IT Support for Non-Profits:

Sands, a leading UK charity, needed dependable IT support for non-profits to ensure seamless operations. Outdated systems and unreliable tech were holding them back. With CYAN’s expertise in IT support for charities, Sands transformed its technology, reducing downtime and boosting efficiency.

Meet Sands

Sands, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, is a UK charity providing vital bereavement support to families affected by the loss of a baby. They work closely with healthcare professionals to improve bereavement care and drive research to reduce infant deaths.

With a nationwide team of staff and volunteers, Sands needed a reliable IT partner to support their essential work and ensure seamless collaboration across locations.

Why Reliable IT Support for Non-Profits Is Essential

Non-profits rely on technology to connect with donors, manage volunteers, and deliver critical services. However, outdated systems, cybersecurity risks, and IT downtime can disrupt operations and drain valuable resources. Our reliable IT support for non-profits ensures seamless communication, secure data handling, and efficient workflows, allowing charities to focus on their mission instead of technology frustrations.

Sands IT Challenges

When Director of Finance and Resources, Danyanne Quemper, joined Sands in 2015, IT was a major pain point. Staff had little confidence in the systems, and frustrations ran high.

With 60% of the team working remotely, IT had to be reliable and efficient. Instead, outdated systems and a lack of centralised control created daily disruptions.

Some of the key issues included:

• Frequent downtime – IT failures were considered normal, with staff experiencing at least 30 minutes of disruption every day.
• Lack of confidence in IT – Employees and volunteers had lost trust in the system, making work unnecessarily difficult.
• Fragmented technology – Systems were disjointed, with no cohesive IT strategy in place.
• Inefficient telephony – The dedicated helpline wasn’t integrated with other communication tools, creating barriers for bereaved families seeking support.
• Limited IT knowledge and guidance – The team lacked the internal expertise to improve IT or navigate sector-specific tech solutions.

Sands needed an IT partner who understood the complexities of a charity organisation and could implement a reliable, scalable, and user-friendly solution.

The CYAN Solution

After a competitive selection process, Sands chose CYAN for our expertise in the charity sector and our proactive, people-first approach.

We carried out a full review of Sands’ IT landscape and implemented a future-proofed solution tailored to their needs.

Key improvements:

• Cloud-based transformation – Implemented a centralised cloud desktop platform, ensuring secure and seamless access to information from any location.
• Reliable, modern IT infrastructure – Created a resilient system that eliminated regular downtime and inefficiencies.
• Upgraded telephony system – Integrated a new hosted phone solution, making it easier for staff to support bereaved families without delays or disruptions.
• Cost savings through charity-specific licensing – Secured IT discounts Sands hadn’t previously been aware of, reducing operational costs.
• Empowered team with training and support – Provided hands-on guidance to rebuild trust in technology and ensure seamless adoption.

The Results

✔ Near-zero downtime – Staff can now focus on their core mission without IT failures holding them back.

✔ A connected, collaborative workforce – Remote staff and volunteers work efficiently with secure, easy-to-access systems.

✔ Streamlined IT operations – A single, cohesive platform ensures consistency and reliability.

✔ Proactive IT support – CYAN continues to provide responsive, expert support, helping Sands stay ahead of new challenges.

“I would absolutely recommend CYAN. At Sands, we have this thing about ‘feeling like you’re being held within a process’ – that level of safety and reassurance. That’s how CYAN has made us feel. It gives us added confidence when we face new challenges like GDPR compliance to know that we’re with a truly supportive team who understand our organisation.”

– Danyanne Quemper, Director of Finance & Resources

A partnership built on trust

Sands and CYAN continue to work together to ensure technology supports the charity’s long-term goals. With a future-ready IT infrastructure and a trusted support team behind them, Sands can focus on what truly matters – providing vital support to families in need.

Link has been copied to the clipboard.