Why is ICT Important?
ICT (information and communication technology) is no longer something that only appears on organisational wish lists. Well structured ICT is the backbone that will enable your organisation to deliver services effectively and efficiently, helping you reach more people and ultimately do more with your money.
With ICT you can:
- raise your organisation’s profile
- keep abreast of current developments and legislation in your field
- manage and organise information more easily
- accurately monitor your finances
- securely maintain your users’ contact details
- understand who is using your service and how you can widen your reach
- enable service users to support one another through online communities
- save costs and operate more effectively allowing staff to work remotely and flexibly
Discover more ways that ICT can help your organisation.
Find out how other organisations have benefitted from ICT.
Deciding what ICT you need is a decision that should be made strategically, involving staff and trustees, rather than being made solely by the organisation’s technical expert. It is imperative that ICT (which includes computers and telephony) is fully integrated into every aspect of your business plan.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What is the long term purpose of your organisation or project?
- Who are you trying to reach?
- What outputs do you plan to deliver and what outcomes are you expecting to achieve?
Once you have clear answers to these questions, your staff and trustees can begin to look at how ICT can most effectively help you reach your goal. Planning ICT in this way will save you spending money on equipment which may not actually be relevant to your organisation.
Find out more about writing an ICT plan.
In order to achieve your objectives you may need financial support. Find out how to source funding and which organisations can offer you discounted deals.
If you still have questions about your ICT then further support is available both online and in person. These are listed in the further resources section.
Keep up to date with the latest ICT news and events by subscribing to the NCVO ICT Development Services newsletter.