Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL)

Case Study
The Organisation

Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL) is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting disabled individuals in achieving independence and inclusion within their communities. Based in Kingston, KCIL provides advocacy, advice, and practical assistance to empower people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives. The organisation works closely with local authorities, service providers, and community groups to deliver essential support services.

The Challenge

KCIL recently experienced significant growth, with an expanded team and the launch of new projects aimed at enhancing services for its members. This rapid development highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of its IT infrastructure and support systems. The existing setup required evaluation to ensure it could meet the demands of a larger workforce and more complex operations. The review aimed to identify gaps, improve efficiency, and guarantee that KCIL’s technology aligned with its mission and future plans. Reliable IT systems were essential to maintain service quality and support the organisation’s commitment to empowering individuals.

The Approach

Following an in-depth consultation, we proposed a tailored IT support solution designed to strengthen KCIL’s infrastructure and provide scalable services for future growth. Our approach included:
• Infrastructure Audit: A full assessment of existing hardware, software, and network performance to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Cloud Migration: Transitioning key services to a secure cloud environment to enhance accessibility, collaboration, and data security.
• Cybersecurity Enhancements: Implementing advanced security measures, including multi-factor authentication and regular vulnerability checks, to protect sensitive data.
• Proactive Support: Introducing a managed IT support package with 24/7 monitoring, rapid response times, and regular system updates to minimise downtime.
• Training and Guidance: Providing staff training on new systems and best practices to ensure smooth adoption and maximise productivity.
This solution was designed to future-proof KCIL’s IT environment, enabling the organisation to operate efficiently while maintaining compliance and safeguarding data integrity.

The Results
The implementation of the proposed solution delivered significant improvements across KCIL’s operations. The organisation now benefits from a robust, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure that supports its growing team and evolving projects. Cloud-based systems have improved collaboration and remote working capabilities, while enhanced cybersecurity measures have reduced risk and increased confidence in data protection. Staff report greater efficiency and fewer technical disruptions, allowing them to focus on delivering vital services to the community. Overall, KCIL’s IT environment is now aligned with its strategic objectives, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.
 
Key Outcomes
Testimonial

I also just wanted to say I’ve had to ring Qlic 4 times today for various things, including a last minute panic getting a laptop to work for a board meeting, and your team are absolute stars, so thank you.

Jo Stafferton
Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL)