Embed
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.
The Embed Pathway
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: |
| Question |
Having read through the guide, think about how you would answer the You might be asking… questions for each definition:
|
| 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 (New)
| 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 |
| 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 Others in Digital Change
| Question |
| Consider the attitudes of those around you towards digital change. Is this usually embraced, or do you think your colleagues have concerns around technology and the impact it can have? |
| Read |
This article looks at some of the reasons staff and volunteers can struggle with digital change and offers practical advice on how to make these types of transitions smoother. Although written with charities in mind, the guidance can be applied to any team, service or organisation: Link: Tackling barriers to digital change for staff and volunteers | NCVO |
| Task |
| Consider the digital changes currently happening that affect your team or service. Using the advice in the article, plan some practical actions you can undertake to support progress by engaging staff and volunteers. |
Step 4 - Introduction to Digital Leadership
| Question |
| What do you think it means to be a digital leader? |
| Questions |
Watch this video to hear different perspectives on what it means to be 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 - Digital Inclusion
| Question |
| What do you think it takes for someone to feel digitally included in society and the world today? Consider the connectivity, equipment skills and capabilities that might be required. |
| Read |
The ‘Good Things Foundation' have developed a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) which sets out what is needed for households to feel digitally included. Read and explore their briefing paper that provides insights to learn what is covered by the MDLS to help us focus on the holistic nature of digital inclusion and how we can work together to achieve this: Link: A Minimum Digital Living Standard for UK Households in 2025: Briefing Paper | Good Things Foundation |
| Task |
It is acknowledged in the paper that not all households will meet the needs set out in the MDLS, depending on financial circumstances, local infrastructure, and access to support. Imagine this experience: how might a household that does not meet the standard be impacted when trying to access your organisation’s services? Could they face any digital barriers? Reference back to the contents of the standard to help you consider this. |
What next?
You have now completed the Embed pathway.
Pathway Update Notifications
You can access this Pathways Update Notifications Form to register to receive email notifications when pathway content is updated or new resources are added.
Feedback
Use this Feedback Form to share any comments or questions you have about the pathway. You can also use this form if you spot that any of the links aren’t working, or the resources aren’t available.
