Smartdesc Newsletter: Charity Technology Leaders Report 2026, Continual Service Roadmap, Microsoft Licensing Changes Coming on 1 July and More
Welcome to our June 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.
We introduce our Continual Service Roadmap for Summer 2026, setting out a series of enhancements to improve service delivery, increase transparency and help organisations get more value from their technology.
With July just around the corner, the new commercial price update for Microsoft 365 will soon be in full swing. Below we cover everything you need to know to ensure your organisation is prepared.
Charity IT resources
- Charity Technology Leaders Report 2026 – We are delighted to release the 2026 edition of our annual Charity Technology Leaders Report; conducted in partnership with Charity IT Leaders. The finished report summarises the key findings for charity IT leaders, highlights the main themes and trends and compares the results with last year’s survey – Download today
- Smartdesc’s Continual Service Roadmap 2026 – Our Summer 2026 Continual Service Roadmap outlines enhancements to improve service delivery, increase transparency and help customers maximise the value of their technology. Smartdesc is strengthening its support for nonprofits through continuous service improvement. We address challenges through strong partnerships and innovation
– Find out more - Turn Your Old Mobile and Tablet Devices into Cash – At Academia Lifecycle Services, we offer a simple, secure and environmentally responsible IT asset recycling and buyback service across the UK. Whether you’re upgrading your mobile fleet, clearing storage space or disposing of end-of-life IT equipment, our team can help maximise value while ensuring secure and compliant disposal – Find out more
Microsoft 365 Price Changes: What to Know Before July 2026 – Microsoft will increase Microsoft 365 and Office 365 prices from 1 July 2026, with most plans rising 8–13% at renewal. Early planning can help reduce the impact. Smartdesc supports organisations with licensing reviews, price‑lock options and tailored guidance ahead of the change – Read more
- Maximise Your Adobe Investment – We help our customers maximise their Adobe investment, from selecting the right licence model to unlocking the full value of Acrobat and Creative Cloud. If your current setup needs a review, we can guide you with practical recommendations and expert insight to help you get more from your Adobe licences – Learn more
- 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