Agenda item

Presentation of Strategic Director of Resources and Digital.

The Committee received a presentation on Digital Inclusion.

The Council have declared a digital declaration which is:

Putting users first: Our services will be tailored to fit our users' needs, prioritising users above professionals and the organisation.

Creating technology that connects: Our IT systems will join up effectively, using simpler and more reliable software with open standards to give our data a common structure. 

Building trust in data practices: We will only ever share information safely and securely, building trust among our partners and users, and better supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities. 

Leading digital transformation: We will demonstrate digital leadership, creating the conditions for organisational transformation, and ensuring all those we work with embrace this Digital Declaration. 

Fostering open and collaborative working: We will champion an open working culture that helps every colleague to succeed with working digitally, through sharing our plans and experience, working collaboratively with other organisations, and reusing good practice. 

Gateshead Council current digital services available can assist and support the community by increasing digital skills for residents and employees.

In our workforce there is two dedicated IT trainers to support our training programs. Since April 2020 there has been 1,816 training sessions to employees and Councillors. Training is available through the Learning Hub, training documentation such as videos and FAQ’s on iTrent. Also, IT offer be-spoke training sessions, one-to-one sessions, face to face and virtual training.

Gateshead currently have an ongoing project: Gateshead Digital Inclusion Project. The project started looking at the initial priorities of the workforce and the public such as; networks, connecting across different organisations, funding, influencing good practise and looking at new technology.

The Inclusion Project is now working with 20 micro, small and medium VCSE organisations with annual income under £300,000 and are based in Gateshead. The results have shown improved access to the organisations facilities and amenities. Grants of up to £3,450 each and including ongoing support and free training opportunities. The project will continue till March 2025.

Gateshead Libraries have been working on a ‘Digital Inclusion Offer’ which helps support members of the public gaining access to technology.

In Gateshead there is currently;

·         8 libraries comprise the Council’s statutory service.

·         Additional 6 libraries run by volunteer associations.

·         Good geographic spread.

·         Range of opening hours including evenings and weekends.

·         Delivery from our Digital team in other community venues also.

Libraries across the borough provide free access to computers, secure and up to date software, free Wi-Fi, access to printers, charging points for laptops and device and data gifting.

There is a wide range of support available across the libraries which includes trained library staff, links to other services, group skill sessions i.e., jobseeker support and basic computer skills. There are also drop-in sessions for a variety of settings.

The library is an essential service to the public as it has helped a wide range of users ever more with the cost of living.

To make the Committee aware there will be a digital switchover, where the public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be retired by December 2025 and a new digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol using a broadband connect. Once the PSTN is switched off, customers who wish to continue having a landline phone, and do not already have broadband, will generally need to have a suitable connection – this is the case even if they don’t use a broadband service. We expect that providers will have a range of options for people in this situation, so customers should not be forced to take out a high-speed broadband package if they do not want to.

RESOLVED:

i)              The Committee noted the presentation.