National Children’s Bureau Case Study

Digital strategy

About the organisation

For 50 years NCB has been influencing policy and improving practice to build a better childhood, where every child and every young person gets the right support in the right time and place, no matter what challenges they are facing. To do this, NCB builds partnerships across and beyond the children’s sector and trains those who work directly with children, young people and families, to make sure the changes are long-lasting. NCB also runs several specialist membership groups, each uniting the sector to tackle specific issues affecting children.

The challenge

NCB recognised that their organisational strategy and ambitions – ambitions to become more influential; to empower children and young people; to bring organisations together; to build the skills and knowledge of those professionals working with children; and to be seen as a pioneering and high-performing charity – all needed to be supported by modern approaches to digital - both to ensure that NCB’s stakeholders had a great experience of engaging with the charity, and also to ensure that NCB’s technology, business processes and people were working as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Adapta support

NCB therefore appointed Adapta to work with stakeholders from across the organisation to confirm how their ambitions needed to be supported by new digital approaches, and to share examples of digital innovation – from both within and beyond the non-profit sector. With a broad remit – touching upon themes such as technology and data; digital culture, skills and mindset; governance and resources – Adapta’s consultants then worked with NCB to develop a new digital strategy, and agree a roadmap and investment plan for implementation. Related to this, Adapta helped NCB identify the technology ecosystem required to support this strategy, and where each of the component parts – i.e. CRM, learning management systems, web CMS, digital marketing, events management, video conferencing, business intelligence – would be expected to contribute.

National Children’s Bureau
Rachel Rand
Director of Finance and Corporate Services

“I would not embark on any IT project without first meeting with Adapta to understand how they feel they could support me. Over the past 5 years Adapta have worked with NCB as we’ve selected an IT support partner (moving all IT infrastructure to the Cloud), replaced our finance system and most recently as we selected a new HR and payroll system. I have found their guidance, industry knowledge and practical support invaluable and moreover enjoyed our working partnerships. I know my management team feel the same.”

What our clients say

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.