Do volunteer management systems deserve their own place in the digital world?

Charities have large amounts of data to manage efficiently and securely, and volunteering data is a significant part of this. Volunteer teams need to be able to gather, store, process, and dispose of data in complex ways, and this data processing needs to be individualized and flexible while remaining efficient and secure.

The variety of data systems used by charities is wide-ranging, and many charities have very little automation. It is often impossible to separate volunteering data from client data or other charity systems such as finance. As a result, many charities opt to add volunteering as a module to a wider organizational computer system.

This may involve using existing CRM systems for volunteering, but these systems are not always designed specifically with volunteering in mind. The volunteering functionality is sometimes limited or becomes subservient to other functions. Additionally, where client data is held in the same systems, extra data safeguards are needed.

Customisable complex systems are not affordable for all charities, so out-of-the-box solutions built specifically for volunteering are a viable option for many. However, ICT teams are often reluctant to add another system to their ICT environment, which can be understandable given their limited staffing and expertise. Additionally, ICT budgets can only manage so many digital transformations at one time, and volunteering may sometimes be behind finance, HR, or other priorities.

Some systems designed especially for volunteering offer a balance of simplicity and functionality, with easy-to-use customization options. They are not always as flexible as some CRM solutions, but they can be a quicker and cheaper option for many charities. These systems have already explored common pitfalls in volunteering and built solutions based on feedback from volunteer managers.

Time for Impact is interested in technological solutions that can revolutionize the volunteering recruitment and support world. We believe that digital transformation and development must be part of the solution. 

If you want to discuss ICT challenges and solutions for your volunteering organization, please contact us. 

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