Key topic areas covered include: Communications and IT & Digital Services.

Tackling the Digital Divide: Latest Government Guidance

We were honoured to welcome Rebecca Stephens, Deputy Director of Digital and Tech Policy, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, at our Digital Inclusion Conference. Watch the full speech above and hear how the government plans to tackle the digital divide with the latest guidance and policy.

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Coventry’s Leading Digital Inclusion Program: COV Connects

Laura Waller, the Digital Services and Inclusion Lead for Coventry City Council, joined us at our Digital Inclusion Conference 2024. Laura spearheads the COV Connects program which has made significant strides in addressing digital exclusion in Coventry.

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Cyber-Dependent Domestic Abuse: Key Measures & Advice

The rise in cyber-dependent domestic abuse has been notable, with increased reports of online harassment, stalking, and unauthorised access to personal accounts. Kirsty Jackson discussed the rising threat and outlined essential measures to safeguard individuals.

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Implementing Digital Tools to Improve Resident Engagement

In 2022, 65% of complaints brought to the Housing Ombudsman were found to have maladministration. In this video, Jane Porter, Chief Operating Officer of Optivo discusses the benefit of digital tools in housing association and how reviewing their complaints services has improved the engagement they have from residents.

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Outlining the Long-term Effects of Image-based Abuse and its Impact on Victim’s Lives

Between 2020 and 2022, over 60,000 pieces of sexual content were reported to the Revenge Porn Helpline. In this video Folami Prehaye, Founder of Victims of Image Based Crime shares her own experiences of image based abuse and highlights both long and short term impacts on victims to illustrate how organisations can provide trauma-informed support.

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Fixing the Digital Divide to Decrease Health Inequalities

1.5 million households in the UK do not have internet access. Dr Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at the Good Things Foundation discusses the impacts of the digital divide on health inequalities and how local authorities can help relieve the pressure on volunteer organisations with helping individuals have online access.

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Developing a Holistic Response to Emerging Cyber Crime

It is estimated that more than 90% of reported crime now has a digital element, according to the Policing Digital Strategy 2020-2030. DI Chris White, Head of Cyber and Innovation at the South East Cyber Resilience Centre discusses the importance of engaging with youth and intervening early to prevent cybercrimes when they are on the pathway to committing them.

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Tech in Local Government: Overcoming Digital Poverty and Supporting the Economy

The ONS and Ofcom have ranked Devon as the UK’s sixth worst place for digital connectivity. Cllr Neil Jory of West Devon Borough Council shared the council’s methods for improving efficient broadband installation services to tackle digital poverty in the area.

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Tech in Local Government: How to Practically Embed Intelligent Automation

Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) is a tool that can be used to eliminate tedious tasks, freeing workers to focus on higher value work. Keith McDdowell, RPA Manager at Norfolk County Council shared how RPA has enhanced workflow, and how it can be incorporated into other public services.

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Tech in Local Government: Delivering Better, Cheaper Services for Local Government

In 2012, the Government's Digital Strategy introduced 'Digital by Default' with the aim of embedding digital methods into all local government services. Phil Rumen from LocalGov Digital and West Berkshire Council discussed how Digital by Default has been a driver for change in local government.

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HEFE Marketing: Adapting Communications Strategies in response to a Crisis

Higher Education Institutions were challenged with communicating rapidly changing information on Covid-19 to their students. Vickie Sheriff, Communications Director at Imperial College London, shared the communications approach and strategy of the university during the crisis.

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Digital Inclusion: Ensuring Accessible Digital Services

Robin Christopherson MBE and Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet, discussed ways of ensuring digital services are accessible for people living with disabilities and impairments.

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