Technical Support Service - Feasibility Study

Sustainable Devon-wide Technical Support for the VCS

After a successful application to the Baring Foundation in July 2003 a three-month feasibility study was commissioned by Project COSMIC. The aim of the study was to identify the issues for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCOs) in using ICT, and to help find a way forward in developing attitudes, support and training around these issues. COSMIC firmly believe that VCO's can deliver their services and products much more effectively and efficiently if they are provided with high quality ICT support and training.

Through many years of working as a social enterprise in the voluntary and community sector, Project COSMIC was already aware of the positive role ICT can play in strengthening the Voluntary and Community Sector. Indeed COSMIC have in the past and currently provide a basic technical support service for their existing clients it was felt however that if the service should be developed it should focus on being sustainable and strategic in its approach, leaving organisations a much clearer understanding on the positive role technology can play in their future development.

The study was completed in November 2003, with it's proposal currently being used to form the basis of a funding application to cover the amount required as 'start up' capital. This process is now fully underway with the study sparking keen interest from the VCS as well as possible funding sources. The company is very hopeful in developing further funding sources and will look to make a formal application early 2004.

Project COSMIC would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the people involved in the development of the study and the support and encouragement received by the Voluntary and Community sector.

An executive summary of the study can be viewed at www.cosmic.org.uk/techsupport/ where you can also download a full PDF version of the final report (the file is quite large (500KB), which will affect download time) Alternatively a full printed copy can be obtained from Project COSMIC for £5 (to cover printing and admin costs)