Today I attended CAST’s launch event, ‘Accelerating the Use of Tech to Drive Social Change.’ I was curious to hear more about how the tech community tackles the challenge of Brexit. Atomico’s blog shows how tech entrepreneurs are determined to view it as an opportunity, (‘keep calm and code on.’) Meanwhile, Martha Lane Fox has said that the UK needs tech more than ever to survive.
In her opening address, Annika Small, co-founder of CAST, told us that, ‘even in the deepest moment of crisis, there is an opportunity.’ Brexit could, ‘embed a sense of purpose in our digital revolution.’ Annika talked about how it could force everyone to think creatively about using tech to redesign civic and social infrastructure. She challenged us to find solutions that scale in a way that technology can enable.
Here are the key tech issues organisations must consider post Brexit.
- Understand the barriers and the opportunities. Annika set out the main barriers that CAST see in society going digital first. These are access to tech talent and markets, contradictory legal structures and limited confidence by charities in meeting the challenge of digital. Amidst these challenges, tech for good has a vital role to play in bringing together government, the public and third sectors. Whilst the UK is feeling bruised at the moment, she pointed out that post referendum the UK had heard a ‘piercing cry for social change,’ and that its assets include a vibrant tech community and young people keen to get involved in the fight for social change. As she says, the spirit and raw materials for innovation are here. Her vision post Brexit is that tech can be used to create a more equal and inclusive society, based on collaboration and trust.
- Funders need to get digital. Sam Sparrow, founder of vInspired Task Squad, highlighted that there are not enough funding streams out there to help charities go digital and scale up their efforts. Cliff Prior, CEO of Big Society Capital, pointed out that there are a number of different options for funding, from grants to venture philanthropy, social investment and crowd funding. He suggested that organisations could also look at giving staff equity.
- Conventional structures and ways of working could be holding charities back. Cliff Prior explained that charities’ governance can be slow moving, as I said in a recent piece for The Guardian Voluntary Sector Network . This is very different to the world of tech, which involves weekly if not daily cycles. Do charities need to look at different structures and ways of working? Do they need to be charities at all, or should they explore other vehicles such as CICs?
- Test and learn and fail fast. Jen Hyatt, social entrepreneur and founder of Big White Wall says that charities must focus on engagement, looking at data, doing lots of A/B testing, and working directly with users. And if something isn’t effective and isn’t making an impact, you need to get rid of it.
- Marketing. Jen Hyatt stated that, ‘Without marketing, you go nowhere.’ Big White Wall had to deal with this as they were reliant on the government bodies and health services they partnered with to market their site, some of whom favoured old school methods such as leaflets. She challenged CAST to ensure best practice in marketing for tech projects.
- Tech helps deliver better services and saves money. Matt Hancock MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said that tech is part of the solution to the post Brexit challenges we all face. Tech fosters better connections, networks and learning. In an era of tight budgets, tech is essential. He gave the example of booking prison visits, which used to take two weeks but, thanks to the government’s introduction of digital services, can now be booked online in minutes.
- Business has a role to play. Hancock pointed out that tech companies such as Facebook have ramped up their investment in social impact. I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of Facebook’s work in this area recently.
- Government is on board with digital. One of my sources who works in Whitehall assures me that government is sold on how digital can ultimately save money and deliver more impact. They are keen to encourage charities and other organisations to use tech to find solutions to health and social issues. Hancock gave the example of the Dr Doctor app which helps patients and hospitals manage appointments and their capacity.
We may be living in volatile times but we have to remember that the tech community thrives on this. The charities, government bodies and businesses who navigate the post Brexit fallout successfully will be bold, confident and strategic in their use of tech.
For an informal chat on how your organisation could use tech to meet the challenge of the post Brexit world contact us.