Virgin Media O2: How tech is helping the Government create lasting value in public services #techUKDigitalPS
During ‘Digital in the Public Sector week’, we’ve learned a great deal about how technology can help us all.
From private organisations to public services, tapping into technology can transform ways of working and of course, ways of living.
Helping things run smoother
The Government has a new set of priorities they want to action. Among them is to use existing tech to its full potential, leading to increased efficiency. This also ties into their goal of cutting expenditure by 10%.
These efficiencies extend to within the NHS, including improving performance and decreasing waiting times. Another public service looking at ways to maximise their efforts to keep themselves and the public safe is the police force. And all these changes must be made while working towards net zero.
Adding value that lasts
Technology can help with these challenges. At Virgin Media O2 Business, we’ve been playing our part in helping improve efficiencies in the public sector.
Since the spring of 2020, telemedicine has enabled remote care with virtual appointments in the NHS rising while face-to-face appointments have declined. This has provided huge time and cost savings while often delivering better patient care.
Working with police forces, we’ve upgraded outdated infrastructure to help things run faster and smoother. For instance since implementing faster connectivity for Surrey and Sussex Police, police staff can make better use of their body-worn video equipment to communicate with each other instantly and securely.
Driving social change
Our social value strategy focuses on three key priorities: tackling digital exclusion, levelling up communities and supporting customers on their journey to net zero. Since March 2020, we've delivered more than £1.2m in social value through our public sector contracts.
- Digital inclusion
With a growing digital divide, we’re on a mission to improve access to technology, skills, and resources. Our Connect More Programme, is aimed at closing the digital divide by teaching basic skills like applying for jobs online, book online GP appointments or stay in touch with family and friends.
With the Digital Poverty Alliance reporting that 5.4 million Brits are unable to carry out simple digital tasks, the programme helps grow digital inclusion while providing a natural boost to the economy.
- ‘Levelling Up’ communities
Social value also supports the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda by creating greater opportunities to gain employment and training.
Apprenticeships are a great way to drive social mobility. Virgin Media O2’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme empowers people from all backgrounds to gain on-the-job experience, study for professional qualifications and receive a competitive salary.
- How our technology can support the Government’s net zero strategy
While decarbonisation is a priority across the board, almost all public sector organisations have goals to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 (or earlier).
Partnering with suppliers like Virgin Media O2 who have their own environmental commitments and ESG strategy, firmly supports the public sector achieve their environmental goals.
Learn more insights on the far-reaching power of technology here.
This article was written by Evie Metcalfe, Social Value Lead at Virgin Media O2 Business. Passionate about sustainability and addressing the digital divide, Evie has spent the last 3 years working closely with the public and third sector to deliver targeted social value programmes across the UK. To learn more about this author, please visit their LinkedIn.
To learn more about Virgin Media O2 Business, please visit their LinkedIn and Twitter.
To read more from #techUKDigitalPS Week, check out our landing page here.
You can also follow the campaign on techUK's Twitter and LinkedIn - #techUKDigitalPS.