About us

Posted on

Computer Friendly

Who are we and what do we do?

Computer Friendly is a non-profit organisation staffed with friendly and experienced unpaid volunteers. We have been delivering low cost computer training in the community since 2002, to adults who may want an alternative to more formal or commercial courses.

Our objective is to help anyone in St Albans and District, including disadvantaged and excluded people, to gain computer skills. These people could include the retired, unemployed or disabled from diverse groups.

We aim to support individuals who would benefit from our unique style of learning. We use premises in both St Albans and Harpenden to provide weekly Drop-In Centres for information, advice & guidance, and deliver 60 courses each year for beginners, as well as diverse Internet-based leisure courses.

How we started

Computer Friendly started off life as the charity St Albans and District Cafe Net. Cafe Net was founded in 2002 and for more than a year provided basic computer and Internet training from a former chapel using volunteers.

The charity reformed at the end of 2003 by setting up Computer Friendly, with a new part time manager but the same volunteers.

How we are regulated

The charity is directed by a board of trustees and managed by a steering group comprising some trustees and appropriate partners and associates.  We are regulated by the Charities Commission, Registered Charity number 1096433.  Click here to see our latest annual report.

We are also registered with Companies House, Registered in England number 04398683. Click here to see our latest annual accounts.

How we keep you safe

We are committed to protecting you and your privacy, and we have a number of important policies which set our commitment to all our students and volunteers.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information in accordance with Data Protection legislation. ‘Personal information’ is information we hold which is identifiable as being about you. This Policy explains how and why we collect your personal information and how it is used.  Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Privacy Policy V2.0, March 2021.

Data Protection Policy

Computer Friendly is committed to ensuring that the personal information it holds in electronic or hard copy form is managed responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation.  Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Data Protection Policy, V2.0 March 2021.

Safeguarding Policy

Computer Friendly is committed to protecting from harm all individuals without exception, regardless of age, gender, marital status, family or caring responsibilities, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, class or social background, political or trade union membership.  Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Safeguarding Policy V2.0, January 2023.

Health and Safety Policy

Computer Friendly is committed to ensuring that all learners and volunteers can take part in our activities within a safe environment and that we commits to compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Health & Safety Policy V2.0, March 2023.

Disability Policy

Computer Friendly is committed to ensuring that all learners, staff and volunteers receive fair and equal treatment irrespective of any disability or learning difficulties.  To the best of our abilities, we will ensure that such barriers to learning are identified and overcome, in order to provide a supportive and friendly environment conducive to learning in a relaxed and mature way.  Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Disability Policy V3.0, September 2022.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Computer Friendly values the individual contribution of all people, irrespective of sex, age, marital status, disability, sexuality, race, religion, ethnic or national origin. We will treat everyone at all times and in all respects, be they volunteers or learners, with dignity and respect. We will provide an environment free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation or harassment. Any and all opportunities, be they learning, teaching or volunteer helpers will be available to all. Click here for the current version of Computer Friendly Equal Opportunities Policy V3.0, March 2023.

Contact details

Write to us:

Computer Friendly
2 Victoria Road,
Harpenden,
Hertfordshire,
AL5 4EA

Email us:

admin@cfsta.org

Talk to us:

01727 617359 – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
You can leave a message at other times and one of the team will get back to you.

When and Where?

If you are unsure of the suitability of one of our courses or simply wish to find out more you can visit one of our drop in centres to discuss a course or visit our courses timetable page or our course planner page to see where and when the courses are being held.

Book a course now