What is Beacon
Beacon is an on line management system designed by u3as, for u3as. It provides a simple interface for managing members, groups and finances. Beacon is available to all u3as in the UK that wish to take advantage of it. Beacon currently provides nearly 600 individual u3as with a secure, efficient and effective means of managing their day-to-day business functions.
See below for a more detailed explanation of the Beacon System and its benefits.
Beacon
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Video – How Beacon Works – A Quick Demo
This short video will help you understand the power of Beacon and why it’s a valuable tool that can make managing your membership database easily.
The video gives you an overview of the benefits of using Beacon:
- Beacon is online and always available from any device
- Beacon brings security for your records
- Beacon reduces the workload of your committee and volunteers
- Beacon is simple to operate for users
- Beacon gives easy continuity when people change roles
The video also covers the key functions of Beacon:
- u3a membership management
- u3a groups management
- u3a finance management
- u3a communications by email
For a more in-depth presentation on Beacon, get in touch with the Beacon team using this email address: info@beacon.u3a.org.uk.
What Beacon does and how it can benefit your u3a…
- It allows any u3a to manage their data and communication with their members easily and efficiently
- It can be a huge time saver for those who manage membership and group information
- With new regulations on Data Privacy, it ensures that u3as comply with all legal requirements
Membership
All aspects of membership
Beacon provides a comprehensive set of tools for handling membership: new members, renewals, subscriptions, address changes, membership cards and communications.
Groups
Membership, venues and calendar
Groups are the heart of a u3a, and Beacon provides group leaders with membership management, calendars, group ledgers, and easy communication with group members.
Finances
A secure transaction-based approach
Financial management is based on a secure, simple transaction approach. Every transaction can be assigned to individuals, groups and categories, and the system provides tools for reconciliation with bank accounts and regular reporting, including Gift Aid declarations and claims.
This Is How Beacon Can Help Your u3a…
- All your data is together, secure and held in just one place.
- It can be accessed by your chosen authorised users, usually officers & group convenors, each with their own ‘individual permissions’ to do just what they need to do.
- If you so choose, Beacon can be accessed by your members – who enter personal logins to use various functions.
- Security, no duplication, on-line payments, joined-up functionality, less work, more accuracy.
Software…
There is no need to install separate software. All interaction with Beacon takes place through the web browser of your phone, tablet or computer.
Long Term Sustainability…
The Third Age Trust recognises that Beacon is a key resource for a rapidly growing number of u3as and is committed to facilitating the long-term future of the system.
Beacon is used by nearly 600 u3as and feedback has been exceptional by those u3as that are using it. But nothing stands still, so with future planned enhancements the system will provide u3as with a safer, better-looking and more modern Beacon, supporting your u3a for decades to come.