NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) is building a modern, connected technology platform that will help launch member services faster, make better use of its data and strengthen support for the 17,000 charities and voluntary organisations it represents. The platform will improve access to information, free up time for higher-value work and help NCVO respond to the changing needs of the charity sector.
Digital capability builds stronger services for members
As charities face growing financial and operational pressures, NCVO’s new strategy focuses on bringing the sector together, strengthening its influence and making more of its extensive membership. To achieve this across such a diverse community, NCVO needs a reliable, scalable, digital environment that helps staff work more efficiently and adapt to changing member needs.
NCVO’s systems have grown organically over decades, with little coordinated investment in technology strategy or architecture. As a result, multiple platforms currently hold the organisation’s information, making it harder to respond quickly.
“Patching individual systems is no longer enough. We’ve chosen to put the right foundations in place first, so that everything we build next connects and scales,” says Nick Gibson, Chief Strategy Officer, NCVO.
The new platform will reduce time spent on routine tasks allowing NCVO staff to focus on the work that really matters, supporting members, sharing knowledge, and influencing policy for civil society. With a more capable and durable digital presence, NCVO will be able to seamlessly update existing services and launch new ones faster.
A smarter approach to modernising technology
NCVO already uses Dynamics CRM, Business Central and Microsoft productivity tools. Rather than replace those systems, it chose to build on its existing Microsoft investment. Following a rigorous procurement process in which Microsoft recommended three potential partners, NCVO selected Transparity for its approach, relationships, mindset and alignment with its strategic goals.
The first phase of the programme strengthens the platform and architecture beneath NCVO’s systems, applying modern principles for data, interoperability, security, integration and system maintenance.
Nick highlights, “This isn’t just about one application. It’s about establishing the underlying technology and architecture that future systems and services can build on.”
Actionable insights and exciting, new possibilities
Internally, NCVO expects the new platform to streamline and automate processes, reduce manual administration and provide a more complete view of its data, so staff can concentrate on directly supporting its members and the sector. The flexibility of the modern technology will allow NCVO to evolve existing services and respond faster to emerging requirements.
For members, this means a platform that enhances experiences including easier access to training and support, while giving NCVO more flexibility to develop and showcase new products and initiatives. Better connected live data will also support research and policy work, potentially combining member information with sources from other infrastructure bodies.
“Longer term, we see the potential for a shared ecosystem where charities can exchange information, find solutions and respond faster to sector challenges. If we get this right, good ideas can become practical services for charities far more readily,” adds Nick.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with NCVO on such an important programme. The goal is simple: make technology work harder for NCVO and its members. By bringing its data, systems and processes together in a more robust, joined-up way, we can help free up time for NCVO to focus on the work that matters, while making it easier to turn new ideas into services that benefit members,” says Josh Hutchison, Head of Public Sector & Social Impact, Transparity.
About NCVO
NCVO is the largest membership community for charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups in England. Representing more than 17,000 members across all causes, shapes and sizes, it equips organisations with practical guidance, training, research and collaborative networks. For over 100 years, NCVO has championed voluntary action and worked tirelessly to ensure civil society can thrive.
