Let’s get digital

I’m excited to be writing my first SCVO blog, in my new role as SCVO’s Let’s Get Digital co-ordinator for the Highlands & Islands. But as I type I can’t stop myself from humming an Olivia Newton-John classic. You know the one. You’re humming it too now, aren’t you? Well, it’s a catchy tune for an exciting new project – one which we hope will make a big difference to organisations across Scotland. Thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund, SCVO is launching this innovative business growth support programme as part of its wider Digital Participation agenda. Let’s Get Digital will give organisations the opportunity to recruit the knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm of digital interns in order to boost their business growth and competitiveness, and increase their digital skills and capacity. At the same time, unemployed graduates with a HND qualification or above will get the opportunity to gain paid work experience while supporting these organisations through six-week projects designed to deliver meaningful digital change and growth. And it gets even better. These dream team partnerships will benefit from the support of carefully selected industry mentors who will be there every step of the way to ensure the very best outcomes for both parties. It really is a win-win situation! “Where do I sign up?” I hear you cry. Well, the process is quite simple and won’t require any leotards or sweatbands. Organisations interested in this opportunity can make initial enquiries to digitalinterns@scvo.scot and we will get the ball rolling. Here are just some of the areas of activities you may need support with and that you could develop a project proposal around:

• Website creation or revamp
• Social media – whether it’s beginners or advanced
• E-commerce and online fundraising
• Campaigning, relationship management and digital marketing
• Using IT more efficiently and mobile communications
• IT strategy or policy development
• Basic online skills

Once your proposal has been submitted, our Assessment Team will review the application and either give the green light or support you through revisions before your opportunity goes to live advert to recruit one of the bright young talents waiting to bring it all to life and get you digital, digital. If you are interested send an email to digitalinterns@scvo.scot. Further project information will follow soon, including a dedicated webpage which will include news, opportunities and success stories. And sign up for our mailing list to receive updates through the Digital Participation e-bulletin.