Helping UK charities solve societal and environmental challenges with the power of digital
Guest blog by Julie Adamson, Social Value Lead at BJSS – now part of CGI #techUKSocialValueWeek
Julie Adamson
Social Value Lead, BJSS – now part of CGI
How digital transformation can strengthen the UK charity sector
The charity sector in the UK is currently grappling with significant financial challenges due to inflationary pressures and reductions in public funding. A report by Grant Thornton highlights that, although inflation decreased to 3.2% in March 2024, charities continue to face rising costs and declining income, leading to an unstable financial environment.
Additionally, the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) notes a decline in charitable donations, with fewer individuals contributing compared to pre-pandemic levels. This reduction in giving further strains the resources of charitable organisations.
In response to these challenges, digital transformation offers a viable solution for charities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The Charity Digital Skills Report 2024 emphasises the importance of digital adoption, highlighting that organisations leveraging digital tools can improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Moreover, the Financial Times reports that integration of artificial intelligence and data analysis is revolutionising charitable giving by enabling organisations to make informed decisions and effectively track their impact. This technological advancement allows charities to streamline processes and better allocate resources.
Embracing digital tools not only helps charities mitigate the adverse effects of economic pressures but also positions them to better serve their communities in a sustainable manner.
Driving social impact and empowering communities with the TechForGood Alliance
Partnering with the TechForGood Alliance (formerly the Scottish Tech Army), charities and social enterprises can use technology to overcome challenges during this tricky economic landscape.
The TechForGood Alliance connects social enterprises and charities with businesses and volunteers to tackle challenges through tailored digital solutions.
After an initial scoping session, we selected the projects we’re best equipped to support — choosing causes that align with our values and expertise.
Through these collaborations, our teams have applied their skills to deliver meaningful solutions, exploring new technologies, roles, and leadership opportunities along the way. From empowering people with vision impairments and addressing homelessness to equipping minority communities with essential digital skills, these projects showcase the tangible social impact we can achieve when innovation meets purpose.
Driving change and delivering tech solutions for social impact
Led by our passionate Scottish team, we’ve delivered eight impactful pro bono projects for third-sector organisations across Scotland, Newcastle, and Manchester. This work represents over 690 days of effort and more than £460,000 worth of donated services.
1. Transforming volunteer management with Street Soccer Scotland
We partnered with Street Soccer Scotland, a charity that has transformed over 25,000 lives since 2009 by using sport to tackle issues like homelessness, addiction, and unemployment. To streamline their operations, we optimised their Salesforce CRM, automating volunteer and donated-hours management. This reduced administrative tasks, improved data analytics, and enhanced volunteer recognition. By freeing up resources, the charity can focus more on delivering front-line services and amplifying their community impact.
2. Pioneering digital accessibility for Newcastle Vision Support
We helped Newcastle Vision Support, which aids over 1,300 visually impaired individuals, enhance digital accessibility. By integrating Alexa Skills and converting audio files to podcasts, we enabled users to access newsletters, real-time updates, and resources via smart speakers and their website. This innovative solution reduced costs, improved accessibility, and strengthened the charity’s connection with its community. The project showcases the power of technology to foster inclusion and independence.
3. Empowering greener travel in Greater Manchester
We supported Harpurhey & Moston Bike Library in promoting affordable, eco-friendly travel through bike loans, training, and maintenance sessions. To help them scale, we developed a user-friendly website featuring service showcases, booking tools, an event calendar, donation options, and analytics. This platform enhances visibility and engagement while preparing the charity for future growth, including CRM integration for inventory management. Our collaboration supports greener, healthier, and more inclusive travel across Greater Manchester.
"The team has taken the time to understand both their present needs and ambitions, ensuring that both the website and the systems that sit behind it are sustainable as they grow and scale. The team has also considered how the solution delivered for Harpurhey and Moston Bike Library can apply to other, similar organisations and we look forward to promoting and deploying the solution wherever it is wanted.”
Kirsty McIntosh, Head of Partnerships, Tech for Good Alliance.
techUK's Central Government Campaign Week 2025 – Social Value Week
techUK is pleased to announce our second Central Government Campaign Week, running from 22-25 April 2025.
The techUK Central Government Programme provides a forum for government to engage with tech suppliers. We advocate for the govtech sector, evangelise tech as a solution to public sector challenges, facilitate market engagement, and help make the public sector an easier market to operate in. Visit the programme page here.
Calling Children’s Services and Education: Are you ready for the Digital Switchover?
Join techUK for a free webinar to learn more about the program and what it might mean for schools, universities and children’s services in both the private sector and those maintained by local authorities.
Join techUK for a timely webinar unpacking the recent changes to the UK Government’s Social Value Model and the introduction of a mission-led approach to public procurement.
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK.
He supports the programme’s mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens.
Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges.
Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King’s College London.
Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
We are celebrating the best in tech with the techUK President’s Awards, spotlighting trailblazers in our membership who are making a real impact on People, Society, the Economy, and the Planet. The winners will be announced at the techUK Annual Dinner on 1 July.
This is a unique opportunity to give someone the recognition they truly deserve - and to showcase your organisation's impact in front of the UK tech community. Nominations are open here.