Welcome to Charity IT Leaders (CITL)

We’re a membership organisation that supports technologists and digital specialists working in charitites and not-for-profits, to maximise the benefits that technology and digital can deliver. Our aim is to enable charities to continually improve their efficiencies, ways of working and outcomes through the use of technology, and to support individuals in developing the leadership and technical skills that will enable them to be empowering and inspirational leaders, both for today and for the future.

We support our unique community and its members to unlock the potential of technology within their organisations and we provide them with opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development.  Our community is inclusive of professionals at every level within tech and digital in the voluntary sector, and we are committed to increasing inclusion and accessibility for professionals from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities and additional support needs.

What we do

  • EMPOWERING LEADERS

    Leadership isn't about a job title. Leadership happens at all levels. It's not about managing people, it's about empowering and inspiring them, about creating an environment where people thrive and can flourish, and where everyone can achieve their full potential. Our network helps the leaders of today to be the best they can be, and builds the brightest and best leaders of tomorrow.

  • ENGAGED LEADERS

    We help our members connect and engage with their peers within our community, building effective networks and supportive professional relationships. Leadership can be a lonely place, but here at CITL we help you to find your crowd and build your own support group.

  • EXPERT LEADERS

    Through our webinars, roundtable, partner-events, Teams and WhatsApp channels, Thrive Leadership Programme and online resources, we help ensure our members are able to capitalise on the latest technological developments, protect their organisations from cyber security threats, and ensure that technology enables their organisations to have an even greater impact.

Latest News

Don’t miss the first episode of ‘Virtue and Virtuosity’ – a new podcast series by Stuart McSkimming, in conversation with third sector tech and industry leaders about their experiences of AI adoption. In the series opener, introduced by Tree Hall, CEO of Charity IT Leaders, he talks with Caty Mueller from The National Trust, who shares some fascinating insights about the Trust’s AI journey.

The podcast is available on Spotify and all podcast providers, so do have a listen and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. The next episode will be with Jon Fox from Alzheimer’s UK.

Are you ready to put your cyber smarts to the test?

Join us for “Breaking the Code”: A Virtual Hacker-Themed Escape Room

23rd May at 4:00 PM – Online Event 

Our Platinum Sponsors, Ontinue, are delighted to host this virtual escape room, exclusively for our members. As charity and not-for-profit tech leaders, you’re used to thinking on your feet and solving problems under pressure. Now, you can put those skills to the ultimate test, work with peers, and have a ton of fun—all from your desk!

Why Should You Join?

  • Crack Codes, Solve Puzzles: Dive into a hacker-themed storyline complete with live hosts. You’ll need all your wits about you to stop a cyber attack that could spell disaster.
  • Team Up: Use Microsoft Teams to collaborate in real-time, showcasing your ability to work as a team effectively—a key Ontinue strength.
  • Sharpen Your Skills: It’s not just about having fun (although you’ll have lots of it!). This challenge is a chance to enhance your strategic thinking and boost your problem-solving capabilities in a high-stakes environment.

Hear from an Ex-hacker…

After the escape, dive deeper into cybersecurity with Drew Perry, Ontinue’s Chief Innovation Officer and former hacker. Learn about:

1. Implementing multi-factor authentication to reduce ransomware risks.

2. Strategies to decrease phishing emails and actions to take if they occur.

3. Immediate steps to take when a security breach happens.

Book your place now, and help us prevent a major cyber security breach…

 

Bookings are now open for our Annual Conference 2024!

Join us at the Oxford Belfry Hotel in Thame on Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October. We’ve got a packed agenda, and fantastic speakers, including Caroline Carruthers, Philippa Hale, Stuart McSkimming, Michelle van Wijk, Elizabeth O’Neill, Iain Smith, Jane Huntington and Kevin Adams.

Whether you’re a CIO, Director of IT, a technical leader, head of department or developing your skills for a future leadership role, the Annual Conference will fire your imagination, showcase the latest innovations and fill you with inspiration, as well as providing opportunities for networking and collaboration, and a chance to meet our fantastic sponsors.

Download the programme and make sure you book your place using the QR code to access the booking form. Please note, this is the member booking form; if your organisation is not a member, or if you’re a sponsor or other third party, please email our admin team for assistance.

 

Join us!

Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming lives and communities, and our mission is to support charities and not-for-profits in maximising the impact that technology has for their beneficiaries.

By becoming a CITL member, your organisation will access a dynamic, engaged and supportive community of technologists from the UK non-profit sector, all committed to delivering life-changing outcomes for people, animals, communities and the environment.

Costing just £660 +VAT per year for any size of organisation, it represents excellent value for money. So whether you’re a returning member or a new member, don’t delay, apply for your membership today.

Download our Membership Brochure for more information, or join us now by scanning the QR code above and completing the application form.

What our members say

"Since I joined Charity IT Leaders back in 2019, I've felt blessed to be part of a supportive, expert and engaged community that I and my team can learn from as we move through our digital journey at Cats Protection. I've found the community, warm, welcoming and willing to help at every twist and turn of the way, and my thanks go out to the CITL community, management team and Trustees for all their support over the years." - Kevin Adams, Director of Digital Transformation
"It is never more important to have a good network of peers to call upon when the chips are down or you need some variety and insight to enthuse you. Charity IT Leaders has given me that network and I am always grateful for the shared understanding, insight and spark it gives me." - Laura Dawson, Former charity CIO, Fractional CIO and Consultant
Guide Dogs logo "Membership of Charity IT Leaders gives me and my team unparalleled access to a supportive, engaged and expert community which enables us to learn from peers and improve IT and digital performance at the GDST." - Dan Hall, Director of IT
"Charity IT Leaders is a welcoming and supportive environment in which I have found reassurance that I’m not alone in the professional challenges that I have faced. I have found ideas, solutions and laughs from this enthusiastic group of IT leaders from varied backgrounds." - Brigid Macdonald, Head of IT