{"id":23290,"date":"2018-07-02T12:19:51","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T11:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digileaders.com\/?p=23290"},"modified":"2019-01-17T09:46:49","modified_gmt":"2019-01-17T09:46:49","slug":"digital-dorset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digileaders.com\/digital-dorset\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital in Dorset"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last few months, we have been busy in Digital Dorset releasing our new Dorset for You website and continuing to develop our digital ideas. In this blog, Sharon Attwater (Purbeck District Council), Penny Sydall & Lisa Tricky (Dorset County Council), Laura Hall (Dorset for You Partnership) and Ann-Marie Barlow (Dorset Councils Partnership) describe their continuing work in digital starting with their first Digital Networking event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working Together<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In 2017, a group of five colleagues, from different organisations in Dorset, started to meet regularly to share knowledge and experience and identify ways to collaborate on shared initiatives relating to Digital. It soon became clear how helpful it was to work together and so we thought… let’s widen this network and see if others find it as helpful as we do.<\/span><\/p>\n

We felt others could benefit from sharing and learning with each other so decided to run a digital networking event, inviting anyone from the public sector in Dorset.\u00a0 <\/span>We weren\u2019t sure what the level of interest would be so decided to aim for 40 people, places went like hot cakes, maybe it was the free cake that did it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The event<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

During the event we learnt how our library service has developed their offer to respond to the changing digital landscape, they field and help to co-ordinate requests for digital support, offer e-books and support digital skills within the community by running code clubs and loaning digital gadgets to help practice these skills at home too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then we had a quiz based upon the Government Digital Service Standard, which helped us to open up a conversation about how we approach service delivery both within our individual organisations and across organisations too. <\/span><\/p>\n

We heard from the Routes to Inclusion Project about the 21% of people who lack basic digital skills, and the fantastic work they are doing developing a network of community digital champions and supporting online service initiatives to promote digital inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

The networking event was a great success and we have already started to plan the next one. We learnt to step outside of our comfort zones, be brave, and try something new.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of our Networking Event participants said, \u201cThe experience has been really worthwhile, I have met lots of really helpful people, my digital skills and exposure to new things like Yammer and Trello Boards has been liberating and fun. This first event was really successful and for me the new network I am part of has been really beneficial in my working day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Digital in Dorset<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the other things we have been working on in Dorset to help support digital:<\/span><\/p>\n