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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:

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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 - Digital Transformation (NEW)
Question 

In what ways is your organisation already digitally transforming? Think about progress over the last few years and what has changed, as well as the plans that are in place to further improve services through technology. 

Read

This article provides a helpful overview of the digital transformation journey of a care home from a manager's perspective: 

Link: How Elizabeth Court is Navigating Digital Transformation in Social Care

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Question
In the article, one of the key lessons learned is that people who draw on care must remain at the heart of any change. How can this advice be incorporated into your own digital transformation approach? 
Step 3 - Digital Skills and Confidence
Questions
Why do you think a digitally skilled and confident workforce is important in helping to tackle digital exclusion across Scotland?
Photograph of a woman sat at a desk using a laptop
Read

As technology and digital become more mainstreamed, there is a need to support the skills and confidence of both the workforce and the people who access services. In 2023 the Scottish Government's Digital Inclusion Programme published a paper setting out five pillars for digital inclusion; Motivation, Devices, Connectivity, Skills and Confidence, and Inclusive Design. 

The additional paper linked below has been created to highlight the importance of the Skills and Confidence pillar, and provide practical guidance on how organisations can support their workforce and people accessing services:


Link: Digital Pillars Paper Skills and Confidence

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 - Empowering People Who Use Services
Question
Digital health applications (apps) offer opportunities for the public to gain easier access to advice and support, often empowering citizens to manage their own health. What digital health apps are you already aware of? Think about those that you use personally, as well as those that your organisation endorses or offers. 
Read

Have a look at this online blog post which explores the rise of digital health apps in the UK, the ethical and regulatory considerations of their use and the potential future impact they could have on our wider health and care system.  

Link: How digital health apps are empowering patients, improving outcomes, and increasing accessibility

Question
Think more broadly about the opportunities for people who use your services to be empowered to manage their own health and care. What possibilities are there, and how could you research or look into these further? 
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What next?

You have now completed the Embed pathway. 

 

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