Digital and IT Strategy
VISION 2025 2030
Create a digitally confident educational community where technology is used to make learning more personal, teaching more engaging, and everyone better prepared for the digital world of tomorrow.
CURRENT DIGITAL LANDSCAPE OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVICE
The digital skills landscape across Yorkshire’s Further Education (FE) sector is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for digitally confident learners and staff. However, persistent digital exclusion remains a key
IN WEST YORKSHIRE:
Around 1 in 5 adults are digitally excluded due to affordability, confidence, or skills (West Yorkshire Combined Authority).
In Wakefield, digital poverty is closely linked to deprivation, affecting access to online learning and employment opportunities.
FE learners face barriers such as poor connectivity, limited access to devices, and low awareness or use of assistive technologies.
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE & REGIONAL ALIGNMENT
47% of UK businesses report digital skills gaps among current employees (Lloyds Digital Index, 2023).
challenge — particularly in areas like Wakefield, where 21.6% of households lack access to a laptop, desktop, or tablet, compared to 17.2% nationally (ONS, 2023).
IN YORK AND NORTH YORKSHIRE:
An estimated 33% of rural households face poor broadband connectivity, limiting access to online learning and resources (NYCC, 2023).
The region has identified digital exclusion as a key barrier to adult reskilling, particularly for older learners and those in isolated communities.
Local colleges are embedding digital literacy into adult and community learning in response to employer demand and digital skills deficits in sectors like health and visitor economy.
82% of jobs advertised in West Yorkshire require at least basic digital skills (WYCA Labour Market Report, 2024).
WE ALL PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN CLOSING DIGITAL GAPS ACROSS OUR ORGANISATION.
We play a critical role in addressing these gaps through upskilling, embedding digital literacy across the curriculum, and supporting learners into digitally enabled roles. The embedding of I>innovate has started this work at the Heart of Yorkshire, with this strategy a commitment to narrowing the digital divide for staff and students and increasing confidence and competence with digital literacy. This includes a strong emphasis on digital safety and cyber security, ensuring that learners and staff are equipped not only with the skills to thrive in a digital environment but also with the awareness and practices to stay safe and secure online.
We are committed to building a digitally confident and inclusive community and will do so through the following:
I>INSPIRE
WE WILL SPARK DIGITAL CURIOSITY AND CONFIDENCE.
We will empower our community to lead with technology, not just keep up with it.
Be Curious: We will encourage ongoing curiosity, experimentation, and sharing of ideas, so digital growth becomes part of everyday practice, not a one-off event.
Be Bold: We will encourage people to try new approaches, share ideas, and lead change across the organisation.
Be Pioneers: We will empower individuals to spark digital change—leading with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to helping others grow.
I>INVEST
WE WILL INVEST IN A FUTURE-READY DIGITAL FOUNDATION.
We will invest in the right digital tools, skills, and systems to build a future-ready, confident, and connected community.
Be Equipped: We will make sure staff and students have easy access to devices, digital tools and platforms, so they can explore, experiment, and lead with confidence.
Be Empowered: We will invest in robust and scalable digital systems, devices, and infrastructure to support future growth and innovation.
Be Responsible: We will make smart choices about our technology by balancing new ideas with long-term value and caring for the environment.
WE WILL MAKE DIGITAL INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN.
We will make digital work for everyone — breaking down barriers so every student and staff member can thrive through technology.
Be Inclusive: We will ensure that all digital tools and resources are accessible to everyone, with consideration of need and digital starting point.
Be Accessible: We will actively promote and integrate accessibility tools to ensure inclusive access and meaningful engagement for all users.
Be Equitable: We will work to make sure everyone has the tools, skills, and support they need to take part in the digital world—no matter their background, location, or experience.
I>IMPACT
WE WILL UTILISE TECHNOLOGY TO HELP US WORK AND LEARN MORE EFFICIENTLY.
We will build and support a digital environment that helps people feel good, work well, and get things done efficiently, making sure wellbeing, clear processes, and smart use of tech are part of everything we do.
