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Sitting down with digital experts and Specialist Volunteers, Gordon and Elena

“It’s not just a one-off get the kudos and done relationship […] We grow in this space.”  

Our Specialist Volunteer Network (SVN) is an impressive collective of over 500 professionals who lend their expertise and time to the charity sector for free, saving not only those all-important funds, but time and peace of mind.  

But to create this network of titans, it takes individuals with a passion for change. That’s why we often refer to our specialist volunteers as #ChangeMakers. 

SVN Coordinator Tommy recently sat down with Gordon and Elena, digital design and product experts who both work at tech company AND Digital. However, their drive to volunteer is less of a corporate tick box, it’s a way of life. 

Over the past year, Gordon and Elena (alongside support from colleagues) have worked with three charities long term on projects. Varying from website and digital needs discovery work with Inverness-based, RASASH (Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland) a portfolio partner of Inspiring Scotland’s Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support fund. To e-commerce product strategy support with Borders-based Retweed. And digital booking management product selection support to Green Team in Edinburgh. 

This amounted to an incredible 100+ hours of pro-bono support in 2023 but what does that mean to them, as individuals in the community? 

“Wow, I hadn’t added up all of our hours across the engagements!” said Gordon. 

“The way we volunteer – consultation, preparation and facilitation – usually over a year or close to that, means it’s not just a one-off get the kudos and done relationship. We learn about the organisation, its pace, communication needs, how the professionals engage with their stakeholders, as well the staffs’ differing strategic priorities to many of our private sector clients.” 

Elena totally agreed and said, “We grow in this space.”  

And went on: 

“Through all of our skills-based volunteering, we are learning and becoming more effective in meeting the needs of our charity sector clients. By sharing the learning from the team’s skills-based volunteering, there is a real sense of cross-pollination.

“Both Gordon and I appreciate these opportunities that allow us to open our eyes wider, to consider various degrees of users. It is such rewarding work! Somehow, working with charities feels complex and sensitive in so many ways: balancing the act of introducing small changes for a maximum impact; consider the people that use the service with the goal of creating stronger communities. ”

Tommy also caught up with Jamie, Green Team’s Business Development Manager, who received support from Elena. He said: 

“Elena was great! She gave us lots to think about, helped us scope our requirements and approached the project in a very organised way. 

“We were looking for expertise to guide us in reviewing options for a new event booking platform, implementing changes and linking the platform to our back-end database. Even when she may not have always had all the technical skills/expertise needed for the task right away but when this was case, she was open about it and made great efforts to connect us to others or to undertake some research. We really appreciated all her work which has helped to move us on significantly. 

“We have adopted a new booking platform, implemented this on our website and have a plan to implement changes that will ensure the interface between booking platform and our database is significantly enhanced.” 

The growing role of tech for charities in Scotland 

In Scotland we are fortunate to have not only world-leading tech experts, but also a vibrant tech for good ecosystem. This includes brilliant support partners like Scottish Tech Army, CodeBase and Third Sector Lab’s The Curve. 

Tech and digital tools are becoming increasingly important for charities and not-for-profits. Our SVN are on board and have the expertise to help. Get in touch today at tommy@inspiringscotland.org.uk  

Alternatively, we host regular workshops based on some of the most common support requests our experts receive. Please join us for our free online workshops in May which cover everything from Cyber Resilience and AI.  

Upcoming events:  

Cyber Resilience for Charities and Non – Profits  

Wednesday 22nd May 2024 

11am – 12pm  

The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) has developed several cybersecurity toolkits, including the GCA Cybersecurity toolkit for Mission-based Organisations which addresses the most common cyber risks affecting organisations who conduct any aspect of their business via email or over the Internet. 

However, some aspects of technology cannot afford a reactive response. Please join us at our free online workshops in May which will cover Cyber Resilience and AI for charities and non-profits.     

Register