Socitm Third Sector

Many of the challenges, opportunities and policy considerations around the use of ICT and 'Digital' are shared by professionals within the local government and third sector communities. This being the case, Socitm Third Sector exists to ensure that in those areas where it is relevant and mutually beneficial we act and speak as one. As a specific community within Socitm we focus on four major areas, each of which we derives benefit and influence from the partnership between Third Sector and government members.

• Developing ICT as a profession within the Third Sector
• Providing Third Sector organisations with a better understanding of the Public Sector and its use of IT and Digital for the delivery of services to the public
• Illustrating ways in which effective use of technology can improve interworking between Third Sector organisations and Local Authorities

1. Developing ICT as a profession within the Third Sector

By becoming a member of Socitm Third Sector IT professionals you join with a wider community of Government IT Professionals benefiting from access to resources and knowledge without losing the specific focus on your own sector. You can gain access to Socitm's skills development and leadership programmes, knowledge sharing and learning events, a structured CPD scheme and online CPD / Portfolio management and mentoring.

Membership of Socitm entitles ICT professionals to use the accredited designations of Associate and Member while those in the Senior Member category will be able to be designated Senior Member, Fellow and Honorary Fellow. These designations attract post nominal letters (e.g.; Member MSITM, Fellow FSITM, etc) and Socitm will support member progression through tailored CPD and other development initiatives. Accreditation will be based on criteria specific to each designation and will be linked to achievement and the responsibility levels 1 -7 of the SFIA framework.

2. Providing Third Sector organisations with a better understanding of the Public Sector and a route to influence policy.

Socitm is a highly regarded body within central government and has a significant voice in discussions within government regarding how IT can enable the efficient and effective delivery of public services. Through Socitm, the Third Sector has an opportunity to add its perspectives on this crucial issue; shaping developments in areas such as the future of public sector information networks, the impact of channel shift, the future of Direct Gov and the use of ICT's in areas such as Social Care.

3. Illustrating ways in which effective use of technology can improve interworking between Third Sector organisations and Local Authorities.

There are many good examples of effective approaches to interworking between the local community and voluntary sector and local authorities. These include the provision of ICT resources and support by local authorities and collaborative use of technology to aid service delivery. There are also examples of local authorities working in partnership with Third Sector organisations to reduce social exclusion through lack of access to digital skills and connectivity.

Socitm is uniquely placed to highlight these initiatives to professionals from sectors, sharing examples and promoting best practice through publications, events and even specialist consulting support.

Benefits of joining the Socitm Third Sector community:

Nationally: Socitm's ability to influence government-wide initiatives and strategically important developments is enhanced by speaking with a single, united voice.

Organisationally: access to a wide range of research, best practice advice and public service consultancy expertise offers capability and capacity to organisations of all sizes

Personally: regional networking, mentoring, continual professional development and regular events and learning courses all provide opportunities for ongoing development

Individuals from the third sector play an active role across Socitm with members participating in all the main governance and operational groups helping to shape Socitm and ensuring it meets the needs of all of its members.

Governance

Socitm Third Sector has a steering group responsible to the main board of Socitm for all management and operational aspects of the community.

You can visit www.socitm3rdsector.org to join in discussion and access resources.

As a non-member you can also register at this website to keep in touch with what Socitm Third Sector is doing.