Sponsored content: Gary Dickson on the pandemic and new ways of working
In 2020, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the shift to, and reliance on, digital, data and technology for organisations and their staff was nothing short of monumental.
It was an acceleration in months not years, for the implementation and use of new technology and digital working methods.
Now digital has become the priority for all, not just some, it is as the Scottish Government’s New Horizon’s Digital Strategy report says “digital is no longer a disrupter. It is now a vital sustainer”.
The pandemic has, without a doubt, been one of the most challenging periods for many of us in our lifetime, yet, for me personally, I must try to look at the silver lining which has happened because of it.
At SFHA, we had been lucky enough to embark on our digital journey at the end of 2018 to update and upgrade our IT infrastructure and ways of working.
When we went into lockdown, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) staff were able to fully mobilise and operate remotely very quickly. It allowed me to reflect on all the great work we had put in place and achieved together. But it also meant that digital plans had to be accelerated to ensure we were able to deliver for our membership.
Part of those plans was the launch of the SFHA Digital Check-up Tool for Housing Associations which we launched in September 2020. The tool allows members to measure their maturity and has allowed us to understand where they need support and, subsequently, to provide it.
Interim findings have highlighted that the housing sector still has work to do before our organisations are fully embracing digital. In doing so, we will be more resilient for the future.
Digital is not just a small part of a business or a new IT system; it is now the conduit for and, importantly, the enabler across every aspect of businesses, from culture, communication, tenant engagement, asset management, collaboration and demonstrating value and much more.
SFHA’s Housing Now, Housing’s Future: Digital Empowerment and Leadership Conference, taking place on 25 February, will discuss the new ways of working and ideas that have emerged as a result of the pandemic.
The conference will explore:
- Future digital trends
- Digital strategy
- Digital leadership
- Value of data
- Digital asset management
- Digital employees
- What’s new for Microsoft 365?
- Cyber security
- Digital telecare
Ticket Price:
Tickets are priced from £150 per event.
If you use the code TFN10 you will get a 10% discount on any of the conferences in our Housing Now, Housing’s Future event series.
Secure your place:
To view the full programme and book your place, please visit the SFHA Live! section.
Gary Dickson is digital and design manager at SFHA.
