Dorset Council is celebrating after being announced as the winner of the Digital Skills Award at the Connected Britain Awards.
The award was given for the work going on across the county to help everyone in Dorset make the most of the digital tools available to them and make sure Dorset becomes a truly digital place.
Cllr Peter Wharf, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Change, said: ‘We have a vision for Digital Dorset. The council is thinking and working in a digital way, designing services around the needs of people using modern technology, and operating in a smart way for a rural place. Improving digital skills across Dorset is key to making this happen.
‘With online shopping and catching up with friends on Zoom, digital is now part of our everyday life and we are working hard to make sure no-one in Dorset misses out.
‘I am so pleased that everyone has been recognised for the hard work they do. There are lots of people involved in getting Dorset well and truly on the digital map, from volunteers who are showing others how to use new technology to employees who are producing podcasts and supporting their colleagues.’
Digital champions, digital network events and podcasts are some of the things that are helping to develop essential digital skills with the offline community and build digital skills in Dorset businesses.
Ismail Amla, Chief Growth Officer at award sponsors, Capita, said: ‘The award recognises outstanding work to teach and instil the kind of skills needed to support communities and build Britain’s digital future.
‘There were lots of organisations who entered this category reflecting the importance of the subject and making a really tough decision for the judges.
The judges said that while there were many worthy entries they tried to look for an initiative which focussed on groups which had few other alternatives.’
If you would like help getting online you can call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221000 between 10 am and 12 noon on weekdays or email digitalchampions@dorsetcc.gov.uk
