Is it time for charities to embrace the digital era?
Whether you are a new charity or have been around for many years, there are many instances where technology can help your charity enhance performance and grow, whether it’s through attracting external funders, facilitating transparency or improving operational efficiencies.
It is therefore unsurprising to see investments in technology and digital media so high on the agenda.
So what’s holding so many charities back?
There are a number of key challenges discouraging charities from embracing technology and digital communications, including a reluctance to redesign traditional methods, a lack of trustee digital expertise, risk adversity and funding capacity. These are not challenges restricted to charities, however; businesses, small and large, suffer from the same problem – but they can be overcome.
There are a number of ways to overcome and solve technology challenges in charities, including:
- Documenting policies and procedures (particularly important for social media)
- Piloting technologies
- Recruiting a trustee with experience in IT
- Seeking professional advice (particularly important when moving to cloud accounting)
We have only briefly touched on technological challenges within charitable organisations and this is a topic we will no doubt cover in more detail in an upcoming feature. There are, of course, also risks involved in those solutions which need to be carefully considered.
Until we next look at technology in charities, ask yourself this question: What’s holding your charity back?
When will all charities embrace the digital era?
More from our charity experts
You can find all of our latest charity sector news and newsletters here.
If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.
Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.
About this Author
Simon Bladen is the partner responsible for looking after the firm’s legal clients and has worked at Hawsons throughout his career. For more information or advice on anything covered in this article, please contact Simon on slb@hawsons.co.uk or 0114 226 7141.[/author_info]