Introduction
If your charity uses mobile phones, tablets or laptops to support staff and volunteers, keeping those devices secure and organised can quickly become difficult. As your team works across different locations, from offices and community centres to homes and outreach settings, it becomes even more important to make sure devices are safe, updated and ready to use.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) helps you manage all of your organisation’s devices from one place. It gives you more control over security, apps, settings and updates without needing advanced technical knowledge.
For many charities, digital tools are now essential to day-to-day work, yet funding and limited internal expertise remain major barriers to improving technology. MDM can help simplify device management, reduce risk and save valuable time for your team.
What Is Mobile Device Management and How Can It Help Your Charity?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a service that allows you to manage your charity’s phones, tablets and laptops from one secure platform. Instead of setting up and monitoring every device individually, you can control them remotely through an online system that keeps everything organised, secure and up to date.
For charities, this can make a significant difference. Many organisations now rely on mobile devices for communication, outreach work, remote working and accessing important information while supporting communities. However, managing those devices manually can become time-consuming and difficult, especially for smaller teams with limited technical support.
MDM helps simplify this process. For example, if a staff member loses a work phone, you can remotely lock the device or remove sensitive information to protect your organisation’s data. You can also install apps, update settings and fix issues across multiple devices at the same time without needing to physically collect them.
This is particularly valuable for charities with hybrid teams, volunteers working remotely or staff delivering services in the community. Your team can safely access emails, files and communication tools wherever they are, helping them stay connected and be responsive.
MDM also improves security by allowing you to add password requirements, encrypt devices and control what information can be accessed. This helps reduce the risk of data breaches and supports your organisation’s data protection responsibilities.
Most importantly, Mobile Device Management reduces pressure on your team. By automating updates, improving security and simplifying device support, you spend less time dealing with technical problems and more time focusing on your mission.
How to Implement Mobile Device Management in Three Steps
Step 1: Review Your Current Devices
Start by identifying how many phones, tablets and laptops your organisation uses. Think about who uses them, where they are used and what information they access.
This will help you understand what level of management and security your charity needs.
Step 2: Choose an MDM Solution
Look for a provider that understands the needs of charities and offers straightforward support. You do not need the most advanced platform — you need one that is easy to manage and fits your organisation’s size and budget.
A good provider will help set up your devices, explain the system clearly and provide ongoing support when needed.
Step 3: Train Your Staff and Volunteers
Once your devices are connected to the MDM platform, make sure your team understands how to use them safely.
Simple guidance around passwords, updates and reporting lost devices can make a big difference. The goal is to make technology easier and safer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. MDM can benefit charities of all sizes, especially smaller organisations that want to improve security and reduce admin time.
Yes. Most MDM platforms support smartphones, tablets and laptops across different operating systems.
You can remotely lock the device, track it or remove organisational data to help protect sensitive information.
Yes. MDM works in the background and should not interfere with normal day-to-day use.
Costs vary depending on the number of devices and the features you need, but many charities find that MDM saves money in the long term by reducing risks, downtime and support issues.
Glossary
Device Encryption
A security feature that protects information stored on a device so unauthorised people cannot access it.
MDM Platform
The online system used to manage and monitor devices remotely.
Remote Wipe
A feature that allows data to be erased from a lost or stolen device remotely.
Operating System
The software that runs a device, such as Android, iOS or Windows.
Compliance
Following data protection, security or organisational policies correctly.
Managing multiple devices does not need to be complicated. GoodCall helps charities simplify communication technology with affordable, supported solutions designed for the third sector.
If you want to improve security, reduce admin time and support flexible working across your organisation, speak to the GoodCall team today!
