Technology solutions and partners: Volunteer management

Keith Collins
Principal Consultant

"Having worked with non-profit organisations of every conceivable type - and in a number of different countries - since I started in the sector in 1992, I always find something about a client that makes working with them rewarding. Naturally, working with clients to use my experience and knowledge to help them improve is always a good feeling. However, beyond that there is always something else with any organisation that is appealing, either on an intellectual or an emotional level. Sometimes that may of course be a personal connection to the field of work that they are operating in – but sometimes it may be more of an intellectual challenge, grappling with what makes them unique in terms of complexities and needs."

Keith specialises in helping organisations identify, select, adopt and use technology to improve their relationships with all stakeholders. With some clients, this may involve helping identify and select technology solutions to support a new organisational strategy - for others, incremental improvements and new options within the tools that they already have. With experience from every perspective – as a non-profit client, as a supplier of specific technology solutions, and as an independent consultant – Keith can help non-profits ensure that their technology decisions fit organisational strategy, and that the 'softer' side of these initiatives – cultural fit, change management, stakeholder needs – are also factored in. Since 1992, Keith has worked within a number of roles in the non-profit sector. At Christian Aid, Keith oversaw the implementation of a new CRM solution, before moving to Sue Ryder Care to undertake a similar project and to set up their first Supporter Services team, including new business processes to support Gift Aid, Direct Debits and an internal IT helpdesk. Keith then moved to the supplier side, working at Blackbaud Europe to help non-profits implement The Raiser's Edge, The Information Edge and NetSolutions. With a desire to move into independent consulting, Keith then established the technology consulting division within Purple Vision, developing and delivering consultancy offerings including CRM selection, strategic technology reviews, and business process improvement. Following Purple Vision's re-positioning as a Salesforce.org partner, Keith then worked to develop and deliver consultancy and implementation solutions within the Salesforce platform, including engagements with customers and projects across Europe – with a particular focus on German-speaking countries. In the summer of 2017, Keith decided to move back into a more independent consulting role as a Senior Consultant with Adapta, since when he has worked with clients including Shelterbox, Islamic Relief UK, the British Horse Society, the National Children's Bureau, Scope and The Pony Club, on projects as varied as holistic reviews of the IT function; training and advice on GDPR compliance, and the specification and selection of new CRM systems. Credentials and Qualifications Keith is a qualified PRINCE2 project manager, and in his spare time is a volunteer football coach and manager for St Albans City Youth FC.

Mark Dendy
Senior Consultant

Mark specialises in guiding organisations as they successfully implement digital change. With many years supporting third sector and commercial organisations in using technology to improve their offerings to customers, members and donors, Mark is particularly experienced in the replacement of legacy systems and helping organisations navigate what can be a time of great upheaval. Having performed various roles across operations, sales and HR, Mark brings a balanced and sympathetic approach to projects which can look daunting to clients whose teams may never had been through a large-scale change. Whether it be CRM/membership/donor systems or finance and HR, much of the success is down to careful planning and understanding what lies ahead. As such, one of Mark’s strengths is demystifying the project and keeping relationships within the client organisation and with suppliers positive. Mark’s third sector experience includes projects with the ABI, RICS, various Royal Colleges and Societies plus some organisations using technology to underpin a move to a more commercial focus. His experience of working with banks and car manufacturers means that he is particularly able to bring commercial experience into his work with not-for-profit organisations. You may recognise Mark as a former presenter and sponsor at the popular Memcom conferences. Mark has a keen interest in rugby and golf. He was formerly a rugby referee and now, in his spare time, often spends his afternoons contemplating which tree might be concealing his golf ball.