Embed

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Embed introduces new ideas and builds on the themes covered in the Explore pathway by encouraging consideration of how the concepts raised can be embedded across day-to-day tasks, teams and services. This pathway is for everyone, but especially for anyone who is responsible for managing or supporting others (e.g. supervisors, team leaders, first level managers), or anyone aspiring to develop their knowledge beyond the Explore pathway.

If you aren't sure you understand any of the content, jump back to the Explore pathway and use the resources there to develop your knowledge before carrying on.

Step 1 - Definitions of Digital
Read

"Digital" can mean a lot of different things. Catalyst have produced a guide (linked below) which gives clear definitions of 9 key digital concepts that you may come across, using the example of a café to help explain the terms. The guide has been developed for the voluntary sector but applies equally to any type of organisation. Follow the link and read through the guide:

Wooden dice with black question marks on every side sat on a wooden table
Question 
Having read through the guide, think about how you would answer the You might be asking… questions for each definition:
  • How do these ideas and themes relate to the day-to-day tasks of you and your team?
  • Do you think your team and own organisation has all of the required Key Assets in place? If not, how can you find out more about this within your own organisation?
Task
Think about how you would explain the digital ideas described in the guide to your team members or colleagues. Use the You might be asking… questions to have wider discussions within your own organisation.
Step 2 - National Action
Read

Having looked at Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy in the Explore pathway, take some time to read through the associated 2025-26 delivery plan which outlines progress to date and sets out the key priorities for a refocused approach in 2026-27. Learn about the programmes and initiatives that have been delivered already and find out what is still to come:

Link: Supporting documents - Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2025 to 2026 - gov.scot

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Question
How does your organisation support the plans and priorities set out in this update? Are there any national programmes of work that relate to the services offered by your organisation? How could you find out more about these? 
Step 3 - Engaging Staff Members in Digital Transformation
Reflection
What do you think are the most effective ways to involve every staff member in digital transformation? Why is it important that everyone feels involved? 
Photograph of six people gathered around a laptop
Read

Explore this Forbes article, which shares 20 practical strategies from business leaders on how to engage every staff member during a digital transformation. The tips include gathering feedback, taking a user-centered approach, involving staff in the process, promoting collaboration, and being transparent about the reasons for change: 

Link: 20 Ways To Engage Every Staff Member During A Digital Transformation

Questions
  • Which strategies from the article would have the greatest impact in your team or organisation? 

  • Common barriers such as resistance, lack of clarity, or digital capabilities might prevent staff from engaging, what practical steps could overcome these challenges? 

Step 4 - Introduction to Digital Leadership
Question
What do you think it means to be a digital leader?
Four business people sat and stood around a work desk
Questions 

Watch this video to hear different perspectives on what it means to be a digital leader.

Link: What is a Digital Leader?

Question
Has the video made you think differently about digital leadership?
Task
The speakers discuss the different attributes and approaches that can make you a successful digital leader. Take some time to reflect on what was said (re-watching the video if needed) and think about how you can incorporate the advice shared into your own approach.
Step 5 - Supporting Access to Digital (New)
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on how access to digital tools, skills and support can make a practical difference to people’s everyday lives. 

Think about the role that community spaces, trusted staff and simple digital support play in helping people access services, stay connected, and feel more confident. 
Read

This short case study from Digital Healthcare Scotland explores how Queen’s Cross Housing Association supports residents to build digital skills and access essential services through local, community-based digital support. 

Link: Supporting Access to Digital - Digital Healthcare Scotland

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Questions
  • What kinds of digital support in the Queen’s Cross Housing Association case study help people learn, grow, and access services more easily? 

  • Is there one small change you or your workplace could make to better support people with digital capabilities and access? 

What next?

You have now completed the Embed pathway. 

 

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