Passing on expertise for free or at low cost

Organisations may be willing to pass on expertise for free or for minimal cost. Collaborative schemes managed and run by and for the sector are currently rare (see the next page details on the Buddy System). Private sector expertise, made available through volunteering schemes, can be a model for passing on strategic expertise without the usual consulting costs. VCOs are usually encouraged to identify a specific, time-limited project that requires expertise that they do not possess or cannot afford. They are then matched with an ICT volunteer.

Discussion

These programmes offer a co-ordination and matching service, drawing on a pool of ICT professionals, willing to volunteer their time and expertise to VCOs. To do this effectively, models of volunteer matching or brokering have developed. As ICT expertise - as well as time and resources - are scarce within the sector, VCO to VCO support using this model are few, though some pay-for services are emerging. The programmes are usually supported directly or indirectly by industries where ICT expertise resides.

Charities first need to identify a project and make sure it is suitable for professional volunteer help. This is usually done with help from matching/broker organisations and the details of the project are made available to the volunteer pool. Once matched with a suitable volunteer, the volunteer works directly with the beneficiary organisation to deliver the project. Projects can range from help with a website design or database choice to strategic planning. This approach is ideally suited to providing support for one-off projects or longer-term strategic help, but not 'fire-fighting', maintenance, or ongoing 'helpline' type support.