a.       Digital Exclusion – David Baker, Head of Service - Automation & Technology, Shropshire Council

b.       Digital Skills Programme – Andrea Miller, Digital Skills Lead, Customer Services, Shropshire Council

c.       STW Digital Strategy Update – David Maruta, Head of Digital NHS STW ICB

a)    Digital Exclusion

David Baker, Head of Automation and Technology, introduced the item and highlighted the significant challenges of digital exclusion, including lack of access to technology, insufficient digital skills, and socio-economic factors, particularly in Shropshire's rural landscape.

Members were advised that the digital inclusion network was set up under 12 months ago, which was co-chaired by David Baker and Robert Smith from Age UK. It included representatives from local government, NHS, community organisations and local businesses, and the objectives were to raise awareness, engage stakeholders, conduct research and propose solutions to bridging that digital divide. Achievements included the distribution of 120 repurposed devices and the success of the digital skills program benefiting over 1800 residents.

Rachel Robinson, Executive Director for Health, Wellbeing and Prevention, emphasised the importance of aligning digital inclusion work with other programs and exploring various funding opportunities. She suggested having further conversations with Andrea Miller and other partners to ensure continued support for digital inclusion initiatives.

RECOMMENDED:

That the HWBB:

·       Endorsed the Expansion of Digital Infrastructure: Continue to invest in improving broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas, to reduce digital exclusion.

·       Endorsed Enhancing Digital Skills Training: Continue and expand the Digital Skills Programme to reach more residents, particularly the elderly and those in low-income brackets.

·       Endorsed the Promotion of Collaborative Efforts: Strengthen partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and national bodies to address digital exclusion comprehensively.

·       Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the impact of digital inclusion initiatives and adjust strategies based on data-driven insights; HWBB receive a further report in one year to monitor progress.

b)    Digital Skills Programme

Andrea Miller, Digital Skills Lead, introduced the item and advised members that the Digital Skills Programme had been running since 2020, supporting 1116 Shropshire residents in the past year, with a focus on older people and those on low incomes. Achievements included a 32% improvement in digital skills among participants and the distribution of 250 free SIM cards.

Members noted that the program faced challenges, including funding risks and the need for more learning hubs in areas of higher deprivation. New initiatives included supporting unemployed people, helping parents apply for free school meals, and developing relationships with banks for online banking workshops.

Andrea highlighted the significant contribution of volunteers to the digital skills program and mentioned the need to continue valuing and supporting their efforts. This topic was also flagged for further discussion outside the meeting.

In response to a query regarding support people who for whom English isn't their first language, Andrea advised members that they had piloted a programme with Shropshire Supports Refugees at the beginning of the year which was very successful; however due to a change in personnel, development of this had been halted. Andrea expressed a desire to continue this work once a new person is in place, as both the volunteers and participants found it very beneficial. David Baker also expanded on the use of AI in supporting refugees. He mentioned that they are actively looking at AI usage to facilitate real-time translation services, allowing refugees to engage in their own language, whether via text or voice.

Members discussed the need to explore additional venues for the digital skills program, particularly in South Shrewsbury.

Members queried the risks around libraries continuing to support the digital skills programme. It was agreed that Paula Mawson and Andrea Miller would meet outside the meeting to discuss concerns about the libraries' ability to continue supporting the digital skills programme due to diminishing resource.

RECOMMENDED:

That the board noted the content of this report and attached paper, and the work taking place to address digital inequality for Shropshire residents.

c)     STW Digital Strategy Update

David Maruta, Head of Digital NHS STW ICB, introduced the item and highlighted the implementation of electronic patient records (EPR) across hospital and community trusts, which is fundamental to all other digital solutions in healthcare.

Members noted that patient engagement portals have been implemented to increase access to services, allowing patients to interact with health and care services digitally. Digital tools such as the My Recovery app for MSK patients and the AI tool Medwise in primary care are being used to enhance local and integrated care pathways. Efforts were being made to integrate digital systems across the ICS to improve information flow and enhance the joining up of care and services.

Paula Mawson, Assistant Director - Integration & Healthy People requested joint working to get systems across health and the local authority talking better to each other. This was echoed by other members of the Board, who had concerns regarding the inefficiency of repeated data entry on multiple systems. David welcomed the suggestion for joint working, acknowledged the issues, and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve data exchange and integration. Members noted that although there was no confirmed target for integration to be completed, it was confirmed that David would provide timescales at a future meeting.

Concerns were raised regarding future digital strategies and the need to prepare staff for AI and digital tools. It was agreed that Shropshire Council would share knowledge and learning on digital inclusion and AI adoption to facilitate faster technology implementation.

RECOMMENDED:

That the board noted and endorsed the recommendations contained within the report.