A report of the research carried out last year by Snook, funded by the Carnegie UK Trust, in relation to Digital Resilience was approved by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s Professional Governance Board.  The report is now available.  Carnegie Trust think this research will be useful to organisations across the UK who have similar challenges.
 
The research highlighted key insights around digital literacy and skills, keeping young people safe, digital divide and inequalities and the provision of hardware and services.  The insights have already given momentum to the work of the HSCP Digital Resilience Group and led to a number of workstreams being established including Education, Learning and Digital Skills, Safety, Health & Wellbeing and Technology.  
 
Staff and young people have been involved throughout and champions have contributed to knowledge sharing across the houses, including the co-production of guidance and the Digital Agreements.  Young people have completed ‘Thinkuknow’ training with staff and a framework is being drawn up of education and learning opportunities, including some that may offer young people and staff formal qualifications.
 
The safety group are exploring the role of Social Media and will work with others to produce guidance.  Work has also commenced on reviewing useful websites and online resources with a plan to have these published on a dedicated website.  Methods of online payments are being considered and the links to financial capability investigated.
 
The technology workstream has arranged the provision of new laptops for each young person in the provided residential houses (currently being rolled out) and interim Wi-Fi/Mi-Fi.  The technology for full Wi-Fi is starting to be rolled out and should be available in each house by early 2020.  
 
Pat Togher, Assistant Chief Officer, Public Protection and Complex Needs said “Glasgow City HSCP remains committed to closing the digital divide and associated inequalities between young people in care and their peers which remains a key feature of our children’s transformational change strategy. The SNOOK report has been critical in supporting and informing the necessary changes in our residential care settings for young people ensuring our practice and digital infrastructure remains contemporary and aligned with the pace of young people and technological change. This report not only respects and values the contribution of young people but also informed our digital change strategy which recognises social media and digital innovation as a central feature in children and young people lives which should be valued and embraced.”   

Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive, Carnegie UK Trust, commented that “Despite the intensifying role of technology in everything from public services to TV viewing, we know that not everyone is able to access and use the online world safely, productively and enjoyably. The Carnegie UK Trust has been delighted to support this important project with Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, which explored the digital experiences of looked after and accommodated young people within the city. We commend the commitment of all those involved. It is clear that equipping all young people with the appropriate digital access, skills, and motivation will be critical to ensuring that digital and social divides are not further entrenched in our society.”

Thanks to everyone who has been involved so far.  We will continue to update you as the work progresses.
 
If you have any questions about the report or any aspect of the Digital Resilience work please contact Fiona Lockhart, Gemma Catto or Tom Golcher.