System Guides

Our systems guides provide details of suppliers and software packages that are capable of meeting many of the key requirements for managing relationships with supporters, members, service users, beneficiaries and other types of contacts within a charity or not-for-profit organisation.

Adapta Consulting is familiar with each of the software suppliers and systems included in these Guides. However, for the avoidance of doubt, the tables are not intended to be comprehensive and are provided for information purposes only. Adapta Consulting makes no representation as to the suitability of any of the companies listed or the accuracy of the information provided.


Accounting Systems – a guide for not-for-profit organisations

Finance systems – a guide for charities and-not-for-profit organisations

There are many finance systems used within the sector; some are designed specifically for charities, but the vast majority are at heart systems that have been designed for profit-making companies and have in some cases been tweaked or have had reports written to make them more relevant to charities. Our latest guide offers a high-level overview of the market for finance systems and lists a broad range of the systems that charities could consider if they are looking for an accounting package.

View PDF

A guide to grant management systems for not-for-profit organisations

Grant Management Systems – a guide for UK funding institutions or third sector organisations

This guide is aimed at UK funding institutions or third sector organisations (TSOs) that run some form of grants programme. It aims to provide a high-level overview of the market for Grant Management Systems (GMS) in the UK, including details of suppliers and software packages that are capable of meeting many of the key requirements for managing contact relationships, document and communication storage, grant application process and grant management. We hope you find this document useful and thought-provoking. Please note however that this document is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

View PDF

Financial budgeting and forecasting systems

Financial budgeting and forecasting systems – a guide for charities and not-for-profit organisations

In the realm of financial planning for UK charities and not-for-profit organisations, the way budgets are forecasted and managed is undergoing a noticeable evolution, shaped by advancements in technology. To navigate this evolving landscape, Adapta has produced a short guide to shed light on various financial forecasting and budgeting systems available for the UK charity and not-for-profit sector. The guide aims to provide a clear understanding of key features, functionalities, and user experiences of prominent software solutions, facilitating informed decision-making for organisations looking to enhance their financial practices.

View PDF

HR systems – A guide for charities and not-for-profit organisations

HR systems – A guide for charities and not-for-profit organisations

Charitable organisations offer much the same diversity of jobs as you might find in the corporate sector; alongside the specific service delivery roles within the organisation, there is still the need for IT, finance, marketing and HR. In many organisations, an individual may have quite a diverse role covering more than just one speciality, meaning that no one day is the same to another and that staff gain the opportunity to develop their skills and explore different avenues within the sector. This means that the charity job market is highly competitive, making it vital that not-for-profit organisations have the right technological tools to support them.

This guide provides information on various software products currently available, to support organisations in understanding the market.

View PDF

CRM systems – a guide for not-for-profit organisations

CRM software – a guide for charities and not-for-profit organisations

Thinking about CRM but don't know where to start? Our updated guide provides details of suppliers and software packages that are capable of meeting many of the key requirements for managing relationships with supporters, members, service users, beneficiaries and other types of contacts in a not-for-profit organisation. This latest version groups these solutions into three areas: Product, Platform and Open Source as a logical approach with which to view and understand the current CRM market.

View PDF

Guide to case management systems for not-for-profit organisations

Case management systems – a guide for charities and not-for-profit organisations

Our recently updated guide explains the different case management systems options available to the sector and provides information about the different types of systems available to enable case managers to deliver support, care and advice more efficiently, securely and effectively. We have kept this guide focussed on case management in the context of support, care and advisory service delivery. Case management can also apply to in-house legal teams and a legal case management product marketplace does exist. However, we have taken a conscious decision for this guide to concentrate on case management systems providing functionality more relevant to a larger audience of not-for-profit case management users and systems focussing purely on legal case management have not been included.

View PDF

What our clients say

, Rebecca Pritchard
Client Quote


Rebecca Pritchard
Former Director of Operations, Crisis

"Adapta have been honest and realistic with us throughout. They are clear where they can add value and where we can do things on our own – so it feels like a partnership..."

, James Kliffen
Client Quote


James Kliffen
Head of Fundraising, MSF UK

"You have had a huge influence in our fundraising, and I would enthusiastically recommend you to other charities (and often have)..."

, Phil Durbin
Client Quote


Phil Durbin
Former Head of Corporate Systems, Salvation Army

"Unlike many consultants, Adapta won’t tell you what you expect to hear. They will be very honest and challenging and, even if some of what they say is uncomfortable to hear, it means you end up getting better advice."

, Dawn Varley
Client Quote


Dawn Varley
Operations & Strategy Director, Badger Trust

"I knew I could task them with my problem, and leave them to undertake the work in a professional yet friendly way, bringing their expertise and experience to the project…"

, Iain McSeveney
Client Quote


Iain McSeveney
Finance Director, Medical Aid for Palestinians

"I’m very pleased with the professional way that Adapta managed the project for the selection of MAP’s new accounting software. It was obvious that they have great experience in the charity sector and on the range of suitable accounting software currently on the market..."

, Rachel Rand
Client Quote


Rachel Rand
Strategic Director - Finance and Corporate Services, NCB

"I would not embark on any IT project without first meeting with Adapta to understand how they feel they could support me. I have found their guidance and practical support invaluable…"

, Rosalba Leonelli
Client Quote


Rosalba Leonelli
Head of Finance, Client Earth

"Thank you to you and your team for developing and facilitating an excellent workshop. You fully understood our needs which were evident in the workshop structure and content…"

Clients

We strive to support a dynamic, impactful sector that leads through innovation and collaborative thinking. We are continually amazed by the incredible work the sector does and the support it gives to make a difference to millions of lives in the UK and across the world. View the organisations we work with here.

Badger Trust Logo
Asthma UK Logo
Battersea Logo
Centre Point Logo
Embrace The Middle East Logo
Christian Aid Logo
RNLI Logo
Stroke Association Logo
The Trussell Trust Logo
WAGGGS Logo