Local Outcome 1: East Dunbartonshire Council signs up to Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter to champion equal access to digital services
East Dunbartonshire Council has signed up to Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter, reinforcing its dedication to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the digital world.
By signing the Charter, the Council has joined a national movement striving to break down barriers to digital access – improving skills and confidence among individuals and communities across Scotland.
The charter is led by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations with support from the Scottish Government. and was developed in collaboration with key public, private and third sector organisations to create a fairer and more inclusive digital society.
The Council recognises the importance of digital inclusion in promoting social equality and economic opportunity. As part of this commitment the Council has pledged to:
- Commit to understanding digital exclusion and how it impacts the people the Council works with
- Commit to delivering on digital inclusion across the organisation, based on understanding of need
- Commit to identifying and utilising appropriate resources for digital inclusion
- Commit to working in genuine partnership where possible, to promote and advance digital inclusion
- Commit to contributing towards a wider conversation, developing a sense of community and being part of something bigger – because digital inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
The Council’s commitment to digital inclusion is highlighted as a key priority in East Dunbartonshire Council’s Digital Strategy 2024-2029. It also dovetails with the Council’s vision – “working together to achieve the best with the people of East Dunbartonshire”.
A spokesperson for SCVO said, "We are delighted to welcome East Dunbartonshire Council as a signatory to Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter.
"We believe that digital inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we’re all making a difference to people that need it most.”
Jamie Robertson, Executive Officer for Finance & Digital Services at the Council, said, “ We are delighted to sign Scotland’s Digital Inclusion Charter and play our part in ensuring no-one is left behind in the digital age. Digital access is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Through this commitment, we will actively support efforts to close the digital divide and empower people with the skills they need to thrive, ensuring Scotland is a digitally-inclusive country for residents, employees, businesses and organisations.”
The Council’s digital inclusion work ties in with the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan, which includes:
- Local Outcome 1: East Dunbartonshire has a sustainable and resilient economy with busy town and village centres, a growing business base, and is an attractive place in which to visit and invest
- Local Outcome 2: Our people are equipped with knowledge and skills for learning, life and work.