Lambeth Digi-buddies

11th July 2014

Katy Briggs

Commissioning Manager, Lambeth Council

Background – why did we do this?

• Started with Universal Credit and Financial Resilience– Understanding needs

• Coproduction workshops• Some ideas – based on existing examples

Designing the project

• Very small budget• Coproduction!

– Made in Lambeth– Workshops

• Expert group• Using the resources available

• Started small• Links with lots of teams/organisations

– JobCentre Plus– Go-ON UK– Housing– Service user groups

– Libraries

• Marketing Twitter (@digibuddies) Leaflets, posters, adverts

Implementation

Developing the project

• Developing processes• Changing marketing tactics

– Team meetings (internal and external)– Awareness of venue staff– Banners!

• ‘Teething’ issues Unreliable volunteers Uninterested learners Key partners not engaging

Digi-buddies - Now

• Still very small budget!• Growing/changing venues

– Times– Location

• Changing marketing tactics (again!)• Website

– Go-ON UK www.digitalskills.com/lambeth

• Relationship with JobCentre Plus• Incentives project

Lessons Learned

• Marketing is key!– Consistency– Getting it in the right places

• Choose your venues wisely– Ensure all staff know and understand project

• Robust but flexible recruitment process• Relationships with key partners are vital

• Be flexible – with project and expectations!

The Future

• Expanding in Southwark and Lewisham– UC Pilot

• Expanding venues and times• Sponsorship• Linking with other projects• Continuing to be flexible

Thank you

Any questions?

kbriggs@lambeth.gov.uk