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Hello, and welcome back to our monthly newsletter!
Conference season has kicked off in earnest - and we've been privileged to attend so many events that have enriched our understanding of the digital landscaped, stretched our minds, and challenged us to think differently about some of the key opportunities in our sector.
Visits to AI UK, WIG's D&I Conference, Connected Places 2025, DTX, and EuroCities Digital Forum have opened up opportunities to learn from and collaborate with inspiring colleagues across the national and international tech community. Invitations to contribute to talks an panels have also enabled us to champion the values most important to us and advocate for our human-centric approach to digital on a larger scale.
We've left this month feeling inspired by the learnings and opportunities that have returned home with us. If you're feeling inspired to join us a a future event, you can catch us speaking at Connected North at the month, where the team will be speaking on all digital infrastructure and inclusion!
In this month's newsletter, we're also celebrating the re-launch of the Local Government Association's AI Case Study bank, sharing best practice examples of AI innovation from local authorities across the UK; sharing our top tips and tricks for embedding accessibility in website design; and inviting all those passionate about digital inclusion in education to contribute to the Department of Education's eight-wek consultation.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
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How can we ensure that new technologies serve democracy and protect human rights?
This month, we were excited to be invited to speak at the EuroCities Digital Forum in Bordeaux. Exploring the intersection between digital inclusion and human rights, the event brought together city leaders from across the continent to explore the role of local authorities in shaping a fair digital future.
Over two jam-packed days of roundtables, talks and networking, we joined colleagues from across Europe to explore the governance of AI misinformation and cyber threats; strategies for creating a culture that supports the responsible deployment of tech; and the crucial importance of digital inclusion.
We were proud to fly the flag for Manchester by sharing insights from our approach to digital inclusion, and the ways we're working with partners across to the city to build a more equitable digital future that meaningfully safeguards human rights.
Curious to find out more? Head over to the link below to read reflections of the first day of the Forum from the EuroCities team, or stay tuned for our full retrospective of the event!
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Last month, we were thrilled to be invited to speak at the relaunch of the Local Government Association's Artificial Intelligence Case Study Bank.
The comprehensive archive aims to share learnings from best practice AI use in councils across the UK, showcasing ethical approaches to innovation that provide inspiration, guidance and replicable models for those starting their AI journeys.
Redeveloped in a new interactive format, the bank now includes over 25 real-world case studies, helping organisations to search for practical applications of AI in the cities and sectors most relevant to them.
We were proud to share learnings from our partnership with The Manchester Metropolitan on the People's Panel for AI, which aims to empower residents with the skills and training to shape the use of AI in frontline service delivery, at the online relaunch event in March.
Curious to discover insights from other local authorities? Explore the exciting, innovative and creative ways that the public sector is using AI to improve the lives of people in their communities by diving into the case study bank below.
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Over the next six months, you can expect to see some big changes to our website!
In January, we partnered with human-centred design experts Nexer Digital to improve the accessibility of our Digital Strategy site. Nexer's comprehensive accessibility audit has enabled us to put our principles into practice to ensure our website works for all our diverse communities.
Through working with Nexer, we've enriched our knowledge of how and why specific elements of website design can impact disabled and neurodiverse users, empowering us to make more inclusive design choices going forward.
To encourage more people in Manchester to build their confidence in thinking about inclusivity in web design, we'll be sharing highlights from our accessibility journey going forwards - beginning with five simple site adjustments that don't require technical expertise to implement.
Read the full article on the Digital Strategy website by clicking on the link below.
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DofE Consultation on Narrowing the Digital Divide in Schools
Do you work in digital inclusion, education, or tech for good? Your voice is needed to shape the future of technology standards in schools!
To realise the ambitious vision set out in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Digital Inclusion Action Plan the Department for Education has launched an eight-week consultation to gather insights on its long-term strategy to narrow the digital divide in colleges and schools.
If you’re interested in shaping the future of education policy to help more young people benefit from the opportunities of technology, fill in the survey to have your say.
By empowering more learners to access and explore technology as a fundamental part of their school experience, the digital divide can be narrowed.
The consultation is open now, and closes on the 23rd May. Head over to the link below to join us in sharing your views.
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Digital Inclusion News
Are you part of a VCSE or community organisation that’s curious to explore how AI could help realise your organisation’s goals and amplify the impact of your work?
Our Let's Get Digital team have teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University to help you unravel the truths and myths surrounding AI.
Whether you’re eager to start exploring the potential of AI or looking to build upon existing skills, our hands-on training session offers a chance to work with AI researchers to explore the risks, ethics and opportunities of AI.
To register for your place, reach out to the Let’s Get Digital team at digitalinclusion@manchester.gov.uk. Tickets are will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to grab yours before it’s too late!
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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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