rachelbaker

I have worked in communications for 25 years, first as a journalist and then in public and private sector public relations. From Southampton originally, I have lived in beautiful Dorset for the last two decades. My passion for Dorset has also turned into a passion for landscape photography. My other great loves are my family and Southampton Football Club.
Drawing of man with laptop and large screen

Future councils update – spotlight on digital services

Last year we shared the news we had received funding to help us become a more modern and resilient council.  We have been involved in the Future Council pilot and five nationally funded projects:  Planning –  making it easier for the public to engage with the planning process.  Planning – reducing invalid planning applications  Adult… Read more Future councils update – spotlight on digital services

Future Council update – spotlight on adult social care

Last year we shared the news we had received funding to help us become a more modern and resilient council.  We have been involved in the Future Council pilot and five nationally funded projects:  Planning –  making it easier for the public to engage with the planning process.  Planning – reducing invalid planning applications  Adult… Read more Future Council update – spotlight on adult social care

Future Council update – spotlight on planning

 Last year we shared the news we had received funding to help us become a more modern and resilient council.  We have been involved in the Future Council pilot and five nationally funded projects:  Planning –  making it easier for the public to engage with the planning process.  Planning – reducing invalid planning applications  Adult… Read more Future Council update – spotlight on planning

Give the gift of digital this Christmas

  With 13 million people struggling to get online through a lack of digital skills and a further 12 million considering giving up their broadband or mobile data because of the cost-of-living crisis – never has giving the gift of digital been so important. This Christmas we are asking you to #GiveTheGiftOfDigtal and you don’t… Read more Give the gift of digital this Christmas

Course leaders and learners are pictured at Weymouth job centre holding laptops gifted to them from Dorset Council's Digital Doorway scheme

How the gift of digital can open the door to future employment

  Finding a job can be difficult at the best of times – but try searching for employment when you are offline, and a difficult task becomes almost impossible. But thanks to Dorset Council’s Digital Doorway scheme, job seekers in Weymouth and west Dorset are now more equipped to find work. Already benefitting from excellent… Read more How the gift of digital can open the door to future employment

Getting people excited about digital in Sturminster Newton

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Dorset Council’s Volunteer Digital Champion service. We are running a series of articles and videos to celebrate this milestone. In this article, we meet the volunteers and learners at the very special Sturminster Newton Learning Centre. Tucked away in Sturminster Newton’s community building The Exchange is a room… Read more Getting people excited about digital in Sturminster Newton

Partnerships for prevention – Digital Dorset’s health and social care

  By Penny Syddall, Dorset Council’s Programme Manager for Digital Skills and Adoption The government is pushing councils and health authorities to work more closely and more efficiently to give residents the care they expect by establishing Integrated Care Systems (ICS). Dorset’s ICS was one of the first when it was created in 2018 and… Read more Partnerships for prevention – Digital Dorset’s health and social care

A platform that will take us to destination success

All this month we are celebrating five years of Dorset Council signing the Local Digital Declaration. The Declaration is a shared ambition for the future of local public services. It was written in 2018 by a collective of 45 local authorities, sector bodies and government departments – including Dorset Council – and outlines our goals… Read more A platform that will take us to destination success