net:gain

Who is net:gain?
net:gain is a partnership initiative under ChangeUp, funded by Capacitybuilders. The concept was originally developed by a consortium, which manages the delivery of the programme for the benefit of the sector. These organisations are outlined below.

The programme is supported by a wide range of other stakeholders including:

• Government departments and the Government Offices in the Regions
• regional and sub-regional consortia working to further ChangeUp
• UK online centres working to deliver the net:gain programme locally
• other stakeholders and funders

ruralnet|uk
ruralnet|uk is an independent rural regeneration charity (Charity number 1089238) and a Company Ltd by Guarantee (Company Number 4276312). It operates as a Social Enterprise and through its subsidiary, RNUK Ltd (Company number 4275701), it delivers, usually with partners, both urban and urban/rural VCS support initiatives, usually employing ICT, and encouraging take-up and innovation in ICT. It brings to net:gain the experience of both rural and urban regeneration and community development, particularly by using and building on existing networks and infrastructure, such as UK online centres, and the shared Experts Online service. Since 2000, it has led the DirectSupport Consortium, offering support services and mentoring to UK online centres.

ruralnet|uk seeks practical ways to provide strategic ICT expertise and share ICT experience and services, as evidenced by its extension of the ruralnet|online service to over 20 other networks, rural and urban, who may brand it as their own. It also runs xPRESS news, and a range of other services.

The organisation has won several awards and citations in Good Practice Guides, including two e-commerce Awards (2002, 2004) in the West Midlands, an award for Sustainable ICT in the national e-wellbeing Awards (2002), and shortlisting for the national Social Enterprise Coalition awards (2006).

Ufi
Ufi Charitable Trust is an independent charitable company limited by guarantee, which operates under the brand name learndirect in England, Wales and Northern Ireland .

One of the government’s key partners in delivering the workforce development and lifelong learning agendas, Ufi is responsible for the network of 6000 UK online centres and over 1400 learndirect centres. It aims to drive up demand for learning, help adults improve their employability by acquiring new knowledge and skills, and help businesses become more competitive. Further information is at www.ufi.com.

Funding Matters
Funding Matters is a small consultancy that provides funding information advice and guidance to government departments and agencies, VCS intermediaries and Neighbourhood Learning & UK online centres. The Funding Matters service focuses on ICT-related Social Inclusion, Learning and Regeneration. Funding Matters has been a consultant to the DfES and LSC on matters relating to the development of UK online centres.

The Foyer Federation
The Foyer Federation is the national umbrella body for Foyers in the UK . Foyers provide an integrated service, including accommodation, support and access to training and employment opportunities, for homeless and disadvantaged 16-25 year olds. The Foyer Federation has developed a network of UK online centres in 50 Foyers across England. The Federation has substantial expertise in organisational development and quality assurance.