Hello, I hope everyone is well?
Has anybody had any experience donating their hardware (Laptops and mobiles in particular) to schools or charities? I have found some national schemes but just wondered if anyone has any recommendations or advice around these services please?
Many thanks and take care.
Nyree
Our internal ITAM team put a workflow in place for this, happy to connect you with them if you’d like to learn more. https://blogs.servicenow.com/2020/closing-the-digital-divide.html
Look for “Closing the Digital Divide” which is a philanthropic focus, particularly coming out of covid where even the homeless need connectivity and a device - QR code, Health alerts plus their benefits and support (such as welfare workers) are all online now. If they are not digitally included, they will experience economic and social exclusion. Fix the digital divide - Good Things Foundation is a good place to start.
One of the major Data erasure software providers, hence majorly networked into ITADs and Enterprise, is Blancco. They have some initiatives such as — Blancco They are becoming a lot more aware and focused on the larger Sustainable (including Social benefits) approach to ewaste. Expect other erasure vendors are having the same change in focus.
Note there typically needs to be refurbishment of donated devices, which has some costs (this additional cost is always a challenge for charities). Microsoft provide some support here with their Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers Resource Center (but always hear grumblings from the charities about the license costs!). Not sure how well known this program is in Microsoft UK, but in Australia it was a real struggle to locate the appropriate Microsoft contact.
Lastly, you could look into Tax Deductions for hardware donations to charities. We can do this in Australia (yet to find someone who has done the documented process!) so am guessing UK government has some similar approach (all national tax bureaus gossip and copy each others’ work incessantly 
).
Now you have a better idea on what to look for “Google” will help you unlock this industry in the UK - you will be surprised.
Hope this helps.
Michael Buchanan.