New Technology Helps Scottish Children's Charity Focus On Support Services
17 June 2008
Scottish-based Northgate Managed Services new web and email management systems enhances services provided by Aberlour Childcare Trust
An investment in the latest ‘web and email management’ IT support technology, delivered by Glasgow-based Northgate Managed Services (Northgate) is enabling Aberlour Child Care Trust (Aberlour) to more effectively manage its web and email services, while freeing up staff time to focus on providing dedicated care, support and advice to more than 6000 vulnerable children and young people each year.
Established more than 130 years ago, Aberlour employs over 800 staff in over 44 project locations throughout Scotland. The Trust provides valuable support services for children, young people and families who require additional assistance to help promote their development and well being.
By the nature of the services provided by Aberlour and due to the geographical spread of its operations, email has become an essential communications tool in the delivery of information and services to staff and service users. With little in the way of spam protection the level of spam mail was high. This led to cluttered mailboxes and interrupted internet access due to the time taken to download and distribute unwanted mail.
A more robust system was required to tackle the issue of ‘junk email’ and to provide greater system protection. Working in partnership with Northgate, the Aberlour Child Care Trust implemented a new web and email management system. The Webroot SAAS system provided the Trust with specialist anti-spamming and anti-virus software, as well as freeing up its internet bandwidth. Staff now have a consistent flow of mail, and the level of unwanted mail (spam) has dramatically reduced.
Commenting on the implementation of the email support service, Barry Revill, Information Systems Manager with Aberlour Childcare Trust said; “Northgate has reclaimed our ability to communicate with stakeholders and staff by dramatically enhancing the way we conduct business. Junk mail was a particular problem which significantly hindered our operations but this has been tackled head-on enabling our staff to maximise efficiency and deal with the real issues and problems impacting on the lives of Scottish children.”
Mr Revill continued; “Northgate’s expertise has been invaluable in implementing the new support systems. They really took the time to get to know how we worked, our issues and the sensitivities that exist within our sector which has added real value to our operation .”
James Turnbull, Managing Director, Infrastructure Solutions, Northgate Managed Services added, “We are delighted to support the Aberlour Child Care Trust. The Trust does a tremendous job throughout Scotland and I am confident that our robust “connect”, “manage” and “protect” solutions will only help to enhance its services. Benefits of the solutions include enhanced customer service and improved staff productivity. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aberlour Child Care Trust on its many successes to date and I sincerely hope that many more children, young people and families will now be able to take advantage of the Trust’s expertise and assistance as a result of this system upgrade.”
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