Case Studies
Manchester Settlement
Helping a Not for Profit Organisation with IT Strategy
Cyber Security Consulting
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Introduction
In this case study, we explore how Greenlight Computers worked with Manchester Settlement, a not-for-profit organisation, to redevelop the IT Strategy to enable the business whilst enhancing the cyber security posture. The strategy revision was carried out as a team with 3rd party input to assist the client.
This case demonstrates Greenlight Computers ability to work with not-for-profit organisations to identify strategic requirements and to deliver solutions which meet the strategy whilst also operating to a constrained budget.
It also demonstrates the multi-party nature of IT solutions delivery, in this instance the parties involved included the client, an IT consultant made available to the client through a corporate assistance program, Microsoft licensing, Lenovo CSP and Greenlight Computers as the IT Managed Services Partner.
Our Client
Manchester Settlement is a not-for-profit established in 1890 with a remit to serve the communities of north Manchester to alleviate current and future poverty through the coordination of activities including alternative education for young people at risk of exclusion, wellbeing programmes, adult education, careers advice, art workshops, funding workshops for community groups, and many other community services.
The Challenge:
Manchester Settlement was engaged in a review of its cyber security position. It had a desire to achieve Cyber Essentials accreditation to align with its funding bodies.
The challenges it faced included:
- Users bringing BYOD devices into the facility.
- Some shared devices.
- Budget constraints.
- Time expended by the management team in license management, taking them away from the core business.
- Cyber security protection gaps highlighted by previous audit.
The challenge was to refresh the IT Strategy to enable Manchester Settlement to meet its broad service needs and yet be deliverable with limited funds.
Greenlight Computers Solution
Greenlight Computers met with Manchester Settlement management and the third-party consultant to identify a way forward that took into account the constraints identified above but delivered a cyber secure environment.
Through a series of face-to-face onsite meetings and detailed consultations agreement was reached on a set of service solutions designed in such a way that the organisation could continue to work in ways that it felt comfortable with whilst also delivering cyber safe working.
Outcomes
- MFA deployed onto devices
- AI anti-virus solution implemented
- Rationalisation of network security solutions deployed
- Structured processes and documentation to manage the new starter processes and leaver processes
- Microsoft licensing moved from in-house managed to sourced and managed by Greenlight Computers
- All licensing arranged under non-profit commercial terms
- Cyber Essentials accreditation achieved
Conclusion
Broad and detailed discussion by the stakeholders enabled an IT strategy to be created that had the buy-in of all involved parties. From this a set of solutions and services were designed and deployed in a planned and co-ordinated manner. For its part Greenlight Computers brought to this project its expertise in working in the non-profit sector and its accredited cyber solutions product set.
What our Client Says
“The Manchester Settlement charity is a good case study for medium sized organisations that are needing to grapple with implementing high standards of data security to reduce risks of fraudulent activity, but also to meet the expectations of funders, but without having a significant IT staff infrastructure and limited funds.”
“Greenlight Computers have worked sensitively with us to progress the project at a pace which will ensure the changes are well embedded. The expertise of Greenlight Computers in working with non profits, and the personal nature of their interactions with us have been key factors in the success of the project.”
Adrian – Chief Executive