org.uk
Phone: 07595 119182

Please note that Steve’s post, which is hosted by High Peak CVS, is part-time. Messages can also be left for Steve via the following administrative support number at High Peak CVS:
Direct dial: 01663 736432
Main tel line: 01663 735350 ext 232

Helen Anderson won an award for her work to bring broadband to South Witham in Lincolnshire. Ms Anderson was driven to get the project going after her community was ignored by large net suppliers.

The winners of the awards were presented with their trophies by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He said the projects had huge potential to influence lives and communities.

“The worst of Britain can always be challenged by the best of Britain,” he said.

The Community Awards for Social Technology (Catalyst) were sponsored by the Council on Social Action, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta) and the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform.

In concert with the East Midlands Regional ICT Strategy to ‘Bridge the Digital Divide’ and boost the Third Sector’s ability to exploit ICT, the Lincolnshire Voluntary Sector Consortium has established a new ICT Development Officer post in order to promote the use of ICT in the voluntary sector across the county.

As the new incumbent I am delighted to take up this challenge and to see the vast range of worthy organisations in Lincolnshire utilising ICT to better improve their presence and to work ‘smarter’.  It’s not about burdensome and complex solutions that divert the Sector from its core business - it’s about helping organisations become more effective and efficient. 

A former BT technician, I have spent the majority of my career in numerous communications/IT related appointments in the Armed Forces.  Obviously the voluntary sector is a very different environment for me to understand and I have been immersing myself in the Sector in order to understand its ICT needs. 

A draft ICT Strategy for the Third Sector in Lincolnshire has now been established and I hope to issue the final version in early September 2008.  The strategy is based on ICT being a low priority for Third sector CEOs, with an associated lack of long-term ICT funding.  A lack of affordable ICT support, allied with a paucity of ICT advice and training also drives the direction taken.  The initial approach will be to UNDERSTAND the Third Sector, APPRAISE ICT capabilities and suppliers and FACILITATE opportunities for relevant ICT that improves the capacity of community and volunteer groups in Lincolnshire.

Initial project activity comprises publicity, informing the Sector via ICT bulletins and a web page, and engaging CEOs with ICT strategy. Further work in clarifying avenues for funding, ICT volunteers and training will inform later reports concerning ICT Helpdesk and ICT Social Enterprise options.   

MATT HOPKINS

Lincolnshire Countywide ICT Development Officer

C/O Lindum House, 10 Queen Street

Spilsby

Lincs PE23 5JE (01790 720000, mathewh@vael.org.uk)      

The latest minutes from the ITEM 3 meeting held in July can be downloaded here

The knowledgebase is designed to help community and voluntary sector organisations access the benefits of information technology. The knowledgebase is a comprehensive source of independent ICT information and advice.

The resources can be found at http://www.ictknowledgebase.org.uk/