New year, new digital project!

It's 2019 and the Digital Team at SCVO have kicked it off in style. We are working with some great partners to develop a network of digital champions working in social housing around Scotland and we're looking for organisations to join us. 

These digital champions will be in roles that support people who are facing multiple disadvantages. They will make sure that digital is a tool to overcome some of these disadvantages, rather than something that increases inequalities. 

We’ve been working on business case documents, sticking post-it notes all over the office and sharpening outcomes. We aren’t reinventing the wheel, but are building on what works, and where the greatest needs are. 

There are an estimated 1.17 million people living in social rented housing in Scotland, and they are 20% less likely to have the digital skills they need for life and work than people living in privately rented accommodation. (UK Consumer Index 2018) 

In addition to the strong social benefits of a more digitally included community, there are significant advantages for housing organisations engaging in digital participation activities:  

Digital Participation is important in every sector but especially in Housing. We frequently engage with tenants, residents and the wider community not just on issues around bricks and mortars but also welfare, community inclusion, education and culture. Associations have become real community anchor organisations and are perfect to drive digital transformation. Wither it’s supporting a tenant to get online to pay their rent or report repairs, encouraging people connect to friends and family via social media or just talking about your favourite Netflix show, these opportunities need to be embraced. We need to take time to embed basic digital skills so that our tenants can get the most out of services."

Rory Brown, Govan Housing Association

So, why take part? 

The team are offering a comprehensive training and support opportunity, fully funded for up to 30 Housing Organisations from across Scotland.  

This will include  

• work to identify a digital motivator with the organisation,  
• a two day residential bootcamp to inspire and support the motivator 
• short and informal surgeries with digital champions from across the staff team 

• support to record and monitor digital inclusion activity 
• access to credit rated qualifications for involved staff to aid career progress 

If you are interested in finding out more and registering an interest in taking part please get in touch with us @digiscot or by emailing digital@scvo.scot, or give Beth a ring on 07581 623 028.