Deck outlining ideas for programme to get people online in Lambeth

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. THE BRAND

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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!

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Website

17. 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

18. Tips, flashcards, guides