Who We Are
Digital Outreach Ltd provides services that increase access to new technologies, particularly for older and disabled people and for other disadvantaged groups. We work with government, the voluntary sector and private companies to achieve these aims. We are currently delivering the Digital Switchover Community Outreach Programme for Digital UK.
We have been set up through a unique partnership between Age Concern, Help the Aged, Community Service Volunteers and Collective Enterprises Ltd. Click on the logos to the right for more information on our member organisations.
Our goals are to:
- Identify and support people who are experiencing or may experience barriers or disadvantage in adopting these new technologies
- Raise awareness about new digital and assistive technologies
- Provide information, assistance and research services to organisations wishing to increase the take-up of new technologies through being more inclusive
- Provide training, expertise and knowledge services around the theme of the use of technology in people’s homes.
The Team
We are a deliberately small organisation of committed professionals with wide experience in forging partnerships with government, the voluntary sector and private organisations. As a small organisation with strong links in local communities across the UK, we are able to work with our partners and clients in a highly responsive and cost-effective way that ensures we provide high value services that bring the greatest benefits.
Digital Outreach Ltd – The Team
Ian Agnew – Chief Executive
Ian’s background centres on developing, leading and delivering management services programmes for Government and both the private and voluntary sectors. Ian began his career in the social housing sector and still retains this link through his role as Chairperson of a large ALMO in the Northwest of England. Prior to joining Digital Outreach, Ian spent six years managing development NGOs in Africa and in the UK. Ian has an MSc in Urban Regeneration and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Finlay Macgregor – Operations Manager
After many years working as an insurance claims specialist Finlay changed direction and moved into training within the financial services industry. Having spent some time as a trainer Finlay moved on to training design and development and then worked for many years as a training manager. Before moving to Digital Outreach.
As Operations Manager at DOL, Finlay is working closely with our volunteer and third sector partners in the switchover areas for the Scottish borders, Dumfries and Galloway Cumbria Granada and the Isle of Man to reach as many people as possible with information and guidance.
Jude Palmer – Operations Manager
After 8 years working as a project manager, development manager and trainer with IBM UK, Jude wanted to move into the public sector, so in 2002 became face to fundraising coordinator for a national charity. She then moved into the not for profit sector, working on procurement and construction projects and then communications for WRAP, an organisation which helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more. As Operations Manager at DOL, Jude is working closely with our volunteer and third sector partners in the switchover areas for the West Country and Wales to reach as many people as possible with information and guidance.
Debra Allcock – Project Support Officer
Debra has worked in the third sector since 2005. Her background has been in training, conferencing and project management for the credit union movement. She has worked on a high profile financial project to develop and implement a current account that credit unions can provide to their members, acting on the government's financial inclusion agenda. As Project Support Officer, Debra is working with our partners to deliver services to the voluntary and community sector to raise awareness of new technologies.
Claire Taylor – Project Support Officer
Claire has a wide range of professional experience in the voluntary and community sector. She has previously worked to address economic disadvantage and urban environmental issues in the role of manager for a social enterprise, and has developed a range of services to support older and disabled people on low incomes in her work with home improvement agencies. Claire works with our partners and contact organisations to raise awareness of new technologies and deliver the support required.