Be Well: We will monitor our digital systems to ensure they support, not stress, our community. If something isn’t working as intended, we’ll act with purpose to put it right.
Be Efficient: We will streamline and refine our digital processes, making it easier for everyone to work efficiently and collaborate effectively.
Be Smart: We will harness tech to save time and boost impact—always improving to get real value from our digital tools.
I>INSULATE
WE WILL KEEP OUR DIGITAL WORLD SAFE AND STRONG.
We will protect our systems, our data, and each other by staying smart, secure, and ready for anything.
Be Secure: We will keep our defences sharp and up to date to stop threats before they start.
Be Aware: We will give everyone the know-how to spot risks and act fast.
Be Vigilant: We will build security and robust data governance into every digital decision we make.
Be Resilient: We will create systems that can bounce back quickly if something goes wrong.
I>INNOVATE:
• A comprehensive digital vision, transforming the digital culture at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
• Supports staff to work smarter, not harder
• Fosters innovation
• Enhances digital skills
WHAT DOES I MEAN? THE ‘I’ CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO BE!
I>INCLUDE
ENSURING THAT INNOVATION INVOLVES AND BENEFITS EVERYONE AND IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
I>INSPIRE
AIMING TO INSPIRE OTHERS THROUGH INNOVATIVE IDEAS AND ACTIONS
I>IMMERSE
I>IMPACT
USING DIGITAL TOOLS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY
USING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE LESSONS POSSIBLE
I>INTEGRATE
FOCUSING ON THE SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF IDEAS, WHILST ENSURING OUR SYSTEMS STAY SAFE AND SECURE
I>INFORM
PRIORITISING KNOWLEDGE AND THE INFORMED DECISIONS WE MAKE
I>INSTIGATE
PROMPTING ACTION AND INITIATIVE IN THE PURSUIT OF INNOVATION
I>INQUISITIVE
ENCOURAGING A CURIOUS AND QUESTIONING MINDSET
I>INVENT
PROMOTING THE CREATION OF NEW AND GROUND-BREAKING IDEAS
I>IMAGINE
ENCOURAGING A CULTURE WHERE WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
The I>innovate Teams page is a central hub for digital innovation across the Group, offering easy access to guides, resources, training, and collaborative spaces. It’s where colleagues can explore new technologies, book I>innovate Pods and develop their digital skills, all in one place.
The I>innovate Pods are accessible to all staff and are a space for digital innovation where staff can learn new ideas, develop digital skills and use newly emerging technologies (risk free).
I>INNOVATE DIGITAL
SKILLS PROGRAMME
I>innovate is a comprehensive digital vision built around five core pillars that drive our approach to innovation, skills development and digital excellence. The I>innovate programme provides a continuous, cyclical framework that ensures every member of staff, whatever their starting point, develops the confidence and capability to use digital tools effectively. Through its four progressive stages, colleagues are supported to build strong foundations, explore emerging technologies, adopt impactful digital practices and share their expertise across the organisation.
1. I>INNOVATE AWARD (FOUNDATION LEVEL)
• The starting point and minimum expectation for all staff, including new starters.
• Focuses on essential digital skills and key systems required for each role.
• Staff gain recognition through the I>innovate newsletter and receive an I>Innovate badge
3. ADOPTER
2. EXPLORER ZONE
• A continuous “sandbox” space where staff experiment with digital tools and emerging technologies.
• Staff remain in this zone throughout the programme.
• Each year, staff choose two digital skills to explore, guided by the five pillars of exploration
• Designed to encourage ongoing curiosity and development.
• Staff move from experimenting to embedding new technologies in their daily practice.
• Focus is on working smarter, not harder, by applying digital skills meaningfully.
• Success is recognised through team celebrations and the Digital Adopter badge (achievable annually).
• A critical stage for supporting the organisation’s wider digital transformation.
4. PIONEER
• For staff who adopt digital tools and actively share their expertise.
• Involves leading CPD, contributing to newsletters or sharing best practice in teams.
• Pioneers are celebrated annually at the staff conference, with special awards for their contribution.