A FREE training programme has been launched to recruit an army of special advisors who can help Dorset’s digitally excluded residents get online.

Open to any organisation in Dorset which works directly with residents, the new programme will train people who can champion online services to their users and customers.

The Dorset Council-run course, called the ‘Embedded Digital Champion’ programme, aims to train 1,000 of the county’s frontline workers by 2023.

Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation, Cllr Jill Haynes, said: “Whether it’s booking your doctors appointment or filling in an application form, so many things can now be done quickly and easily at a click of a few buttons or the touching of a screen.

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“But although it’s easy and convenient for most of us, what we need to remember is there are some people who do not feel confident doing things online – and that’s where the embedded digital champions come in.

“Embedded digital champions will be able to assist customers there and then or, if needed, refer them on for extra support and advice.”

It is estimated that on average every embedded digital champion will help eight customers a week with a digital related enquiry – if 1,000 champions are recruited, that could potentially solve around 400,000 digital enquiries every year.

Furthermore, a survey of Dorset residents found that 11% are still totally offline while a further 20% don’t have the skills needed to make the most of the digital world.

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This is where the embedded digital training, which can be tailored to meet an organisation’s needs, will ensure that those who are digitally excluded can turn to someone for advice.

A team from Skills & Learning, which provides a range of adult courses for Dorset residents, were among the first to complete the embedded digital champion training.

Customer and Business Support Team Leader, Julia Fay said: “We wanted to do the training as a lot of our courses are online but many of our learners come to us with very low digital skills.

“The training really helped us take a step back and look at it from the customer’s perspective.

“We not only feel more confident in helping our learners to understand digital, but we also know where to signpost them for any extra support they might need.”

Organisations looking for more information can email edc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.