Do you want to join the Digital Innovators Network – opportunity for care homes

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Care Providers are being invited to nominate an individual to be considered for membership of a new Digital Innovators’ Network that is being funded as part of the Welsh Government’s Digital Innovation Fund.

The network is being set up as part of a research project to find out how such networks can enhance digital innovation in public services.

A ‘digital  bursary’ grant of £2,000 will be paid to cover expenses (staff time, travel and subsistence) for participating in the programme and to support the work on digital innovation proposals that network  members will  lead.

Members of the Digital Innovators’ Network will be expected to participate in research surveys and focus groups.

What will members of the Digital Innovators’ Network do?

The ‘Digital Innovators’ Network’ will be drawn from across public services in Wales and will allow its members to:- 

  • participate in a series of innovation and digital service development skills masterclasses;
  • join a programme of events and visits with cutting edge digital  organisations e.g. Google, IBM, Mozilla,  DVLA, Camden Council;
  • champion digital reform ideas within their own organisation and receive mentoring and support from Y Lab and  partner organisations;
  • develop and strengthen digital collaborations across public service organisations;
  • play an active role in Nesta’s current work on developing models for digital government, influencing this work and ensuring Welsh  public services are  well  placed to  take advantage of it.

More information about the Digital Innovation Fund

The Digital Innovation Fund (£250,000 in 2015-16) was announced earlier this year by the Minister for Public Services and formally launched on 3 November . Y Lab, Nesta and Cardiff University’s public service innovation lab for Wales, has been asked by the Welsh Government to develop, run and evaluate the Digital Innovation Fund. Following the establishment of the Digital Innovators’ Network, a call will be made for proposals,  through the Network, for projects that would benefit from acceleration funding as exemplars of digital service initiatives with support from Network members. The Digital Innovation Fund will also be used to develop and deliver digital services development for senior leaders.

How many places will there be?

There will be up to 50 places available within the first cohort of the Digital Innovators’ Network and applications will be assessed in terms of the likely contribution and impact that members would be able to bring.  Opportunities for briefings, and participation in digital service innovations will be available to everyone who has been put forward for consideration to join the Digital Innovators’ Network. Y Lab will also be researching the impact of the Digital Innovation Fund and making recommendations to the Welsh Government on how to support digital service developments in future years. The deadline for nominations is 18 December and we will aim to contact applicants on 23rd December. The Digital Innovators’ Network will be established and an initial skills benchmarking will be undertaken before the Christmas holidays. 

How can I find out more information and how do I apply?

If you have any queries about the Digital Innovators’ Network or the Digital Innovation Fund please contact: Jess.Hoare@nesta.org.uk or call 029 2087 9877.

Expressions of interest can be submitted here: https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/digital-innovators-network