1. Start with a tech check.
What systems do you use now? Are they helping or slowing you down? Use tools like TechSoup’s Assessment, NTEN’s benchmarks, or even a quick internal survey. You can also bring in a friendly tech consultant to help you spot gaps.
Then make a plan.
Look 1–3 years ahead. What tech will help you grow? Get input from everyone, including finance, comms, fundraising, programmes, etc. The best tech plans reflect the whole team, not just IT.
2. Create a focus group.
Don’t do it alone.
Form a small focus team that cares about improving systems. Include people from different roles so you get a full picture of your needs.
Be clear about who does what.
Even a one-page list of responsibilities can stop confusion later.
Use this group to bounce decisions off. They're the ones doing the actual work and who will be using the systems. Involving them in the process early will:
- Ensure the tech you’re implementing works in practice
- Help spot problems before they become roadblocks
- Build buy-in from the start, because people support what they help create
- Make training easier, since your team champions can help bring others on board
Your systems will only be as strong as the people behind them. So bring your people with you.
3. Make learning part of the culture
One-off training doesn’t cut it.
Offer quick, regular sessions that build skills over time. Tools like Google Digital Garage or LinkedIn Learning can help, especially if you don’t have in-house trainers.
Bring in outside help.
Ask partners or corporate supporters to run short trainings. Even one good lunch-and-learn can spark interest and confidence.
Celebrate progress.
Call out wins when someone learns a new skill or solves a problem with tech. It reinforces that learning is part of the job—not an extra burden.
When learning becomes normal, change feels less scary. And over time, you’ll build a confident, capable team that’s ready for whatever comes next.
4. Grow digital leaders
Tech needs support from the top.
Make sure your board and senior leaders understand the value of digital tools. Not just for admin, but for mission delivery.
Invite them to events.
Seminars, webinars, or sector roundtables are great ways for leaders to see what's possible.
Tip: Recruiting even one tech-savvy board member can fast-track your growth.
5. Make tech part of daily life
Use tools that feel easy.
Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom help teams stay aligned, especially if you work remotely.
Automate the boring stuff.
Use tools like Zapier or built-in automations in your Dynamics 365 CRM to save time on manual work.
Start tracking impact.
Even simple data dashboards (like Power BI) can help your team see what’s working and what’s not.
6. Keep improving
Ask for feedback.
Check in with staff: Are the tools helpful? What’s confusing? Where are they still using spreadsheets?
Adjust as you go.
Tech isn’t set-and-forget. It’s a living part of your organisation. Keep learning. Keep testing.
Watch what others are doing.
Follow sector newsletters. Chat with peers. Borrow what works.
What if my team’s not techy?
That’s okay! Start small. Try one change (like switching to shared cloud storage) and walk the team through it together. Find one person excited about tech and let them lead the way. You don’t need to be flash. You just need buy-in and curiosity.
Start here: A 3-step action plan
- Run a quick tech audit: Ask your team, “What’s one system that frustrates you?”
- Choose one area to improve this month: It could be file storage, online forms, or communication.
- Schedule 15 minutes a week for check-ins: Celebrate wins, ask for input, and make space for learning.
Final thoughts
Tech doesn’t replace people. It frees them up. When your team feels confident using digital tools, they can do their best work with less stress, more clarity, and greater impact.