Charity Experiences of Implementing Digital Solutions
When charities embark on a digital journey, it’s rarely a straightforward path. From navigating new technologies to rethinking the way they work, the process is as much about learning as it is about implementation. But with the right support, charities can unlock digital solutions that make a lasting impact.
At the Tech for Good Summit 2024, a panel of charity leaders shared their experiences of working with skilled volunteers to develop and implement digital solutions. What they learned, the challenges they faced, and how technology has transformed their organisations.
Finding the Right Solution: Even When You Don’t Know What You Need
For many charities, digital projects start with a simple need: they know something has to change, but they don’t always know what’s possible or even what to ask for.
That was the case for Grace Chocolates, a social enterprise supporting women with experience in the justice system. When the pandemic hit, their in-person support programs were put on hold, and they had to find a way to stay connected with the women they worked with. “We started with a blank page,” said Elizabeth McGowan, explaining how they reached out to the Scottish Tech Army (STA) to explore their options.
With the help of a volunteer, they developed a simple but effective solution. Providing secure laptops and tablets that were easy to use, ensuring the women could continue engaging with support services online. “The volunteer knew what they were doing, so we could focus on what we do best—supporting women,” Elizabeth said.
More Than a Website: A Strategy Shift
For Fife Young Carers, digital transformation wasn’t just about fixing its outdated website, it changed the way they think about strategy.
“We support over 1,000 young carers, some as young as five years old, but our digital presence wasn’t doing us justice,” said Harvey Carruthers, CEO of the charity.
After approaching STA, their project quickly grew beyond a website redesign. Working with skilled volunteers from Donaldson Group, they began exploring social media strategy, internal communications, and new ways to engage young people.
“It’s like being strapped into the DeLorean in Back to the Future,” Harvey joked. “We thought we needed a new website, but we ended up rethinking how we connect with young carers in schools and online. This has changed our whole approach.”
Bridging the Gap Between Schools and Industry
dressCode, a charity tackling the gender gap in computing, had a clear vision: make it easier for teachers to access engaging computing science resources. But founder Toni Scullion, a full-time computing teacher, lacked the time and technical resources to build the platform she envisioned.
By working with STA volunteers, dressCode developed a centralised platform where teachers can access lessons, plan events, and introduce students to industry role models.
“This wouldn’t have happened without volunteers,” Toni said. “They took my idea and ran with it, adding features I hadn’t even thought of. Now, teachers across Scotland have access to lessons that bring industry into the classroom.”
It’s Not Just About the Tech: It’s About Confidence
Beyond the immediate impact of digital solutions, the panellists agreed that working with skilled volunteers changed how they approach technology.
For Grace Chocolates, having an expert walk them through the process gave them the confidence to explore more digital solutions. “We wouldn’t have dared put our services online before, but now it’s second nature,” said Elizabeth.
For Fife Young Carers, the process helped Harvey and his team understand where tech fits into their long-term strategy. “We’re now thinking about how to use technology to reach the 5,000 young carers we don’t yet support,” he said.
For DressCode, the impact of data visualisation, transforming raw numbers into a clear story of the gender gap in computing, opened doors for advocacy and policy change.
Skilled Volunteering: A Different Kind of Partnership
One theme that emerged throughout the discussion was the unique relationship between charities and skilled volunteers. Unlike a traditional client-supplier dynamic, volunteering creates a shared sense of purpose.
These projects don’t just benefit charities, volunteers also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges charities face. As Toni put it, “You can explain the digital divide, but when volunteers see it firsthand in schools, it hits differently.”
What’s Next? Making Digital Transformation Sustainable
One of charities' biggest challenges after implementing digital solutions is long-term sustainability. The panellists reflected on the need to:
Invest time in understanding new tools and systems.
Ensure staff feel confident using digital solutions.
Think beyond one-off projects—how can these solutions evolve?
As Harvey put it, “It’s not just about having a shiny new tool, it’s about making sure we actually use it.”
Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Potential of Digital for Charities
As the session wrapped up, Elaine Crichton (Inspiring Scotland) asked a thought-provoking question:
“If we can make digital transformation accessible and sustainable for charities, what could that unlock for individuals, organisations, and the communities they serve?”
The discussion made it clear, technology isn’t just a tool, it’s a game-changer. With the right support, charities can reach more people, deliver services more effectively, and even rethink their entire strategy.
Through partnerships like those facilitated by the Scottish Tech Army, charities don’t just get a digital solution they gain confidence, insight, and a community that wants to see them succeed.
