About this Event
About the Event
Digital skills are essential for employability, inclusion, and everyday life. Yet many people face barriers when it comes to accessing or taking part in training. This event will explore practical strategies for making digital futures accessible to all, with a focus on public sector and community contexts. The panel will discuss:
How to reach and motivate diverse groups to take part in training
- Designing programmes that are inclusive, engaging, and accessible
- Framing and promoting digital skills in ways that encourage uptake
- Demonstrating the value of training by linking skills to employability outcomes
- Overcoming barriers such as low confidence, perceived irrelevance, and access issues
By drawing on research and frontline experience, the session will provide ideas and approaches to support more effective and inclusive digital skills initiatives.
Running Order
18:00: Arrivals
Light refreshments to be proviedd.
18:15 to 18:30: The Digital Divide:
A research informed, brief overview of the national challenge facing digital inclusion, digital skills, and employability.
18:45 to 19:30: Lessons from the Digital Skills Hub:
A Panel Discussion led by Dr Phil Wilkinson that will provide an overview of the work undertaken by the Digital Skills Hub over the past 3 years.
Panelists Include:
- Kaoutar Addi, Partnership and Project Lead, Digital Skills Hub
- Rachel Doe, Project Manager, BCP Council
- Andy Merchant, Digital Skills Trainer, BCHA
19:30 to 19:45: Q & A
An opportunity to ask questions to the panel on topics relating to digital skills training, communications and outreach, or project management.
19:45 to 20:00: Looking Forward
Final thoughts from Rachel Doe, including plans to replicate and scale the Digital Skills Hub model.
ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025
‘This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).’
The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society. It’s a key element of ESRC’s commitment to share UK social science research with new audiences. This year the festival is being held from 18 October to 8 November 2025 and features hundreds of free events across the UK for both children and adults, run by 41 universities and research institutes.
This year, a number of our events explore how our jobs, and our working lives, are evolving. With rapid advances in technology, the workplace has transformed dramatically over the past 100 years. But one thing remains constant: people want access to good jobs that are safe, healthy and provide a decent standard of living. Join us as we explore what the future of work could look like and how we can shape it together.
There are also events on a huge range of other topics, including health and wellbeing, the environment, crime and justice, and equality. For more information please visit https://festivalofsocialscience.com.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Digital Skills Hub Boscombe, Christchurch Road, Boscombe, United Kingdom
USD 0.00
