A model to help any local council
We
recently went to the launch of a model to help any local council create a digital inclusion programme. Its based on the experiences of 100% Digital Leeds, who are trail blazers in this area. This model is designed to help ANY council get going with a digital inclusion programme. And all the people who have applied it in their areas, stressed how practical and adaptable it is for all kinds of communities at very different stages.
The message that comes through is that community is key. If it's going to work, it's crucial to embed support via organisations that are already supporting people, in a way that’s part of business as usual. Councils don't need to create communities and networks - they need to use the ones that are already out there. It's free to download from Digital Inclusion Toolkit and well worth a look.
Community-led solutions
The importance of community echoes something that came through clearly in the Data Poverty Lab's excellent Scaling Solutions to Data Poverty report - 'community led solutions are brilliant and effective'. But by their very nature, they are also hard to scale. So we love the 100% Digital model even more because it’s about helping councils and communities do just that!
The Data Poverty report is another great read, partly because it focuses on solutions, and it doesn't look at the issues in isolation, but outlines the "Pointless Triangle", you need three things to be digitally included: data; devices and skills. Each one is pointless without the other. We'd argue you need...
Data, devices and....Digital Champions
As a result of our work with local authorities, we've pulled together some case studies and resources especially for them to help them explain the benefits and practicalities of a getting Champion programme up and running. From cross-borough initiatives, to programmes addressing specific needs - and with practical and personalised advice on embedding digital inclusion in their organisation.