Smartdesc Newsletter: Lifecycle Services, Microsoft 365 Copilot Discounts, Networking Events and More
Welcome to our September newsletter!
This month, we explore how our in-house Lifecycle Services takes the hassle out of managing laptops and peripherals for joiners, movers and leavers. From our dedicated facility in Reading, we can hold device stock, dispatch and collect equipment from staff wherever they work and securely wipe and recycle old IT assets to WEEE standards, often with buy-back rebates available.
Microsoft is making AI more accessible to the nonprofit sector, with eligible organisations now able to access Microsoft 365 Copilot at up to 40% off. From simplifying administrative tasks to improving productivity across teams, Copilot can help your organisation achieve more with less effort.
Our recent blog, Microsoft Entra ID Protection Risk Policies Are Retiring. Don’t Leave Conditional Access Until the Last Minute, explains why Microsoft is introducing this change, what it means for your organisation and how you can recreate and enhance your User Risk and Sign-in Risk policies.
The Charity Leaders Winter Social takes place on 25th November at Microsoft London, bringing together charity technology leaders for an evening of networking and peer connection and you're invited - more details below.
Looking ahead, we're delighted to be apart of the upcoming Charity IT Leaders Connect event focused on cyber resilience on 12th November 2026 and the Charity IT Leaders Awards 2026 on 3rd December.
Charity IT resources
- Academia Lifecycle Services: Asset Disposal – Hear from Tom Needham, Head of Sales at Academia Lifecycle Services to understand how Smartdesc helps organisations dispose of end-of-life IT equipment securely, sustainably and efficiently. The team processes around 70,000 devices each year, using certified data sanitisation and a reuse-first approach to maximise value – Watch now.
- Microsoft Entra ID Protection Risk Policies Are Retiring – Still using the legacy Microsoft Entra ID Protection User Risk or Sign-in Risk policies? Now is the time to start planning your move to Conditional Access. Read our full blog for a step-by-step guide to strengthening your User Risk and Sign-in Risk policies before the October deadline – Read more.
- Up to 40% off Microsoft 365 Copilot for nonprofits – Microsoft has introduced new discounts on Microsoft 365 Copilot for eligible nonprofit organisations, helping make AI more accessible for teams looking to boost productivity and reduce administrative workload. Read the blog to discover the savings available and how Copilot could support your organisation – Read more.
- Charity Leaders Winter Social 2026 – Would you like to attend an event to connect with fellow charity tech leaders in a friendly and relaxed setting at Microsoft’s London office this winter? Smartdesc is hosting its bi-annual Winter Social event at Microsoft Paddington on 25th November 2026 – Sign up now.
- Charity IT Leaders Connect: Building Cyber-Resilience – Join us at the fourth CITL Connect event Thursday 12th November, bringing together charity technology leaders and sector partners to explore how charities can build stronger cyber resilience in an ever-changing digital landscape – Register now.
- Charity IT Leaders Awards Dinner 2026 – The CITL Awards 2026 provide a platform for charities to showcase the innovation, resilience and impact of their digital, data and technology teams. Last year’s awards highlighted the remarkable achievements across organisations. Secure your place at the awards this year. – Enter now.