Resources(links to other websites)

We aim to list only suppliers that have a positive track record of working with Voluntary and Community Sector organisations. However it is important that you seek and follow up yourself before engaging a supplier to work with. We strongly encourage you to do this in order to satisfy yourself that the supplier is capable of doing the work you require.

Below we list a selection of Lasa Knowledgebase and other resources that can help with various aspects of selecting and working with suppliers.

More resources on ICT related issues for the voluntary and community sector available on the knowledgebase and knowledgebase forums and NCVO's ICT Website. 

If you need information on using this directory please see our help page.

General

• Choosing a supplier
• Working with suppliers

IT Support

• What to expect from an IT Support Contract
• Working with an IT Support Company

Databases

• Choosing a database developer (many of the points in this article apply generally)
• A quick guide to planning your database

Websites

• Choosing a website host
• Writing a brief for a website
• How to commission and design accessible websites (pdf document requires Adobe Reader. If you don't have this installed download it free from Adobe)
• Choosing a CMS (Content Management System) that's right for you
• Commissioning an open source content management system

Internet

• Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Software

• Making sense of software licensing
• Application Service Providers
• Going with open source software

Consultants

Many of the points about working with consultants apply generally to choosing and working with suppliers:

• Choosing and using consultants
• How to choose a consultant – Non Profit Services Consortium
• Insider’s Guide to Outside Advice – A Toolkit (pdf document requires Adobe Reader. If you don't have this installed download it free from Adobe)
• Choosing and using consultants – Institute of management consultancy
• Choosing and briefing a management consultant or trainer – Management Development Network (many of the points here apply generally)

Project Management

• Practical Project Planning
• Project Management - Why Project Management?