By Jenny Phipps, marketing coordinator, Qlic IT.
Digital transformation is important for charities; as technology evolves rapidly, charities must adapt to this digital age to remain effective and efficient.
However, venturing on a digital transformation journey is not without its challenges. Charities must take a strategic approach to avoid risks and maximise the benefits. Let’s delve into the top tips for a successful digital transformation.
What is a digital transformation?
Digital transformation is the integration of new digital technologies to help modernise a charity’s current environment. This transformation also goes beyond upgrading IT infrastructure. It involves a fundamental shift in a charity’s culture, processes, and strategies.
Enhancing your current IT landscape is crucial for charities. It can improve operational efficiency by automating tasks, facilitating data management, and streamlining workflows. Digital technologies can also help to transform fundraising practices, enabling charities to receive more engagement.
In 2023, only 48% of charities reported having a digital strategy, which is a drop from 56% in 2022. However, 41% of charities expressed the desire to develop a digital strategy. Creating a digital strategy is the first step to a digital transformation.
Digital transformation is a process that requires strategic planning and decision-making. Here are the top tips that charities should consider:
Assessment and planning
The first step in any digital transformation is assessing your current digital environment. This will help you identify areas for improvement. Your charity can then develop a well-defined digital strategy aligning with your mission, goals, and resources.
Engaging stakeholders
Communication with all stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, is essential during the digital transformation process. Their input will help to identify needs and current challenges, ensuring the successful implementation of new digital solutions.
Investing in training
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is vital to ensure your staff evolves too. Investing in training will help continuous learning and build digital knowledge. Providing your team with the necessary digital skills will enable them to leverage new technologies effectively.
Selecting the right tools
It’s important to select the right technology solutions tailored to your charity’s needs. Companies like Qlic can provide expertise in this area, helping you navigate the wide range of digital tools and find the best fit for your organisation.
Data management
Data security is paramount during this time of heightened cyber breaches and scams. Charities must ensure they are compliant with all data protection regulations, including GDPR. Understanding the principles of data protection and charities is essential to safeguarding your data.
Measuring impact
Setting key performance indicators (KPIs) can help measure the impact of your digital initiatives before and throughout the transformation process. Regular impact measurement and evaluation are crucial for ensuring your digital solutions deliver value to your organisation.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Navigating your charity’s digital transformation can have some potential pitfalls which you should seek to avoid. Here are some common pitfalls to keep in mind:
Lack of clear strategy: unclear goals and objectives are one of the main reasons why digital transformations fail. It’s crucial to develop a clear digital strategy that outlines your charity’s digital objectives.
Resistance to change: big changes can be unsettling for an organisation and can often lead to resistance. Encouraging an inclusive and supportive culture that embraces change and promotes continuous learning is important.
Ignoring cyber security: charities must ensure they have robust cyber security measures to protect their data.
Budget constraints: while budget constraints are a common concern, several cost-effective solutions are available. Instead of investing in bespoke solutions, charities can consider adjusting to out-of-the-box, often more affordable solutions.
Overlooking user experience: digital transformation should not only focus on implementing new digital tools but also on enhancing the user experience. Ensure that your digital platforms are user-friendly, accessible, and responsive.
Is your charity looking to begin a digital transformation?
Are you looking for a trustworthy IT provider to guide you through your charity’s digital transformation? We have decades of experience in the charity sector and are here to help! Book your complimentary digital transformation consultation by contacting enquiries@qlicnfp.com.
