Our approach
This strategy sets out the framework for action and the direction of travel needed for a county-wide approach.
There will be many technological and policy developments along the way, opportunities for funding, commercial challenges and external influences.
Dorset will, therefore, need to remain flexible and review this strategy regularly to take account of the latest developments.
To separate the big issues into manageable programmes and action plans, delivery has been split into four digital themes:
- inclusion and access
- connectivity
- innovation
- leadership
With an additional cross-cutting theme of net zero.
A section on each of these themes sets out the key challenges and priority areas for action.
From this strategy and consultation with the public, Dorset’s ‘Digital Place’ team have developed more detailed action plans and will engage with partners, organisations, and individuals to encourage wider action beyond Dorset Council.
The ‘Digital Place’ team will monitor and report progress bi-annually against strategy, action plans and budgets, as well as with those of the broader council, to ensure enough progress is being made or where greater focus is required to keep on track.
The action plans will be living documents that will be regularly updated to account for progress, availability of resources and changes in policy and technology.
The strategy itself will be reviewed, either if it becomes clear that not enough progress is being made against the targets, or when the actions are largely complete and new ones need to be established.
Dorset Council’s role
Dorset Council is committed to continuing the journey towards a connected and inclusive digital Dorset; no place, no community, no individual will be left behind.
Dorset Council has only limited powers and responsibilities in many of the areas where action is required.
Therefore, Dorset organisations and individuals will need to act collectively to achieve this wider ambition.
The Council has a key role in facilitating the change required, broadly described by these four key areas:
Direct
Take direct action to deliver where there is market failure or Dorset Council’s
operational needs necessitate.
Example: ‘Hub and Spoke’ activity providing high speed fibre connectivity to libraries and
Volunteer Digital Champions offering digital skills support in libraries to support digital
inclusion.
Indirect (through services)
Take indirect action to facilitate change by ensuring the range of services Dorset
provides across the county support infrastructure deployment.
This will include planning, housing, economic development and transport, all of which can contribute to achievement of this strategy.
Example: Investment in additional resource by the Roadspace team to better support greater network build activity.
Influence and partnership
Work in partnership with communities and other organisations to drive delivery
across the county and put in place larger programmes and projects to support
fundamental change required.
Example: Voucher scheme promotion/coordination/encouragement, community
solution pilots working with industry through innovative commercial partnerships.
Working with industry through innovative commercial partnerships
Lobbying
The council has a key role in lobbying government for clear policy and financial
support.
Example: Actively participate in national forums and consultations on policy
development.
Much of what is required will need to be led by national government through clear policy and support programmes (including financial
incentives).
Principally through:
- DSIT - Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
- OFCOM