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Hello, and welcome to our first monthly newsletter of 2025. We hope that all our readers have had a restful Winter break.
Now that we're slowly emerging from the festive haze of Christmas chocolates, cosy blankets and holiday rom-coms, we're taking a moment to refocus our plans for the year ahead. With plenty of exciting projects kicking off in January, we can't wait to get started!
Following the refresh of the Digital Strategy website at the start of 2024, we're now taking a closer look at the accessibility of our site. Staying true to our values of inclusivity, we want to make sure that everyone and anyone who wants to connect with us can do so easily, and in a way that makes sense to them. We're thrilled to be collaborating with accessibility expert at human-centred design and development company Nexer Digital to bring our vision to life.
February sees the continuation of our partnership with Inakulum as the next phase of our digital asset mapping project begins. Following a successful rollout in Manchester city centre last year, we're expanding our ambitions for 2025! Using sensors attached to bin lorries, we'll map connectivity across the wider city to better understand the intersection between digital exclusion and network access.
In this month's newsletter, we're also reflecting on our biggest highlights from the last year; inviting champions of digital inclusion to apply for our latest vacancy, and sharing the Co-Operative Values Driven AI Framework, offering practical recommendations to help council officers assess the benefits of embedding AI within their organisation.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
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Community co-creation, conferences & the creative use of bin lorries: our biggest highlights from 2024 are here!
As we step into January, we’re taking one last look back to reflect on an incredible year. In our year in review, we've brought together the moments that have made us proud most to be a part of Manchester's Digital Strategy over the last 12 months.
A huge thank you to all the incredible colleagues, businesses, organisations and communities that we’ve worked with over the last year.
To revisit our journey and explore some of our favourite memories, click on the link below.
We can't wait to see what 2025 has in store!
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New year, new job?
Our incredible Lets Get Digital team are looking for a passionate digital inclusion advocate to support their vital work building a fairer future for everyone in Manchester.
At Manchester's Digital Strategy, we believe in a fair future where everyone can benefit from technology.
As a Digital Inclusion Officer, you'll join Manchester City Council’s Let's Get Digital team, working closely with the wider Digital Strategy to ensure that digital inclusion is an integral part of strategic plans city-wide.
If you’re genuinely passionate about supporting people in need, eager to work with communities to increase understanding & trust of new technologies & committed to building a more digitally inclusive society - we want to hear from you!
To join our small team that’s making a big difference in the lives of people in Manchester, submit your application before the 21st January 2025.
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How can local authorities use AI to meet the needs of local communities?
As part of a project led by Wigan Council in collaboration with Mutual Ventures, we’re proud to have worked with local authority colleagues across the UK to shape the Cooperative Values Driven AI Framework, a foundational guide to embedding ethical & people-centred AI within council services.
The guidance serves as an introduction to potential applications of AI within council services and provides a starting point to interrogate the suitability of different applications against shared Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network (CCIN) principles: purposeful delivery, innovative design, leadership from the front, training opportunities & citizen involvement.
Case studies showcasing good practice provide insights into possible applications of AI in local government, & highlight initiatives that have positively benefited services & communities.
If you’d like to learn about the case studies in more detail, or explore the AI Guidance Framework, head over to the CCIN website via the link below.
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AI Futures Day at The University of Manchester
Are you an employer leading the way in AI-driven solution and technologies? The University of Manchester's Careers Service are hosting a one-day event on Tuesday 25th March 2024 to showcase the opportunities that a future in the tech sector could offer.
The event will create opportunities to:
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Meet Future Graduates: Engage with students interested in AI and related fields who are eager to contribute to the future of innovation.
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Showcase Your AI Impact: Share how your company is shaping the future with AI and attract candidates passionate about cutting-edge technology.
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Engage a Diverse Talent Pool: Meet students from a wide range of disciplines who are seeking opportunities to learn more about AI and offer their skills to your business.
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Exclusive Employer Spotlights: Position your company as an innovator in the AI space and make a lasting impression on future graduates.
As an employer, you'll have the option to host an exhibitor stand, lead an interactive activity session, or join panels of industry experts for a Q&A session with students.
To secure your spot today, and help Manchester bridge the gap between academic excellence and industry success, contact hannah.thornley@manchester.ac.uk.
Beginners Coding Course by ShiftClick
Are you a Greater Manchester resident, aged between 18-30, curious about building apps but have never taken the plunge?
Our friends at MadLab are running a free beginners’ coding course, starting on February 26th and running for six weeks, every Wednesday and Thursday at the beautiful Stockport Museum.
You'll embark on a journey of discovery from “no previous experience” to creating your first interactive website.
The course covers the fundamentals of web development, CSS, HTML and JavaScript, and will give you an understanding of life working in the digital industry.
You’ll also receive careers advice, CV support, and professional skills development.
Interested? Find out more and apply now at ShiftClick, or email team@clickmcr.com for more information.
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Digital Inclusion Appeal
Over the last few years, digital exclusion has intensified social exclusion for many already vulnerable people in Manchester.
To help more people to navigate an increasingly online world, Manchester City Council is committed to connecting more people with accessible electronic devices.
The Digital Inclusion team is encouraging local businesses and residents to consider donating unused computers, tablets, or mobile phones to reduce digital poverty in communities and support more people to get online.
If you'd like to give back to your community by helping disadvantaged families and local charities to benefit from the opportunities that the world can offer, reach out to our Let's Get Digital team by clicking on the link below.
For a resident who would not otherwise have access to the resources needed to get online, your donation could make a huge impact.
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Every month, we'll be sharing updates, news, and opportunities from the Digital Strategy Team, our partners, and the wider digital ecosystem. Whether you're interested in collaborating, have questions, or simply want to learn more about our ambitious vision for Manchester's digital future, we'd love to hear from you!
Find out about the different ways you can reach us below:
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