Digital and Data Capability Framework

Uses digital tools to improve processes and solve problems

Not at Level 1 - I need help to identify situations where digital tools could improve current processes and solve problems.

Read this short article to learn about some of the ways in which digital can help to solve problems: Youth Employment UK - 4 Ways to Solve Any Problem Using Digital Skills

Make a list of the key challenges and frustrations that you experience within your day-to-day work. 

• Think about the suggestions in the ‘4 Ways to Solve Any Problem Using Digital Skills’ article (linked above). Could any of these ideas help with the challenges you have listed?
• Is there someone within your organisation you could speak to about the challenges you have listed to understand whether there are any digital solutions that could improve current processes? This might include your IT or digital team, line manager, digital champions or colleagues who have a particular interest in digital. 

For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. 

Uses digital tools to improve processes and solve problems

Level 1 - I can identify situations where digital tools could improve current processes and solve problems and am happy to speak to an appropriate colleague about these.

Improving processes and solving problems always requires creativity and innovation. To learn how you can build this into your approach, have a look at the Introduction section of this webpage: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - Thing 9: How do Creativity and Innovation Feature in my Leadership?

Explore these examples of digital improvement projects and learn about the positive impact these have had on services across health and social care. These projects were all developed by participants as part of their completion of the Digital Leadership Programme (DLP): Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme - DLP Projects

Think about the opportunities across your team or organisation where digital tools could improve current processes or solve a problem. 

• If you're stuck for ideas, have a look at the DLP projects (linked above). 
• Consider what you need to do to take your ideas forward. Does this involve undertaking some research about what's available, or are you ready to speak to your colleagues to put a plan together?

For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. 

Uses digital tools to improve processes and solve problems

Level 2 - I recognise where current processes need to be improved. I am happy to suggest ideas for modernisation and explore how the digital tools I access can provide solutions and solve problems.

This Ted Talk describes a good example of using innovation to solve a problem, and also covers five steps to problem solving: TEDx Talks - A Digital Approach To Innovation And Problem Solving (Please note there is some background noise at the beginning of the recording.)

Watch two or three of the short videos from the Why does data matter to me? section of this website for examples of innovative use of data to improve services. Choose the ones that feel the most relevant or that you are most interested in: NHS England - Why Does Data Matter to Me?

To explore ideas for modernisation, have a look at this blog post to learn about digital tools that are not just transforming the workplace in terms of efficiency and collaboration, but also in offering the flexibility and adaptability that is becoming increasingly important in today's work environments: Flexwhere - 10 Best Digital Tools for Enhancing Workplace Efficiency

For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. You may also be interested in applying for the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) which aims to maximise the potential of digital solutions to benefit people.

Uses digital tools to improve processes and solve problems

Level 3 - I advocate for digital innovation across my organisation, proactively looking for opportunities where digital tools can make a difference. I am able to seek out appropriate digital tools to provide solutions and drive forward their implementation.

It is important to define the problems we are addressing before trying to solve them. To find out why, and how you go about this, have a look at this blog post: NHS England Digital - What is Your Problem?

Advance your knowledge of digital innovations, including Artificial intelligence, Neural Networks and the Internet of things (IoT) to consider how they can make a difference. Please note you'll need to register for a free Barclays Digital Wings account to access this: Barclays Digital Wings - Tech Skills Learning

Whilst the implementation of digital systems can provide useful solutions, there is often a need for these systems to ‘speak to each other’. Read this webpage and listen to the podcast to understand more about interoperability and learn about the challenges and opportunities it offers across the health and social care sector: TechUK - The TechUK Podcast: Interoperability in the Health and Social Care Sector

As an advocate for digital innovation, you can gain insights into digital transformation in the delivery of health and social care using the resources available on this platform: Scottish Government - Festival of Transformation

For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. You may also be interested in applying for the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) which aims to maximise the potential of digital solutions to benefit people.