Shelter Case Study

CRM system selection

About the organisation

Shelter helps millions of people every year who are struggling with bad housing or homelessness and campaigns for better investment in housing, and laws and policies to improve their lives.

The challenge

Shelter approached Adapta to support them through the selection process for a replacement CRM system. Their current system wasn’t deemed sufficient for their fundraising ambitions and they had decided to look at a range of alternatives. They had previously attended some of Adapta’s seminars and we had helped Shelter with information systems issues in the past, so we were their first port of call for assistance.

Adapta support

The first step was to develop outline development documentation. We worked collaboratively with Shelter which had excellent resources in-house and they were able to produce high quality documentation. We offered guidance and support and helped to refine documents to make them as relevant and useful as possible. A comprehensive list of suppliers was eventually whittled down to a shortlist of four which was a mix of platform solution providers including Salesforce Solution, ThankQ from Access Group, Care from Advanced NFP and Microsoft Dynamics. Adapta prepared the agenda for presentations and liaised with suppliers. On the day the four were reduced to a final list of three. From here we moved on to the prototyping stage and helped Shelter develop the brief and the specification to define the type of system suppliers would build, and the issues that might occur. We then assisted them through briefing sessions with the suppliers. Shelter teams then spent several weeks meeting representatives from each of the suppliers who discussed their requirements in more detail. We arranged the prototyping day and spent the day with the teams from Shelter. Our help in designing the structure for the day, as well as briefing the participant suppliers so they knew what to expect, ensured we made the best use of the time available. Afterwards we collected feedback and put Shelter in a position to make the final choice. After some further due diligence and discussions over implementation, project management, and planning they were able to make their final decision.

Shelter
Stuart McSkimming
Head of IT

“Adapta provided expert independent consultancy to Shelter, helping us to choose a new Supporter CRM. Adapta's knowledge of the subject is invaluable, and this gave Shelter the assistance and reassurance it needed to make a good procurement decision.”

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.