06/09/2011 – Eight out of ten charity workers think technology could help save time or money, says Lasa survey
Eight out of ten charity workers think technology could help save time or money, says Lasa survey
- Mind chief executive Paul Farmer says that charity chief execs can't do their job without high-quality understanding of technology
- Video and research launch Lasa's November technology conference
Nearly eight out of 10 charity staff think their organisation could save time or money if it used technology more effectively, according to a Lasa survey published today (7 September).
The survey was carried out to launch the Lasa European Not for Profit Technology Conference 2011, in London on 14 November. The findings are backed up by a video Lasa is also launching today, featuring interviews with four chief executives of leading charities.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: "I fully support Lasa's work in helping charity chief executives get the most from technology. No chief executive of any voluntary organisation can do their job effectively without high-quality understanding of technology and its capabilities."
Terry Stokes, Chief Executive of Lasa said: "Charities have been hit hard by the recession. The voluntary and community sector is expected to lose nearly £3 billion in funding cuts over the next five years1. Yet at a time when every penny counts, not all charities are using technology as a strategic tool to help save time or money.
"That's why we are calling for charity leaders to attend our conference in November. Lasa wants to work together to find the solutions to the technological challenges charities we face."
The survey of more than 100 charity workers was carried out by Lasa, a social welfare rights and technology charity, and supported by sounddelivery, a specialist digital media training, production and consultancy company.
Find out more about Lasa's conference
Some key statistics from Lasa's research:
- Fewer than one in three people (24%) said their chief executive was very confident in using newer technology
- Two thirds (60%) thought their chief executive understood the benefits of technology, even if they didn't understand how it works
- Nearly eight out of ten people (79%) said their chief executive thought the main challenge in using newer technology was either time or money
Key points from the Lasa video:
- Nigel Lewis of AbilityNet says that charities could potentially save millions of pounds if they shared IT packages.
- Sam Mauger of Age UK talks about how she and her organisation have benefited from using technology strategically - without needing to ‘speak geek'
Do you speak geek? from Lasa on Vimeo.
Notes to Editors:
1NCVO's Counting the Cuts report, August 2011, estimates that the sector stands to lose £2.8 billion over the spending review period (2011- 2016).
The video is available and features interviews with four chief executives of leading charities:
- Sam Mauger, Age UK London,
- Nigel Lewis, AbilityNet
- Richard Craig, Charity Technology Trus
- Paul Farmer, Mind.
A transcript of the video is available as well as a copy of the full survey findings.
For further details about the video or survey, please contact the Lasa press office: tel 0207 377 2748, or email ptreloar@lasa.org.uk or zamar@lasa.org.uk
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1.
Lasa
is a leading charity and strategic provider of knowledge, support and resources
to third sector and government bodies. Lasa helps thousands of organisations
across the UK each year including Age UK, Shelter and Citizens Advice Bureau.
It helps organisations to get better welfare rights advice to their clients;
deliver more effective and efficient services; influences policy for advice and
legal services; and raises awareness of the third sector's technology needs
with funders and government. For more information, please visit www.lasa.org.uk/
2. sounddelivery is a specialist digital media training, production and consultancy company with a passion for digital storytelling. We work with a diverse range of organisations from the not-for-profit, social enterprise, museum and heritage sectors to give people the knowhow, confidence and skills they need to navigate the world of social media through bespoke training and high quality multimedia productions.