Launching Digital Champions

The Brief:

• Define the ideal digital champion

• Create a job description and a toolkit

• Create an ad that will encourage people to become digital champions

• Demonstrate how they should identify and reach out to those in need

Focusing in… Our initial thoughts were that:

• Reaching out to the end user was not feasable at this point.

• Decided to focus on defining role and marketing for the digital champions

• We need to think about getting people online generally rather than just for the universal credit changes. This can be brought into scope once the DWP website is up and running.

Market Research

• Some of the group went to the library to carry out research.

• their findings……

– The word ‘Champion’ doesn’t work

– But it is a good idea

– Brixton Library is seen as catchall for any digital skills needs

Our new proposition for the project

• Make the brand softer – less intimidating to potential volunteers

• More community than computers – we’re not looking for Bill Gates, maybe Morris Gates (West Norwood resident)

• Change ‘champion’ to buddy

• Thinking about what is in it for a buddy

Our mission statement

• 50,000 people in Lambeth aren't online. Many may need help to access essential services which will soon only be available online.

• That’s why we're building a team of Digital Buddies who will share some time to help people in their community learn basic computer skills.

• If you can use a computer and would like to help others WE NEED YOU!

THE BRAND

Buddy journey

Commit to attend an

event - sign up online / see printed

materials and decide to go

Attend meet up – chat to

existing digital buddies and

users, questions answered.

Training session / workshop

Begin delivery – group

session / with an existing

buddy

Delivering sessions -

opportunities for meet ups

/support from Lambeth

Person Spec – Qualities a buddy would need:

• Friendly • Approachable • Listening Skills • Patience • Understanding • Active and Involved with local

community (would be great but this will be developed by becoming a buddy)

• Enthusiastic about helping others (doesn’t have to be anything formal – you could enjoy showing your friends how to do something- want to share knowledge)

• Good communication skills (in any language – its great if you can speak another language!)

• Open to new things/ideas • Ability to learn • Trailblazers/ firelighter • Committed • Basic digital skills (you don’t need

to be a tech wiz, just to be able to comfortably use a computer and access forms, search engines and emails online)

• Ability to interact with a wide range of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures etc.

This isn’t for everyone so we decided on a few groups to target…

Incentives for Buddies

Soft

• Make friends

• External validation

• Makes you feel good

• Community involvement

• Online community

• Regular social events

• Personal development

Tangible

• Specific and ongoing training

• Work experience/CV booster

• References for job applications

• Certificate of participation

• Free staff T-shirt and bag for life

• Online badge

• House poster

Morris – Recently retired • I’m 66 years old and have

recently retired having worked as a civil servant for many years. I regularly use a computer and am familiar with Microsoft office, and the internet.

• I like cricket and photography and recently bought a digital camera! These days I have more time on my hands so I like to help people in my local community in Norwood, where I have lived all of my life.

• My friends say I am quite reserved and modest, but I really do like getting out and meeting new people. I like going to the library and socialising, and I often end up helping others.

• Becoming a digital buddy has helped develop my skills and make new friends in my local area. I have found a new role in my community and now have another reason to get out of the house. Extra kudos amongst my friends and family is also an added bonus.

Holly – Looking for work experience • After completing my GCSE’s and A-Levels, I

was looking for full time work and wanted to improve my skills and gain experience working with people. I regularly use social media and purchase things online, and was happy to show others how to do the basics on a computer.

• I like music and football and my friends say I’m easy to get on with. I had previously helped family and friends use the internet and as I am good at explaining things.

• Becoming a digital buddy helped me gain skills and experience, which was really helpful for my CV. I also liked providing support for my community and making new friends. The funky free t-shirt was also an added incentive!

Patricia – Regular volunteer • I am a part-time librarian with a 10 year old son. I

have lived in Streatham for the past 12 years and have gotten to know a lot of people through my local community centre. People usually come to me for help filling out forms. I use a computer at work and home and am patient when helping out others.

• I love animals - we have 4 pets at home (2 cats, a dog and a parrot). I also volunteer at my local farm by caring for and feeding the animals.

• My friends say I’m reliable and a good listener, but I also like to talk a lot too!

• Becoming a digital buddy enabled me to use many of my skills and develop new ones. I enjoyed meeting people and have gained satisfaction knowing that I have helped someone access a service that they really needed.

Automated alerts • Even if you’ve got the basic

skills you still may not have regular access to the technology.

• So we set up an automated texting system which notifies the user when they receive a DWP email

• Now they don’t have to log on to check, only when there is something waiting for them.

Website

Toolkit • Learners booklet

• Flashcards

• Lessons structure

• Person spec developed through toolkit

• Top tips for buddies

• Top tips for learners

• Online forum for buddies

• Events/ meet ups

• Personalised emails

Tips, flashcards, guides