Updates
Blog: Digital technology in the Not-for-Profit sector – 3 key takeaways
Infoxchange surveyed 1,020 Australian and New Zealand community organisations to identify trends, opportunities and challenges. QCOSS has had a sneak peek at their latest report. Here are our key takeaways for community organisations and workers.
- Use multi-factor identification
While over three quarters of individual Queenslanders reported using multi-factor identification (MFA) for logging in to at least some of their systems, only about half of Queensland organisations did. (MFA means using more than one identity check process to log in, such as entering a code sent to your mobile as well as putting in a password.) Simply implementing an MFA process for accessing tech systems and apps is a major risk reduction strategy, so if your organisation isn’t doing this already, it’s time to roll out MFA across your systems and apps.
- The top tip for using generative AI
It isn’t news that community organisations and workers are using generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, but there are serious risks that aren’t widely known. The single most important thing you and your co-workers should be aware of is that when you use free generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) you have no control over what happens to the information you enter. The content you put into programs like ChatGPT is not confidential.
Want generative AI to help with a report, letter or other document? Putting client or sensitive organisational information into the tool is a breach of confidentiality.
- Simple steps to increase staff confidence, satisfaction and comfort with digital tech
With stretched finances , it can be hard to keep organisational policies and practices up-to-date with technological changes. It is hardly surprising, then, that many community workers feel uncomfortable with the tech they need to use in their jobs or lack the confidence to use devices and apps effectively. The report found that staff confidence, satisfaction and comfort increases when organisations:
- make sure devices are well-configured (easy to use), and
- have a digital roadmap in place.
Further resources
The report found that the top three tech challenges for organisations across Australia and New Zealand are budgeting and funding issues, staff capacity and capability, and access to affordable tech resources. Keeping abreast of tech changes was also a major issue for Queensland organisations. So, where to from here?
Infoxchange’s Digital Transformation Hub has resources to help you figure out where your organisation is at; build your capabilities in IT, cybersecurity and more; and get inspiration from the stories of other community organisations. You can even book an expert consultation.
Looking for a free alternative to Adobe or other expensive graphic design software? Canva has a free version and an enhanced version that not-for-profit organisations can access.
Need to update your organisational policies and procedures to address digital tech use and risks? The Institute of Community Directors Australia is now free to join and has policy exemplars, among many other resources, ready to be adapted to suit your organisation. They also have guidance for developing a digital plan and advice guides on all sorts of tech topics.
QCOSS thanks Infoxchange for another excellent report and their generosity in discussing it with our stakeholders. Their work provided the basis for this post.