10 tips for running a digital skills programme

Use these 10 tips to make running a digital skills programme feel manageable. It will help you create a programme that’s engaging and inclusive.

1. Think strategically

Tie digital training into existing strategies such as HR or your wider organisational strategy. This will help you get buy in across the organisation and makes it more likely your programme will succeed.

Consider strategic aims when assessing your skills gap and planning training. Content needs to be relevant to your organisation.

2. Engage leaders and trustees

Digital needs to be part of the culture of your organisation. So support from leadership and trustees is essential. They have the influence and authority to drive long-lasting change.

3. Listen and adapt

Being user led and flexible is essential. You may need to adapt your programme as it progresses. Listening to feedback, comments and suggestions will increase engagement, attendance and impact.

4. Build confidence

You don’t need people to become experts. You do want people to feel confident enough to try something new. Focus your sessions on building confidence. Use small group discussions, fun and practical exercises, and easy to follow tips.

5. Build engagement

Focus on engaged and enthusiastic people first. Use them to encourage those who are less interested or worried about their digital skills.

Offer the flexibility to fit with other demands. One-to-one sessions work well for those who may prefer extra support to group options.

6. Collect data

Collect data that will help you review your programme (attendance stats, feedback, general comments). You’ll be able to show impact, see what’s working and what needs to be improved.

Short online or printed evaluation forms after each session will give you valuable feedback from a user perspective.

7. Use internal comms

Use a range of internal communications to remind people about upcoming sessions. This can include email, chat posts, posters or desk flyers.

Focus on reasons why people should attend a session. Include benefits for individuals and teams as well as positive outcomes.

Use informal language and focus on words such as learning, sharing, confidence, effectiveness, efficiency etc.

8. Plan learning options

Use your survey to find out how people in your organisation prefer to learn. Include practical exercises, discussions, guides and external resources in your sessions.

9. Make it scalable

Focus on delivering effective sessions and keeping the programme manageable. You can add more as your programme progresses.

10. Have fun

The more approachable and friendly you can make your programme, the more likely you are to engage your colleagues.

Use funny images, quotes, soundbites and videos to liven up presentations. Playing games, using a strapline or mascot will help your programme stand out. And it will make learning more appealing.

This checklist gives you an idea of the steps involved in running a digital skills programme and links up some of the resources in this toolkit that may help you develop, plan, design, deliver and evaluate your programme.