Co(l)laboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Digital Inclusion policy and marginalised groups: what are their needs?
What is your connection to Nottingham, and what were you doing before starting this research placement?
I was born here and have lived here all my life. I know the city like the back of my hand. My career has been very active 27 years ago I founded Go Digit All to work in the community bridging the digital divide I have worked in the public sector, local authorities and NHS but my biggest and proudest career move is supporting those with SMD for over 25 year whilst bridging the digital divide and reducing poverty. It is now an international organisation operating in Jamaica, UK and Europe.
What motivated you to apply for this specific research placement project?
I have been delivering community programmes for over 20 years. I feel it is now time to research the field of my interests and expertise and focus on a doctorate. I am really enthused by this and my children and family will be proud.
Why do you think this research is important?
It is vital to build a picture of the digital landscape from a community and policy perspective. Often there is very minimal engagement with communities in relation to their digital needs and they are often imposed solutions which are business driven. I have the opportunity to research what the needs are for individuals in terms of skills, assets and provisions which can then be fed into policy and more consultation can then be arranged so it is co produced. We have AI and other technologies which can support this and I seek to use those extensively.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally)
I will have started my PhD and in the latter stages or have completed this. I will be teaching in HE Lecturing and also doing international projects and have developed an entrepreneurs co working space and multiple digital inclusion projects to meet the needs of the most marginalised individuals. I will sit on a board whereby I plan strategically for the wider community and I will be a mentor for young people and role model acting as an ambassador so they can learn from my experience. I also plan to write a book and develop some agriculture projects on my family land in Jamaica. I am going to be so busy.