IT Graduate Saves Time and Money for Staffordshire Voluntary Sector

Sean Hawkins, left, and Andrew Thompson, right 400px VAST A Keele IT graduate is helping to save time and money right across the Staffordshire voluntary sector by improving the efficiency of database and IT systems.

VAST Database Officer Sean Hawkins, 22, has helped not-for-profit businesses in the county to simplify the way they manage the huge amounts of data they collect and use – freeing up hours of time for staff.

Sean started at VAST in 2012 on a 12-month Keele University Graduate Internship and is now the social enterprise’s permanent Database Co-ordinator.

The organisation provides support and advice, including help with database and IT systems, to Staffordshire-based voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises.

VAST Operations Director Andrew Thompson said: “Sean has really developed the role and has helped us to think in new ways.”

Earlier this year, VAST secured a contract with Staffordshire County Council to provide their services beyond Stoke-on-Trent.

“Due to the lack of specialist skills within our workforce and the prospect of winning new contracts on the horizon, we knew it was essential to get someone in who knew specifically about IT systems,” Andrew said.

“It’s hard to put a figure on the efficiency savings that Sean has created for us and many of the organisations we support, but it has reduced the time staff spend sifting through data by about four or five hours a week.

“Linking up different systems to stop all the duplication of data within the organisation has especially helped us to become far more efficient as an organisation.”

Sean graduated from Keele University in 2011 with a degree in Information Technology Management for Business and only had limited work experience.

“My role evolved quite a lot over the 12-months. I am now working with external organisations to create bespoke databases for clients within the sector, as well as providing general IT support,” Sean said.

“The Graduate Internship was the ideal way to gain employment experience which is what I was lacking after graduation.”

“I knew that I wanted to work in IT, but hadn’t considered doing so in the voluntary sector until I saw this opportunity. There are always new things to learn which makes the role very enjoyable.”   

Santander, in partnership with Keele University, is currently offering companies £1,500 to employ a Keele graduate on a three-month internship.

For more information about the Keele University Graduate Internships scheme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, please call 01782 733403 or e-mail: internships@keele.ac.uk

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