ruralnet|uk is delighted with Capacitybuilders’ announcement today awarding funding to continue the highly innovative net:gain programme until 2011.

Building on best practice to develop existing local support organisations, net:gain has been funded under ChangeUp since 2005 to develop a market-based framework for ICT support – based on a Capacity Builders Social Franchising model.

National project manager, Jane Berry, says:

“Designing and running net:gain has been a huge learning curve. Our most successful centres have been real innovation partners. Through all the adaptations, one thing holds true: Give VCOs – however large or small – the time, tools and support to think through their needs and they will find practical solutions. Not everyone likes the idea of ‘strategy’ but it just means standing back, and looking forward. We help people ask the right questions, be more aware of costs, benefits and pitfalls to avoid. We’re not trying to turn Trustees into Techies – we’re helping create ‘better customers’ for ICT. That’s good for all suppliers, and we want to win more private sector sponsorship in future, so more organisations can benefit.”

The ‘franchise’ is awarded to local support organisations – also UK online centres - to become net:gain centres. They in turn help chief officers, trustees and managers from local TSOs (Third Sector Organisations) to improve their strategic planning skills, particularly in relation to ICT decision-making. Each centre can build its own ICT support services – such as web design, training or technical help - around the core support net:gain provides: meetings and workshops; materials based on practical tools and templates; online and local guidance; signposting and discounts.

A range of other benefits are drawn in from both local and national partners, such as Charity Technology Trust (CTT). William Hoyle, CEO of CTT says:

“Our collaboration with net:gain ensures that the donated technology provided through our CTX programme is being used to implement a well thought through strategy and therefore maximizes the impact of the donation on the recipient organisation.”

By June 2008, 1000 organisations will have been introduced to the net:gain process. Case Studies are available, with a wider evaluation in progress.

The development of net:gain has been supported financially by Ufi Ltd, responsible for the national network of UK online centres. Anne Faulkner, Head of Policy and Business Development for UK online, says:

“UK online centres play a vital role in improving ICT access, skills and confidence for individuals. The UK online centres delivering net:gain are going one step further by empowering other organisations to make best use of ICT, as well as developing their own organisation’s capacity and expertise in social enterprise. net:gain is creating a wide and deep impact across the third sector.”

Both Ufi and CTT will support the next phase, with exchange of experience with other Capacitybuilders’ funded programmes, particularly building on already close ties with regional ICT champions, managed by NAVCA.

Notes for Editors:

1. net:gain is an England-wide programme funded by Capacitybuilders under ChangeUp. It has developed a programme delivered by existing third sector organisations (TSOs) to other TSOs in their area. The net:gain centres are drawn from the network of voluntary sector UK online centres. They deliver the net:gain programme under licence within a Social Franchise model, charging a modest annual joining fee, which is currently heavily subsidised by Capacitybuilders’ funding, with the smallest organisations paying the least. For more information, visit www.net-gain.org.uk
2. The net:gain programme is designed as a membership, helping TSOs over a year to plan strategically for ICT developments. It signposts to a range of other support, locally and nationally. For example, every delegate and centre gets free access to ExpertsOnline: www.expertsonline.org.uk
3. UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it. They offer free or low cost access to the internet and email, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning. UK online centres are managed by Ufi, the organisation also behind Learndirect. For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.com
4. The net:gain programme has been managed to date by a consortium of partners led by ruralnet|uk in association with UK online centres, Foyer Federation and Funding Matters. Charity Technology Trust will partner in the next phase. www.ctt.org
5. ruralnet|uk is a rural development charity which works through its wholly owned social enterprise arm (RNUK Ltd) to help both rural and urban organisations. It combines skills in ICT, project management, business development and community development. Whilst net:gain is delivered under RNUK Ltd, our rural expertise and partnerships with rural centres of excellence have ensured good reach. Nearly a quarter of net;gain delegates have village-based postcodes (Defra codes 5 & 6). For more see www.ruralnetuk.org
6. Rural centres include: Cosmic (SW), AfL (East) and Teesdale Village Halls (NE). Specialist BME centres, such as TLC, (Black Country) and Grenfell Foyer (London) have ensured access for a wide range of BME, faith and refugee organisations. Most centres, including Electroville (Yorks), Really Helpful IT Company (SE) and FutureLearning (SW) are advancing Social Enterprise practice. A full list is at http://tinyurl.com/22m3uc
7. Ufi Ltd, one of the government’s key partners in delivering the workforce development and lifelong learning agendas, is responsible for the network of UK online centres and learndirect centres. It aims to drive up demand for learning, help adults improve their employability by acquiring new knowledge and skills, and help businesses become more competitive. Further information is at www.ufi.com
8. Foyer Federation, the national umbrella body for Foyers, helped develop the original net:gain Business Plan; whilst no longer involved, they have just benefited from using the net:gain process internally, assisted by Cosmic. Funding Matters, a small consultancy that provides funding information advice and guidance to government departments and agencies, VCS intermediaries and UK online centres provides strategic advice on ICT-related Social Inclusion, Learning and Regeneration, and has been a consultant to DIUS and LSC on the development of UK online centres.