CASE STUDY: Driving Digital Inclusion this Digitober
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Ingeus (external website) is taking significant strides to promote digital inclusion across Greater Manchester this Digitober. As a provider of government services, Igneus are committed to driving digital inclusion to support our customers and communities.
Working closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, local councils, community partners and industry leaders, Igneus is helping more people to get connected.
Anthony Lengden, Head of Integration for Greater Manchester at Ingeus says “Many everyday activities such as paying bills, booking healthcare appointments, claiming benefits, and submitting job applications can only be completed online. Those without the internet can struggle to access essential services such as healthcare, housing and financial support. A lack of digital connectivity excludes people from the changing world around them.”
On October 15th, Ingeus hosted the GM Digital Inclusion Locality Leads in Manchester to explore new ways of driving digital inclusion across the region, working together to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has internet access along with the knowledge and skills to be able to live and prosper in today’s digital age.
The meeting concluded with a tour of the Manchester centre where Ingeus customers and coaches talked about digital support received through the programme including:
- Receiving equipment including laptops, mobile phones and data cards.
- Learning digital skills by attending workshops and receiving individual support.
- Utilising iWorks, Ingeus’ online careers and learning portal.
- Using digital tools e.g. translating learning material for those with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language)
- Delivering NHS App awareness sessions.
As well as supporting customers, Ingeus is committed to supporting our communities, hosting the following digital inclusion events across Greater Manchester this Digitober:
- Techmates Tea Party with Microsoft in Wigan.
- Digital Inclusion Events in Hyde delivered in collaboration with InStep and Tameside Council.
- Get Online Week workshops delivered across the region.
- IT Skills Crash Course delivered by Xyrius in Oldham and Stockport, with every course completer receiving a free laptop donated by The Foresight Foundation.
- Featuring on Bolton Council’s Digital Trail – helping residents to visit and explore digital services in the borough.
- Bury NeighbourHub Digital Inclusion drop-in sessions every Monday.
The organisation aims to bring local residents closer to understanding the positive impact that building digital confidence can have on their lives and families, encouraging people not just to engage in formal learning, but to bring their own needs to life and get help, for example, communicating with family, formatting a CV, supporting children with their homework, safe shopping online, or accessing their health record on their smartphone.
Anthony comments “We find that using digital as a conversation starter we uncover other ways we can help them – quite often the digital disconnect is associated with loneliness, money worries and poor mental wellbeing. Through the delivery of the Working Well: Work and Health Programme and Restart Scheme in GM, and relationships with a vast array of support partners, we can help people overcome much more than just their digital concerns.”
To ensure employability support is accessible to everyone, Ingeus doesn’t do “digital by default” but finds that helping people build confidence opens up access to their iWorks platform which Igneus is particularly proud of.
For some people, digital inclusion means accessing basic services to enable self-care, for others it presents a real opportunity for personal growth. Building digital skills increases your employability and can open doors to new career pathways. Once participants get going, with the help of Igneus' supportive staff, they soon realise the benefits of learning about career options through an extensive library and embedded interactive tools such as practising for a video interview, getting feedback and even benefit from algorithms that suggest CV improvements to overcome the challenges of automated sifting systems used by employers. Available 24/7, iWorks is used by Igneus teams to recommend areas of interest to participants that they can access in their own time. The system helps both Ingeus and the people they help to do digital differently.
After being unemployed for a year, Stephen’s confidence was low. But using iWorks inspired his job search and took him in a new direction.
“I used iWorks every day…I practised interview techniques, completed applications and learnt how to sell myself. I became more fluent in my answers, and I didn’t struggle to complete an application”.
Stephen found work at Carers First, in a new role supporting unpaid carers.
Ingeus is working with employers and training providers to identify skills gaps and develop sector training which will help local people secure work in the digital sector.
Anthony explains “Whilst we continue to make waves in driving digital inclusion, growth in GM’s digital sector provides new and accessible job opportunities. By working with industry leaders we can identify current skills shortages and explore ways of upskilling local people to help fill the growing number of digital vacancies across the city-region.”