Creating a digitally skilled workforce

How are advances in digital technology changing jobs?

Existing and new technologies are driving significant changes in the world of work, including jobs in housing.

As a result, the skills we need are changing too. Staff need to have more digital skills to adapt to new working methods and use digital tools to support the increasing demands for better access to services and information. Staff therefore need to be confident in using different types of technology, as well as being able to use their initiative to find solutions and troubleshoot if necessary.

These changes are helping the workforce become more effective and use resources more efficiently for positive and impactful outcomes. For example, staff may be required to support people to attend appointments virtually using systems such as Near Me.

Pamela Dimberline, Specialist Lead Digital Health and Care, NHS Education Scotland talks about the importance of digital skills.

What types of Digital Skills are needed and why

Everyone should have digital foundation skills. These include being able to:

Along with these skills, staff should receive training in cybersecurity and be able to reassure tenants that their information is safe

using tools like Microsoft Teams
securely – for example, using One Drive and SharePoint to ensure up-to-date information is always available to staff in the support team
– more transactions are now being managed online, from rent payments and signing new tenancy agreements to supporting tenants with online shopping and banking.
– for example, helping tenants to access advice and help from other organisations, such as NHS Inform for up-to-date health information and advice.