Glossary

Find definitions of some key terms used throughout the Charity Digital Code of Practice.

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Accessibility

Accessibility means that websites, tools and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities and additional needs can use them. Please also take into account our guidance on digital inclusion referenced in the Code.

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Agile

Agile means two things. The first is agile working, which is an ethos of flexibility and remote working. The second is agile methodology, which is an alternative to conventional sequential (or ‘waterfall’) project management. The term comes from software development, most notably iterative working. The idea is that it helps teams assess the direction of travel for a project regularly, reducing development costs and the time it takes to get a product to market.

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Analytics

The data which tells you how your channels are performing, such as how many people visit your website or who follows you on Facebook.

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API

API stands for Application Programming Interface, or how one website can plug into another. An API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other by using code, for example the use of an online giving platform’s API as a charity’s online donation page.

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Channels

Channels are any platforms you use to communicate with your audience, such as social media and websites, or online fundraising or payment platforms.

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Code

Code is a set of rules or instructions made up of words and numbers, which tells your computer what you want it to do.

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity comprises technologies, processes and controls that aim to protect systems, networks and data from cyber attacks.

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Digital inclusion

Digital inclusion, or reducing digital exclusion, means ensuring that people have the capability to use the internet to do things that benefit them day to day – whether they be individuals or organisations.

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Digital strategy

A digital strategy sets out how and why your charity will use digital to achieve its goals.

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Emerging technology

Emerging technologies are new technologies or those currently being developed that could change how we live and work, such as new ways of raising money online or automation.

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Legacy technology systems

Legacy technology systems are old or outdated technology systems or programmes.

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Online tools

Online tools are anything you can use to send data over the internet, encompassing everything from document sharing tools such as Google Drive to online survey tools.

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Soft skills

Soft skills are as essential to using digital as technical expertise, such as the ability to communicate, listen, persuade and influence.

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Stakeholders

A person, group or organisation that can affect or be affected by your charity’s work. They may include beneficiaries, supporters, donors, volunteers and others.

The Code in 7 Weeks

If you want to help your charity use digital to increase its impact, persuade your leadership team to support digital or understand how your charity can follow best practice, why not sign up to a weekly e-mail for the next 7 weeks to help you get started with the Code?

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“Like any organisation, charities can learn a lot about what they do, who they serve and the impact they have, by drawing on their data."

Giselle

Giselle Cory

Executive Director, DataKind UK and Code Champion

“It’s no longer good enough as a Chief Executive to say:
‘I don’t do digital’.”

James-Blake

James Blake

CEO, YHA (England and Wales) and Code Champion