I am a Technology Project Manager at Southwark Council.

My Fellowship topic is titled Bridging the Digital Divide – a Holistic Approach, and the focus of my research will be how a cross-sector approach is needed to tackle digital exclusion and the benefits of digital inclusion and skills.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how technology and digital skills are crucial in ensuring people can participate in the digital economy, ranging from social interactions to learning and career development. The purpose of my Fellowship is to learn from countries that are pioneers in tackling digital exclusion to understand what they have done differently and share my learnings with key stakeholders in the UK.

I have always been interested in digital inclusion and in my current role I am leading a programme aimed at promoting digital inclusion in Southwark and working with partners such as the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and other boroughs. This includes creating the Pan-London Digital Inclusion Working Group to share best practices.

The pandemic halted my Fellowship, but I am eagerly awaiting the time when the travel lockdown is eased and I can learn and network with stakeholders in Finland, the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland.