The digital skills gap is prevalent across West Central England where Serco delivers the Restart Scheme. As the Deputy Principal of The Recovery College explains, “Feeling inadequate or under-skilled when everything in our lives today is on a digital platform can be devastating for an individual’s wellbeing.”  

  As part of part of Serco’s commitment to improve the communities we serve, our digital skills initiative bridges this gap by giving individuals access to free digital skills training. At the end of 2021, Serco’s Mel Dovey and Richard Landucci, met with The Recovery College, which supports people who have difficulties with mental health in the Black Country, to devise a tailored training plan.   

Starting in January, the course was delivered online every Wednesday afternoon, and covered topics such as being safe online, sending emails, using apps and Microsoft Office software. And feedback was taken on board to make sure the content was relevant to the learners’ needs. The feedback was so positive, the course was extended from five to ten weeks to cover extra modules the learners wanted.   

To date, 13 learners have completed the course and will be awarded certificates to recognise their achievement. They say:  

• “The course was very informative and productive. I would definitely recommend to anyone who struggles with IT and the digital world.”  
• “I have learnt how useful the online guides are and I can practice in my own time all the things taught in the session.”  
• “I gained a lot from working with others on the course; it is nice to interact with others and share ideas and hints. It was nice to have the tutor take the time to answer all our questions.”  

Because the course was so successful, a second cohort is planned for May, and will be designed to reflect the feedback from the first cohort.   

Kirstie Barnes, The Recovery College Deputy Principal, says:  

“The course has supported our students to gain more confidence with digital technology, empowering them to be able to bank online, send emails, shop online and much more.  

Many of our students have said that they would never have joined the Recovery College as a face-to-face student because of their disabilities, lack of confidence, or being too unwell to join. So, being able to access the course digitally, means the students could continue with their learning regardless of where they were in their recovery journey. We are so grateful for everything you have done for our students.”  

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