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, a local authority-led digital inclusion initiative launched in October 2022 and inspired by 100% Digital Leeds. Despite being just over a year old, the programme has already made significant strides in addressing digital exclusion in Coventry. Watch the full presentation above, with a summary provided below.
Challenges in Digital Connectivity
One of the major challenges highlighted is the significant number of households without broadband access. While 86% of households in Coventry have fixed broadband, a substantial portion remains unconnected (Coventry City Council, 2023). Nationally, around 7% of households have no internet-capable device, translating to approximately 10,000 households in Coventry, with an additional 30,000 relying solely on smartphones (ONS).
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Programme Principles and Approach
COV Connects, influenced by the 100% Digital Leeds community-based model, focuses on social inclusion rather than purely technical solutions. The programme is built on key principles: it prioritises person-centred approaches, works in partnership with various organisations, and responds to community needs.
Device Bank Initiative
The programme has been particularly successful with its device bank initiative, launched in June 2023. This initiative repurposes end-of-life corporate devices and distributes them to those in need. Over 1500 devices have been distributed so far, benefitting numerous voluntary community organisations and council services. The programme also works closely with the NHS on digital health pilots, addressing digital health inclusion.
Support and Expansion
Digital inclusion coordinators provide bespoke, person-centred support, ensuring organisations meet skills and connectivity needs. The programme’s reach has expanded to over 100 organisations, continually growing and adapting.
Connectivity Efforts
Connectivity efforts are also a cornerstone of the programme. The National Data Bank initiative has grown to include 40 data banks in Coventry, integrated across various council services and frontline agencies. This initiative ensures residents have access to essential digital resources, particularly in the context of the cost-of-living crisis.
Collaborative Efforts
Collaborative efforts across sectors have led to the promotion of social tariffs, free Wi-Fi, and access to digital equipment. An embedded digital champion programme has been launched to build a network of staff capable of having valuable conversations about digital inclusion.
Key Partnerships and Innovative Projects
Key partnerships have been vital to the programme’s success. The initiative with Henley Green GrubHub, a social supermarket model, has grown to include community digital drop-ins and other innovative projects. The programme is also exploring new areas, such as digital archiving for dementia and corporate volunteering.
Coventry Leading The Way for Councils
COV Connects has made significant progress in its first year, leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches to tackle digital exclusion. The programme’s success is built on flexibility, community engagement, and a commitment to social inclusion, continually evolving to meet the needs of Coventry’s residents.
This was presented at our Digital Inclusion Conference 2024. To access free information on digital
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