Smartdesc Newsletter: Charity Technology Leaders Report 2026, Academia Lifecycle Services, Events and More
Welcome to our July newsletter!
This month, we’re delighted to share the 2026 edition of our Charity Technology Leaders Report, created in partnership with Charity IT Leaders. This year, we expanded the research with an in-person workshop and panel session involving around 30 charities to explore key trends and insights.
As part of the Academia Technology Group, Smartdesc is proud to offer a seamless, zero-touch device deployment experience to help organisations save time and simplify device rollouts through Academia Lifecycle Services.
We’re excited to announce that Smartdesc is a platinum sponsor of both the Charity IT Leaders Annual Conference 2026, where we’ll be leading two interactive sessions on key industry topics and the Charity IT Leaders: Cloud, Infrastructure and ITSM event, bringing together experts and peers to explore effective IT operating models.
We’re also looking forward to hosting our Data Protection Roundtable this October, providing a space for charity leaders involved in IT to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another.
Charity IT resources
Charity Technology Leaders Report 2026 – We hope you’ve had the chance to explore the 2026 Charity Technology Leaders Report, produced in partnership with Charity IT Leaders. This year, alongside the survey findings, we hosted an in-person workshop and panel discussion with around 30 charities to explore the results, discuss emerging trends and share practical insights – Download today
- Academia Lifecycle Services: White Glove Service – Academia Lifecycle Services delivers a true zero-touch technology deployment experience for institutions and organisations. From unboxing and fitting cases to pre-loading apps, our white glove service ensures devices arrive fully set up and ready to use, so you can focus on what really matters – Watch now
- Charity IT Leaders Connect: Cloud, infrastructure and ITSM – Join us at the third CITL Connect event on Thursday 10th September to explore how Cloud, Infrastructure and ITSM work together to enable successful service delivery – Register now
- Charity IT Leaders Annual Conference 2026 – Join us at the CITL Annual Conference 2026, 7th – 8th October, where people and purpose are at the heart of technology. Our experts will be delivering two engaging sessions: ‘Maximising Value in Microsoft 365’ and ‘Security Operations Centre (SOC) Managed Detection and Response (MDR)’. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with our team and gain valuable industry insights – Register now
- Data Protection Roundtable – Smartdesc is hosting a roundtable on data protection for charity technology leaders. Location: Microsoft Paddington Date: 27th October 2026 – Register now
- Cyber Security Roundtable – Smartdesc is hosting a roundtable on cyber security for charity technology leaders. Location: Microsoft Paddington Date: 18th November 2026 – Register now
- Free Instructor-Led Microsoft 365 Copilot Sessions – Sign up for our FREE instructor-led sessions covering an introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot, including a briefing on how you can get Copilot ready – Find a date that suits you
- Free Instructor-Led Microsoft 365 Sessions – Join our FREE instructor-led sessions covering Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. Learn practical tips and improve confidence in just 90 minutes – Find a date that suits you