Barriers to progress

Senior staff attitudes

If senior managers are not IT-literate or do not see the benefits, it will be difficult to introduce an effective IT strategy. Computers and connectivity are sometimes seen as add-ons and something that can be left to others to sort out. Enhancements are often funded through specific project-related applications, which can make planning particularly difficult.

Staff resistance

Most staff are hard-pressed and understandably want just-in-time solutions, not another set of tasks. Staff will want to know that the technology will make life easier and not more complex or bureaucratic.

Training troubles

Commercial IT training is usually costly. And training aimed at the community and voluntary sector is not always available locally which could mean high travel costs.

Lack of technical support

There can be problems in recruiting technical staff at the salary levels in the community and voluntary sector. And there are problems securing outsourced technical support for all small organisations - almost at any cost.

Lack of client-led pressure for change

Commercial organisations ultimately have to respond to the needs of their customers - or find that their competitors will do so. Even though voluntary sector organisations are highly committed to serving their clients, they rarely face this pressure financially. They are in competition with other organisations - but usually for funding. So any demands for change are as likely to come from funders as users.

Lack of awareness among funders

Staff in funding organisations are sometimes unaware of the technology issues facing the organisations they support. Their own IT needs are usually met by in-house technical departments.

Few champions and models

Those making a success of the use of IT do not have much encouragement through awards or other means to tell their story.

Lack of technical knowledge

While there is growing use of one-to-one email and web sites, many organisations are not making the most of email discussion lists, email newsletters and bulletin boards.

But despite these limitations, there are many examples of organisations which are benefiting from quickly adapting to changes in technology - see the live and online case study. Reform is often spearheaded by staff with IT experience from college or other employment. Organisations may find difficulty in recruiting staff and volunteers unless they can offer an adequate IT environment.

Find out more about other IT issues and examples in the In more depth section.