Digital Volunteering Matchmaking Event 2024

This ‘speed networking’ style networking event aims to link tech companies seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) volunteer opportunities with community, voluntary or social enterprise (VCSE) organisations looking for volunteers to support basic digital skills for Leeds residents. We aim for attendees to leave the event having made meaningful matches, leading to ongoing, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Partnering with local VCSE organisations can help you to practically implement your CSR offers and strategies, as well as helping your business feel more connected to the city. By offering volunteer support for digitally excluded people your staff are better placed to understand the barriers people face to using the digital systems and solutions your business develops. Experience of supporting people with low digital skills and confidence can help staff to develop the knowledge and thinking needed to design more accessible and inclusive digital tools and services.

Many of the city’s VCSE organisations don’t have enough staff and volunteers with the digital skills and confidence needed to meet the current demand for digital skills support from their members. Members generally need support for basic digital skills, such as help to download and sign up to apps, manage their emails, use tools like Google Maps, or troubleshoot issues with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. VCSE organisations tend to host weekly group or drop-in digital skills sessions, rather than one-off events. As a result, they’re often looking to partner with a business willing to work with them to offer volunteer support on an ongoing basis, rather than for a one-off session.

The plan for the morning:

• Introductions and context setting from 100% Digital Leeds, Voluntary Action Leeds, and Forum Central;
• A panel discussion on the mutual benefits to tech companies and VCSEs partnering to support digital inclusion for Leeds; residents, from those who have already worked successfully in partnership;
• A ‘speed networking’ style exercise to foster new partnerships;
• An opportunity for attendees to continue any conversations with potential partners.

Who would benefit from attending this event:

• Spaces are limited to 10 tech sector business representatives and 10 VCSE organisation representatives – only one representative per organisation, please;
• All attendees should represent businesses or VCSE organisations based in or delivering services in Leeds;
• Representatives should be organisational leaders with enough influence to action any commitments made. Example roles include CSR/ESG Leads, Volunteer Managers, and Digital Inclusion Officers.

This event is hosted by Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership (LDVP) and Wellington Place. LDVP is made up of representatives from 100% Digital Leeds, Leeds Community Foundation, Voluntary Action Leeds, Forum Central, and the city’s tech sector. It fosters cross-sector partnerships that help the city’s third sector organisations benefit from the digital skills and capacity of the tech sector, enabling tech businesses and their employees to gain new skills, experience, and a sense of community through work with not-for-profit organisations.