The advancement of new technology is putting pressure on
voluntary and community organisations to change from their
traditional ways of delivering services, according to a new report
published by theNational Council for
Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)and charity IT
bodyICT
Hub.
The report, entitled How ICT is shaping the future design and
delivery of public services, said that as a result of new
technology,
voluntary organisations will need to give greater consideration to
issues such as data protection and privacy laws to ensure that
people using their services are safeguarded.
It also argues that charities delivering public services will
need to have a better understanding of the opportunities and
benefits, such as the chance to engage with new audiences and make
cost savings, presented by ICT to meet their users'
expectations.
Online communities, databases and live video links all provide
an increasing range of possibilities for organisations to innovate,
save on costs and become more effective, says the report.
Megan Griffith, NCVO research manager, said, "There is a good
fit between the opportunities provided by ICT and the values and
delivery modes that characterise the voluntary and community
sector.
"ICT can be regarded as user-led and engaged, flexible and
responsive. Even though ICT presents its challenges it is one of
the most feasible routes to sustainability in service
delivery."