Future directions

Work Raft is not a static organisation. It will continue to respond to the requirements of those who are unable to take full advantage of the benefits of ICT. It will also develop new ideas and initiatives to meet the interests and motivations of potential funding partners.

Research and ongoing global monitoring will continue.  However, a number of directions are already under active consideration.

Awareness raising

ICT strategies and initiatives don’t get off the ground unless the target communities know what is involved and what the potential benefits and advantages are. Work Raft will promote and support ongoing awareness raising campaigns. A wide raft of public relations tools could be used.

Group support

It is recognised that many groups have great ideas but lack the processes, systems or structures to make these ideas a reality. Frustration, confusion, and wastage often follow.

Work Raft Trust will draw on the wide experience of its trustees to develop business planning and administrative support tools specifically for not-for-profit and other community groups. Some of these tools will draw on the Fish-bones approach, a component of FACITS, but others will involve facilitated business plan development services, time- and project-management training and support, and one-on-one mentoring (including ICT support, where practical). Work Raft will also act as fund-holder for appropriate projects.

ICT in the Community advice

Many organisations are seeking to develop strategies, policies, and services for ‘technologically disadvantaged’ communities. They include government (at all levels), educational and health institutions, and many more. Work Raft will develop and make available a resource base for all such bodies to ensure that future developments stand the best chance of success. The resource will cover the potential, the pitfalls, best practice implementations, case studies (as available), and much more.

Telework Initiatives