Capito Ltd issued a request for donations of IT equipment to support Scottish public sector organisations and is pleased to report a fantastic response in the first few weeks

In collaboration with their partner HP, the Livingston-based firm has launched an initiative to help Scottish public sector organisations to work remotely. This initiative is the brainchild of Capito’s Director of End User Computing, Alan Middleton, who was inspired after seeing several articles and social media posts reporting on those in need. Devices that may no longer be useful in one sector may be very useable in another. Where possible, this fully compliant model allows usable surplus equipment to be collected, recovered, and securely wiped of data, before being prepared and re-deployed to those that need them. Valerie Richmond, Support Services Director at Ayrshire Hospice, one of the early recipients of the scheme said, “It is essential that our services continue to support patients and families during this unprecedented and challenging time.  The laptops that we received will be invaluable in supporting the hospice team. Another recipient, William Currie, Head of Corporate Services at Dumfries and Galloway College added, “This initiative has been an absolute lifesaver for us and we are so grateful to all involved. Greg. Aitken, ICT Operations Manager at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said, “The receipt of 50 laptops has been a very welcome addition to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). With the majority of our support staff now working from home, the demand for laptops has increased significantly these past few weeks, and these laptops will allow another 50 Key Workers, to work from home and continue to support the running of the fourth largest Fire Service in the World. Lorna Johnstone, HP Framework Manager and Public Sector Sales Lead, added, “Initially, this request was issued to public sector organisations across Scotland, however the demand for support has been considerable and therefore the appeal is being widened to the corporate world too.  Capito’s Managing Director Mark Gibson added, “Given the critical and unprecedented situation we are all currently facing, a variety of organisations across the public sector may be able to utilise donated equipment to provide interim support that enables mobile or home working.  These include frontline services, SNHS wards, and health charities. If you can help, or if your own department would like to request support from this initiative, please contact Capito directly at scotproc@capito.co.uk.