Blog: Not everyone is digital by default
Today I’ve been to Digital Futures to explore how digital media can improve the way organisations communicate with residents and deliver services writes Kate Bentham of Shropshire Council’s Family Information Service.
You can find out more at the Digital Futures blog. There were some wonderful, motivating and captivating speakers at the event, and some interesting delegates to connect with. Here are my initial thoughts on what the day meant:
To me
There was a lot of experience and expertise at the conference so there was plenty of opportunity to learn, to listen and to consider how to them deliver services for the better.
I was reminded about how not everyone is digital by default and we need to ensure that we support opportunities for residents to connect through their chosen channel – digital or not.
One of the highlights was how disability is the main cause of digital divide and we must deliver digital services which are accessible.
To Shropshire
Today was a chance to celebrate the innovative digital work taking place at Shropshire Council, the skills of people working in all sectors of the county and the share of knowledge and information with others.
To the service I manage
I mange Shropshire Council’s Family Information Service, providing information and support to parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19yrs.
We deliver information through Facebook, Twitter, Google + and also have a dedicated blog for parents. Today made me focus on communicating with those that are following the service through social media in a meaningful way, having a conversation and involvement service users in designing the future delivery of the service.
Kate Bentham is Co-ordinator for Shropshire's Family Information Service.