Digital Kent shortlisted for national award
Digital Kent, a service of Kent County Council, delivering many different projects and schemes to improve digital inclusion across Kent and Medway, is twice a finalist in a national award event.
Connected Britain has shortlisted Kent County Council in the Digital Skills Award for the work of Digital Kent and the Barrier Removal Award for Digital Kent funded initiative to maximise investment in broadband connectivity for social housing and multiple dwelling units through the creation of a Kent Wayleave Toolkit.
Digital Kent was established in June 2021 as one of Kent County Council’s responses to the pandemic. Utilising one-off funding to advance digital inclusion across the county. It is a partnership service between Councils and NHS across Kent and Medway.
The service delivers a Digital Champions Network, which has attracted over 600 champions, which is now one of the largest networks in the UK. The ethos behind the network identified that there were many individuals and professionals who regularly assist residents who may be digitally excluded. Digital Kent wanted to provide these individuals with a toolkit of schemes, development and free CPD to enhance the digital support on offer in the community.
Engaging champions from different backgrounds, areas and organisations Digital Kent have been able to bring skills to a wider audience, supporting individuals who may not have come forward to obtain digital skills before. As a result of Digital Kent’s inclusive approach, the network speaks over 40 different languages, enabling support for those where English is a second language.
Digital Kent delivers digital engagement sessions, which has reached tens of thousands of residents. From engaging with schools and colleges to working with community and voluntary sector partners to deliver digital support to the elderly.
KCC’s Digital Lead Sam Lain-Rose said: “In developing the digital inclusion and capabilities service, we wanted to ensure that the benefits of the internet and technologies are available to everyone across Kent and Medway, by delivering joined-up approach with not only internal Kent County Council colleagues, but also wider public-sector partners.
“The service delivers holistic projects and schemes that enable residents and organisations to take control of their own digital journey, with safety net of support to deliver sustained digital inclusion.
“Digital exclusion is not a new issue and is a complex issue, which can only be tackled in a partnership-led approach. It is recognised that the financial struggles of families across the county are playing a significant role in remaining online and the Digital Kent services seeks to address that.”
Connected Britain will announce winners at their conference in September.
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