We work with more local authorities than any other kind of organisation. We know the financial and social pressures they face and the crucial importance of embedding digital inclusion across their organisations.
Why use Digital Champions?
- They are a crucial part of the of the “digital inclusion triangle” of devices, data and skills.
- We know that programmes are most successful when they deliver support via organisations that are already supporting people, whether that’s via libraries, community support groups or front line staff.
- Digital Champions support wider strategic digital inclusion plans. They can be run as stand-alone projects with specific goals, but they can also fit into and amplify wider plans.
- We know people don’t use digital services without human help. One in four beginners give up without ongoing support. This rises when users aren’t digitally confident at the start.
How do we work with Local Authorities?
Our clients range from County Councils, like Kent that have 500+ Champions to smaller Town Councils, like Knowsley, that have ten. In some councils, we're used by one setting, like libraries. In others, Champions are used in partnership, often with voluntary organisations, across the borough. The Digital Champions Network works in all these settings because:
- It’s scalable and adaptable: you can grow the project with more licenses or tailor the content for different Champions.
- You can evidence it works with built-in reporting tools.
- We have tiered levels of project management so if you're running a cross-county project, you can run up to 10 separate sub-projects within it, each with it's own managers and reporting.
- It's excellent value for money: you can help someone become digitally confident for around £4 a person.
- Many Authorities have service users with complex needs. We have resources to help users with extra barriers to entry, like memory problems, dexterity issues, or low levels of English.
Find out how other Local Authorities use Digital Champions, including Brent, Bexley & Kent.
We’ve learnt that a culture change like this takes time and having dedicated digital inclusion staff and resources like Digital Unite’s Network are vital for its success. Together, we will ensure nobody is left behind!
Mili Patel
Brent Council
Our Digital Champions are an invaluable resource for the local community and are helping our residents to lead a better quality of life through the benefits of digital. In turn this engagement will help the whole borough to fulfil its digital ambitions.
Christopher Hutson
Waltham Forest
Try out Digital Champions Programme Planner
It takes 10 minutes and produces a free, tailored report on how a programme could work in your organisation.
