Dear Colleagues,
 
Do you have ageing IT equipment and need to plan for the future?
 
Do you think your IT may need updating but not know where to start?
 
Do you tend to add the purchase of a computer to every grant application rather than plan strategically for your future needs?
 
During the past two years Bournemouth CVS has received a number of requests for help with making assessments of voluntary organisations’ IT needs.  Many of us in the sector have a limited knowledge of this and find it difficult to know who to turn to for independent advice.  Suppliers are always keen to help and most act with integrity but independent advice can help to inform negotiations with suppliers.
 
Bournemouth and Poole CVS’s have secured funding through the Government’s Capacity Builders Programme which has enabled us to offer an independent strategic assessment of your IT needs free of charge to you.  The resulting plan will help you to plan for the future development of your IT in a more coherent way.  The text below details how the assessment would be carried out.  As you will see, the only commitment on your part is 90 minutes of your time.
 
This offer is available to a maximum of 13 organisations on a first come first served basis.  Applicants must be based, and delivering services, in either Bournemouth or Poole. The scheme is primarily aimed at organisations with 4 or more networked computers.
 
To apply for this scheme or to discuss it in more detail please contact me at Bournemouth CVS on 01202 466130.  Please do not contact Sequal direct in connection with this scheme.  Once your application has been approved we will send your contact details to Sequal and they will get in touch with you.

Best wishes,
 
Ruth Shearn
 
 
 
PROCESS FOR CREATING ‘STRATEGIC IT PLANS’:
 
Stage 1: Interview 
Stage 2: Analysis of information gathered
Stage 3: Creation of ‘IT Strategy Plans
 
Stage 1: Interview 
 
Length:  1 ½ Hours
 
Aim:     To assess the current IT recourses, needs and issues. 
To identify areas of the business plan, or future ideas for the organisations if there is no formal business plan, to ensure appropriate areas of business progresses are being considered.
 
I.e. There are plans to increase the number of work locations or adapt home work policies therefore, remote working will be necessary.
 
Information collection techniques: 
Set questions to ascertain current position and investigation into other relevant areas depending up on organisation.
 
Action by whom: 
Attended by Sequal & appropriate representative from designated organisation
 
 
 
Stage 2: Analysis of information gathered 
 
Aim:     To investigate and consider the information gathered during the interview meeting. 
 
Action by whom: 
Sequal 
 
 
Stage 3: Creation of Strategic IT Plan
 
Aim:     Summaries current IT resources and needs
Present recommendation for development of IT structure and requirements including recommendation for immediate and future development plans and needs. Timescales and prioritisation will be given. 
 
Action by whom: 
Produced by Sequal
 
 
Bournemouth Council for Voluntary Service A limited company registered in England & Wales (Co. No. 4024662, Charity No. 1081381) Tel 01202 466130. Reg'd. Office:- Boscombe Link; 3-5 Palmerston Road; Bournemouth; BH1 4HN