Welcome to the Smartdesc November newsletter. 

This month is packed with updates, insights and a look ahead to what’s coming up in December.

We feature 2026 dates for our free instructor-led training on Microsoft 365 and Copilot, the 2025 charity digital skills report, our latest blogs on turning your old tech into value and detecting threats 10x faster without adding headcount, a new case study on Azure cost control and updates on what Team Smartdesc have been getting up to in November.  

Charity IT resources

• We’re delighted to announce that bookings are now open for 2026 for our free 60-minute training sessions on Microsoft 365 and get ready for Copilot briefing Sessions. These have been designed for all levels within an organisation. Each session includes a live Q&A – Register your spot.
• Turn your old tech into value with our Lifecycle Services. Technology moves fast, but what happens to the devices you leave behind? At Smartdesc, we help organisations turn old IT hardware into something valuable.  Our Lifecycle Services include secure collection, certified data erasure and expert refurbishment, so every device is processed responsibly – Read blog. 
• Detect threats 10x faster without adding headcount. As digital threats escalate, the question isn’t if you need better detection and response — but how fast you can deploy them. With internal teams stretched thin, a Managed SOC delivers 24/7 protection and rapid response without expanding your security staff – Read blog.

• The 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report is out — and it’s the largest yet! This year’s edition highlights the sector accelerating toward its future state. The report explores priorities, risks and challenges by providing key insights into Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure and AI adoption – Download report.

• Azure cost control at MOSL. Discover how we helped achieve cost optimisation and control for a customer with a large and complex Azure estate recently by working in close collaboration with them and our Microsoft-certified Azure experts in our latest case study – Read full case study.

• Team Smartdesc is walking 100 miles in November for The Mental Health Foundation. The Mental Health Foundation is the only UK charity solely focused on building and protecting good mental health with research on ways to support those in need. By walking 100 miles this November, we’re fundraising to promote better mental health for everyone. If you’d like to support our challenge, you can donate by clicking here. 

Speak to us today to find out how we can help consolidate, secure and optimise technology within your organisation.