Full time, fixed term (Until 31st March 2028)
9719
About the Role & Team

Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) has created two new roles to oversee the next phase of digital improvements across the county. Both roles will be based within the Economy and Strategic Planning Team and will be fixed term appointments with the contracts ending on the 31 March 2028.

The Principal Digital Inclusion Officer role will enable the delivery of digital improvements following the conclusion of the Fastershire project that has helped deliver digital infrastructure and inclusion initiatives to rural and hard-to-reach areas in Gloucestershire since 2011.   The role will ensure that residents acquire the skills needed to fully benefit from the social and economic advantages of being online.

The role will provide technical and specialist knowledge to the authority.  It will foster an inclusive digital environment by bridging the digital divide, working towards equitable access to digital resources, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting community engagement.  It will lead on the production and delivery of a new digital strategy that seeks to enable every individual to engage with and benefit from digital technologies. This includes digital literacy programs, community engagement initiatives, social broadband tariffs, digital adoption campaigns and targeted support for low-income households.

Gloucestershire is home to the vibrant urban centres of Cheltenham and Gloucester, the beautiful rural settings of the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean and is located within easy access of Bristol, Birmingham, and Cardiff.  With 98.2 percent superfast (30Mbps) and 79.27 percent ultrafast (>100 Mbps) connectivity, Gloucestershire is already harnessing the benefits of high-speed digital connectivity.

About You

We are seeking an ambitious, highly motivated digital officer who will help make a difference by supporting communities across Gloucestershire.   You will be part of a small but multi-disciplined team which provides a friendly supportive work environment that encourages personal growth.

The Digital Inclusion Officer is essential in addressing the challenges of digital exclusion by ensuring that everyone has the access, skills and motivation to confidently engage with the digital world.  With potentially tens of thousands of digitally isolated residents in Gloucestershire, you would manage the coordination of existing programs and develop new innovative ones to tackle digital exclusion within the community. You would be expected to empower individuals to gain digital skills, improve connectivity, and ensure accessibility to digital services. By focusing on these key areas, the aim is to inspire a more connected future and create a network of community support hubs where volunteers can provide the necessary support to those in need.

About Us

For all your hard work, you will receive the following:

• Flexible and agile working opportunities
• 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
• An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
• Career development and qualification opportunities
• Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
• An in-house Occupational Health service
• Employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
• Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network

How to apply

If you feel you have the skills, desire and experience required to make a positive difference then please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

Closing date: 6^th October 2024

If you would like to informal discuss about this role please contact Ben Watts, Economy & Strategic Planning Team Manager on 01452 426771.

The expected interview and selection dates will be within 2 weeks after this advert closes.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. We’re an inclusive employer, building a diverse workforce through equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery. We’re committed to diversity and inclusion throughout your time with us.