Resourcing to meet your digital technology needs

Achieving your technology and IT goals requires appropriate resourcing, starting with identifying your needs and solutions. Quality, sustainable, and reliable digital technology and IT support are critical for ensuring that your organisation doesn’t waste money or the valuable time of staff and volunteers. This guide helps you identify key areas of need and support options to meet those needs.

Areas of need

For ease of reference, the areas of need can be grouped into three categories.

Tech foundations and cyber security

• Cloud infrastructure: Office 365, Google Workspace, etc.
• On-premises network: Infrastructure updates and patches.
• Hardware purchases and project management.
• User onboarding/offboarding.
• Troubleshooting: Everyday issues like connectivity and computer problems.
• Cyber security: Information classification, device management, threat detection, user education, and policy compliance.

Applications and digital marketing

• Service delivery systems: Client and case management systems (CRM), data cleanliness, queries, and reporting.
• HR and financial system support.
• Website support: Design, hosting, development, and maintenance.
• Social media support: Management of social media channels.

IT Management (strategy and governance)

• Digital strategy roadmap: Long-term digital planning.
• Budget planning: For technology purchases and upgrades.
• Digital technology governance: Including data governance and compliance.
   

Support options

Once you’ve identified your needs, you’ll need the right support, which can come from a mix of internal and external resources. Below are key support options:

Internal support options

• Digital Technology Manager (full or part-time): Responsible for managing relationships with vendors and contractors, as well as overseeing technology planning and strategy.
• Accidental Techie: An office manager or admin professional who takes on digital technology tasks. They may provide basic troubleshooting, coordinate with vendors, and offer informal IT support.
• Board or Governance Committee Member: A board member with digital expertise can offer strategic advice and educate other committee members on digital investments.

External support options

• Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Act as outsourced IT departments, handling day-to-day needs like troubleshooting, security, and network issues. MSPs also offer help desks and can provide strategic guidance.
• Consultants: Experts who focus on specific technology areas (e.g., CRM) or project work, such as system implementation and ongoing support.
• Volunteers: Tech-savvy volunteers can provide support, but caution is advised. Expert advice is often worth the investment, and long-term sustainability should be considered if relying on volunteers.

Volunteer management

If resources are limited, volunteers may be an option for digital technology support. Here are some low-cost strategies to find skilled volunteers:

• Ask your existing network: Volunteers, staff, or board members may know someone with the skills you need.
• Advertise on volunteering platforms:
  • Linked In for non-profits
  • tekFoundation (free recruitment for tech volunteers)
    Good Company
  • Seek Volunteers
  • Communiteer
  • Go Volunteer
  • Volunteering Australia
• Employ a student: Universities and TAFEs often have internship programs (e.g., Navitas or work-integrated learning) where students can provide valuable technology support.
• Social media: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to promote your need for volunteers or consider paid ads to expand your reach

Continuous Support

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s important to have a trusted external provider to call on for issues like virus removal, email upgrades, or complex technical problems. You can also book an expert to guide you through available digital technology support options.