ILM Newsletter - December 2008

A FIRSTCLASS SERVICE.

Clearwater’s FirstClass legacy administration systems have always been linked to some great names within the industry. Many leading charities use the legacy administration software - setting performance standards for others to follow. The additions and upgrades they require have greatly influenced the development for future versions of FirstClass and driven the development of new FistClass modules. An enthusiastic user with a new request may contribute to new working practices for others as well as themselves. Recent innovations have included the Added Value functionality, the scanning facility and the ‘In Memoriams’ and ‘Life Interests’ modules.

The FirstClass team have recently designed a new report for Dogs Trust to help them to analyse the extent of the ‘credit crunch’ on the receipt of residuary income. This report is now available to all FirstClass users on request.

Meanwhile the Express edition of FirstClass continues its growth in popularity. Data collection, correspondence processing and financial reporting can be achieved on FirstClass Express solely via the internet. Not only does this avoid installation set up time but costs are competitively priced, making this an excellent tool for those with limited budgets or those who need to access their data remotely. Recent developments to FirstClass Express mean that more than one (authorised) person can access a charity’s FirstClass Express data at the same time.

This has been important for St Dunstan’s where the legacy administration function is provided by an external company of legacy consultants, while the legacy data can still be accessed at the same time by St Dunstan’s personnel. As new users of the system, they have embraced the appeal of FirstClass Express.

“The functionality and simple user interface of FirstClass Express has enabled us to improve both our data collection and reporting, helping us to advance our analysis of legacies and estate administration.”
Dan Carter, Legacy Marketing Manager, St Dunstan’s.