Z/Yen Limited, the risk/reward management practice with a voluntary sector slant, held a hugely successful seminar yesterday: Charities and the Internet. The seminar included a two hour Internet surfing session at London's Cyberia Cafe, after which the delegates retired to Comic Relief's premises for seven hard-hitting presentations.

Michael Mainelli of Z/Yen enlightened the delegates on Internet opportunities for charities, then Z/Yen's Professor Mike Smith explained the background to the Internet past present and future, followed by Peter Flory of Athena discussing strategic issues and the Internet. At this stage, the organisers virtually had to restrain some delegates from breaking out of the seminar to start spontaneously setting up Internet World-Wide-Web sites, until David Kingsley of Kingsley & Kingsley posited the neo-Luddite view on using the Internet for charities marketing. Then Mark Haftke of Bird and Bird examined some of the legal issues involved in charities using the Internet. Two voluntary sector Internet World-Wide-Web case studies rounded off the day, Steve Brown of Broadcasting Support Services demonstrated his charity's work supporting Channel 4, then Chris Clack of University College London outlined the pioneering work he is doing with Friends of the Earth.

Z/Yen director Ian Harris remarks "the day was very successful. The feedback from the delegates was universally enthusiastic and we intend to run this and similar events again in the future. The hands-on element of the day was enjoyable and informative. The presentations gave a balanced view of the risks and rewards which the Internet can bring to the voluntary sector. The case studies proved that well planned and thoughtful use of the Internet and related technologies can help voluntary sector organisations to meet their objectives."

Z/Yen specialises in risk/reward management, an innovative approach to improving organisational performance. Z/Yen clients to date include blue chip companies in banking, insurance, utilities and distribution, as well as charities and medical organisations.