Healthwatch Redbridge is a local charity that represents the views of residents on health and social care services within the borough. Operating with a small team and limited resources, the organisation relies heavily on digital collaboration tools and secure access to shared systems to support its engagement, reporting, and advocacy work.
Following a recent relocation to the Redbridge Institute, Healthwatch Redbridge lost access to the shared broadband services available at their previous premises. This change prompted a review of their IT support and connectivity arrangements, as the organisation became reliant on public Wi‑Fi while awaiting alternative solutions. Quotes received from their incumbent provider were both slow to materialise and disproportionately expensive for a small charity.
In addition to connectivity concerns, the organisation required reassurance around device security, user access management, and support responsiveness. With six users across eight organisationally owned devices, their existing setup included Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, but with limited access controls and unclear licensing visibility. Antivirus protection was in place, though centrally managed oversight was inconsistent. Given the organisation’s uncertain funding position beyond March 2027, there was also a strong requirement for flexible, transparent support without large upfront onboarding fees or long‑term contractual commitments.
We proposed a right‑sized managed IT support model designed specifically for a small charity environment, prioritising security, clarity, and cost control. Our approach began with a structured onboarding survey at the Redbridge Institute to assess on‑site connectivity, existing hardware, and suitability for secure remote access.
To address immediate security risks, we recommended the deployment of Sophos Anti‑Virus across all supported devices, providing centralised monitoring and consistent policy enforcement. ScreenConnect was included to enable responsive remote support without disrupting day‑to‑day operations. Full disk encryption and standardised device configuration were incorporated to strengthen data protection and support compliance expectations.
Recognising the reliance on public Wi‑Fi, we designed a lightweight VPN solution to allow secure access to shared resources and networked printers, reducing exposure while maintaining usability. We also reviewed Microsoft 365 usage, confirming the takeover of six Business Standard mailboxes and identifying opportunities to improve SharePoint structure and permissions. This included introducing clearer access controls and laying the groundwork for single sign‑on to simplify user management as the organisation evolves.
Licensing was assessed with cost efficiency in mind, including consideration of charity and donation‑based entitlements where applicable. Support was scoped for five full‑time and one part‑time user, with transparent monthly pricing and a flexible agreement aligned to the organisation’s planning horizon.
Healthwatch Redbridge gained a more stable and secure IT environment tailored to its operational scale. The introduction of centrally managed antivirus, encryption, and remote support significantly improved device security and reduced risk exposure. Secure VPN access removed reliance on unmanaged connectivity for core tasks, improving confidence when working on‑site.
Improvements to SharePoint permissions and Microsoft 365 oversight enhanced control over sensitive information while maintaining ease of collaboration. Users benefited from faster, more consistent support, reducing downtime and frustration. Importantly, the organisation achieved these improvements without large upfront costs or inflexible contractual commitments.
The new support model provided clarity around licensing, predictable monthly spend, and reassurance that their IT environment could adapt to future changes. This allowed the team to focus on their core mission, knowing their technology was appropriately supported and proportionate to their needs.
- Secure VPN access introduced for safe use of shared resources
- Centrally managed Sophos Anti‑Virus deployed across all devices
- Improved SharePoint access controls and Microsoft 365 visibility
- Responsive remote support enabled via ScreenConnect
- Transparent, flexible support model aligned to charity budgets
