The Trussell Trust Case Study
Strategic IT support
About the organisation
The Trussell Trust supports over 1,200 food bank distribution centres around the UK, providing emergency food and support to people locked in poverty. In the financial year 2019-2020, the Trussell Trust distributed 1.9 million three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. The Trussell Trust also plays a leading role in campaigning for change to end the need for food banks.
The challenge
During a period of significant organisational change and a growth in the need for the Trussell Trust’s services, it had become apparent that the information systems infrastructure supporting that change had not kept up. In order to bridge that gap the Trust needed a clear and well-articulated plan for the future development and resourcing of their technology needs, and support to ensure the delivery of that plan.
Adapta support
The Trussell Trust therefore appointed Adapta to conduct an initial review of their information systems, touching on areas such as IT strategy, project governance & management, business systems, infrastructure and resourcing. Having completed this work, and with a clearer vision of how technology should support the Trust’s various activities, a small team from Adapta was then retained in order to establish new structures to oversee and manage the technology programme and associated projects, and help with the selection and procurement of new suppliers and technology solutions where gaps had been identified. The results of this work were soon to be severely tested. In April 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an 89% increase in the take up of emergency food parcels compared with April 2019. The systems used to manage foodbank referrals and food parcel provision had to support this growth, and - with over 13,000 members of the public offering to volunteer, and a significant growth in fundraising activity – so did new systems to support volunteering and the existing CRM and digital platforms supporting fundraising, marketing and campaigning. With solid technology and governance foundations in place, the Trust now benefits from a perfect blend - combining a strategic approach to IT with tools and ways of working that can respond quickly to changing events and support agile innovation.
The Trussell Trust
Emma Revie
Chief Executive
“Adapta worked with us to develop a comprehensive IT and Digital transformation strategy. They led our organisation through the transformation process providing CTO support and consultancy support at every level from everything from GDPR to governance. To achieve the level of change we saw in 6 months without the support of Adapta would have been impossible. Shortly after completing the project the pandemic hit. We know, beyond doubt, that without the work completed by Adapta, our organisation would not have been able to weather the pandemic and keep working. Thank you Adapta!”
Rebecca Pritchard
Former Director of Operations, Crisis
"Adapta have been honest and realistic with us throughout. They are clear where they can add value and where we can do things on our own – so it feels like a partnership..."
James Kliffen
Head of Fundraising, MSF UK
"You have had a huge influence in our fundraising, and I would enthusiastically recommend you to other charities (and often have)..."
Phil Durbin
Former Head of Corporate Systems, Salvation Army
"Unlike many consultants, Adapta won’t tell you what you expect to hear. They will be very honest and challenging and, even if some of what they say is uncomfortable to hear, it means you end up getting better advice."
Dawn Varley
Operations & Strategy Director, Badger Trust
"I knew I could task them with my problem, and leave them to undertake the work in a professional yet friendly way, bringing their expertise and experience to the project…"
Iain McSeveney
Finance Director, Medical Aid for Palestinians
"I’m very pleased with the professional way that Adapta managed the project for the selection of MAP’s new accounting software. It was obvious that they have great experience in the charity sector and on the range of suitable accounting software currently on the market..."
Rachel Rand
Strategic Director - Finance and Corporate Services, NCB
"I would not embark on any IT project without first meeting with Adapta to understand how they feel they could support me. I have found their guidance and practical support invaluable…"
Rosalba Leonelli
Head of Finance, Client Earth
"Thank you to you and your team for developing and facilitating an excellent workshop. You fully understood our needs which were evident in the workshop structure and content…"