Tag: digital participation

SCVO and partners launch Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter

A trailblazing partnership between the national membership body for Scotland’s voluntary organisations and the Scottish Government has launched a milestone charter to improve digital inclusion.  

Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter is a collaborative initiative between the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Scottish Government, aiming to ensure that, if they choose to, every individual and community across Scotland can benefit from the digital world. 

The Charter, hosted and managed by SCVO, states that digital inclusion is “everyone’s responsibility”, and demonstrates how people can get involved in supporting further digital equity in Scotland. 

The initiative commits organisations to tackling digital exclusion in any way that they can. By providing a framework for action, organisations can use the Charter to structure and resource digital inclusion work regardless of who they work with. 

Currently, around 700,0001 people don’t have access to the Internet in Scotland. This significantly impacts their ability to access health services, banking, online shopping, better deals and savings and communicating with loved ones. 

Sally Dyson, Head of Digital and Development at SCVO, underscored the vital role of the voluntary sector in achieving digital inclusion. She said: “SCVO has been leading the charge for digital inclusion in Scotland for more than ten years now.  

“We work collaboratively across our sector and beyond to make sure that we drive home the message that everyone is responsible for digital inclusion 

“We know that the digital divide seems to be widening over time, and we think that every organisation in Scotland can get involved in supporting the people they work with.  

“SCVO is proud to have developed and established Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter in partnership with Scottish Government, and we’re looking forward to supporting organisations of all sizes to sign up and show their support.” 

Ivan McKee, MSP and Minister for Public Finance, represented the Scottish Government and highlighted the importance of this initiative for Scotland’s future. He said: “I pleased to see the relaunch of the Digital Participation Charter as Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter.

“The Charter has been a collaborative effort between Scottish Government and SCVO and includes five new pledges to support organisations take ownership of digital inclusion.

“Digital inclusivity is fundamental to the Scottish Government in achieving our key priorities, and through working with SCVO we are able to support organisations to make substantial impact on the lives of people vulnerable to digital exclusion.” 

The launch event, held at Standard Life House and hosted by Standard Life, brought together key stakeholders in a united effort to bridge the digital divide. 

Andy Young, representing Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are a digital-first organisation,  but we recognise that digital can be a barrier for some people, so we’ve made it a priority to help those who need extra support through delivery of our digital inclusion strategy.

“We welcome and support the work that SCVO is doing in this space, and are pleased to commit to the principles outlined in the Digital Inclusion Charter, which will provide a vital framework for organisations across all sectors to help those who want to become more comfortable using technology in their everyday lives.”   

Find out more about Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter at digitalinclusion.scot.  

PEPping up digital inclusion

Digital participation to tackle inequality and boost online access

keyboard

A new strategy outlining how digital technology can be used to tackle inequalities and benefit communities across the country was launched by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop at PEP in West Pilton Park yesterday afternoon. 

The National Digital Participation Framework for Local Action maps out how helping people to get online and become confident users of the internet can open up new possibilities in healthcare, education and economic development. It also details how anyone can access support and training on digital skills at home, at work and in communities.

The strategy was launched as Ms Hyslop visited Pilton Equalities Project (PEP), where she met staff, volunteers and members of the local community. PEP provides a range of services for older and other vulnerable adults in North Edinburgh, including computer classes, which encourage independence and reduce isolation.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “Digital technology is transforming our society and changing the way we live – how we buy goods and services, how we build and maintain friendships and how we communicate with people and organisations in our local communities and across the world.

“The Scottish Government is determined Scotland is seen as a world-leading digital nation by 2020. We want everyone to be able to reap the social, cultural and economic benefits the internet can bring.

“While good progress is being made with the delivery of digital infrastructure, more needs to be done to enable people to become active digital citizens and share in the benefits the internet can bring.

“The Pilton Equalities Partnership is an excellent example of an organisation that supports people who are digitally excluded. The Scottish Government, through our Digital Participation Strategy, intends to support similar organisations who wish to make a positive contribution to increasing digital participation.”

Jean Gallagher, who attends computer classes at PEP, said: “I was delighted when a friend advised me that there was a place nearby that had a computer class for the elderly and, although I was a bit apprehensive, I decided that If I was to understand about the technology of today’s world I had to take the plunge.

“As a complete novice seven years ago, not even knowing how to turn on a computer, I can now do most of my shopping online, I do the family banking online, keep in touch with friends and family abroad via Skype and those nearer hand via social networking.

“I feel there is no way that at 81 years old would I be able to keep up with the modern way of living if it had not been for the staff at the PEP centre. I owe my new way of life to them and will be eternally grateful.”

Chris Yiu, Director of Digital Participation at SCVO said: “Everybody should have an opportunity to benefit from the internet, regardless of background or circumstances. Three in ten people in Scotland still lack the basic skills needed to get things done online. If we are serious about being a world-leading digital nation then the time has come to close this divide.

“SCVO welcomes the publication of the Digital Participation Strategy, and is delighted to play a leading role in this important agenda. By working across the public, private and third sectors to coordinate and scale up digital participation projects, together we will make a real and lasting difference to people and communities across Scotland.”

PEP manager Helen Tait said: “PEP provide the facilities, training and on-going digital support to enable older and less able people within our community to take advantage of the social and economic benefits of digital technology. Much of the focus is directed to understanding and using general web-browsing, email, social media, online shopping, and public services. It also creates the opportunity to increase socialisation through peer support. We also ensure that users are aware of, and know how to handle, the security issues that associate with online services.”

PEP