Commmunity IT Academy

A Circuit Rider is a part time and temporary IT develpoment worker. A Circuit Rider will take on a number of groups to support for a specified and time bound IT development, for example, network expansion, database development, a new website, migrating to a new operating system, installing broadband.

The term Circuit Rider originates from the American Wild West, where a judge would ride his horse around an area (a circuit) dispensing justice from the saddle. Based on an American model the term has been updated to mean a 21st century IT development worker and is sometimes termed "e-rider".

The basic function of a Circuit Rider is more than simply being a mobile IT Technician. Different Circuit Riders bring different skill sets to the role, for example; strategy, management, fundraising, training, etc. All Circuit Riders should be able to impart a level of technical help. They should also be able to signpost an organisation to many sources of additional support.

The NRFCR project is developing a range of Circuit Rider services utilising the skills sets of a team of Circuit Riders.

The Circuit Rider movement encourages collaborative work between Riders and organisations. see UK Riders list.

The role of a Circuit Rider is NOT to build dependancy, rather to assist organisations build the capacity to face technological challenges on their own.

see also Wikipedia