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Tools & functionality

Digital tools are the apps and software that your users will access to engage with your online service delivery. This page provides an overview of some of the most commonly used tools in the charity sector. It aims to give concise practical guidance that you can then build on as you research for your own situation.  

Three top tips 

  • Find an organisation that has already used the tool you like and learn from them. 
  • Choose tools that are available to everyone. This keeps costs low and removes the need for complicated briefs to developers. 
  • Be clear about service remit with your users and your team (staff and volunteers). 

Common tools 

These are common ways to deliver digital services. We have included examples of tools that we know are used by many charities already. You should do your own further research before deciding which tools are right for your users and your service.  

  • Bookings
  • Chatbots
  • Community building
  • Elearning
  • Webchat
  • Messenger services
  • Online forms
  • Video calls
  • Video stream
  • Webinar
  • Communications platform

Many digital services will require a combination of more than one tool. Our partners The Catalyst are creating service recipes– practical guides that describe how charities have used tools in combination to deliver digital services.

Resources

 

Service recipes

Many digital services will require a combination of more than one tool. As part of the Catalyst initiative service recipes are being developed– these practical guides describe how charities have used tools in combination to deliver digital services.

 

Charity digital trust

Discounted software and digital guides and news

“If an organisation is doing something you like then message them and find out more. I was delighted to touch base with HIV Scotland on the platform they used for live broadcasting and it worked a treat for us too.”

Rob Murray, Cancer Support Scotland
Page last modified on 29th October 2020
  • Support & learning
  • Digital
  • How to guides
  • Digital services
  • Tools & functionality
  • Bookings
  • Chatbots
  • Community building
  • Elearning
  • Webchat
  • Messenger services
  • Online forms
  • Video calls
  • Video stream
  • Webinar
  • Communications platform
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Once a fortnight we send out a short email bulletin rounding up the latest news on digital participation, evolution and innovation in Scotland and beyond. Sign up here:

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About

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Find out more

© 2021. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations