We recently asked North Ayrshire Council staff about their digital skills, and over 700 of you took part—thank you! The results show that while we’re doing great in many areas, there are still some challenges we need to focus on.
What Did We Look At?
The survey focused on six key digital skill areas that are essential for both work and everyday life:
- Digital foundation skills – The basics, like using devices, accessing the internet, and navigating apps.
- Communicating – Using digital tools to connect, including email, video calls, and document collaboration.
- Digital transacting – Managing online services, handling digital files, and evaluating online information.
- Problem-solving – Troubleshooting tech issues and finding solutions using online resources.
- Handling information and content – Organising, storing, and sharing files securely and effectively.
- Being safe and legal online – Staying cyber-safe, protecting privacy, and identifying scams or risks.
The Good News
Our workforce is digitally confident, with strong skills in the basics:
- 97% can confidently use computers, tablets, and smartphones
- 91% are comfortable sending and receiving emails
- 89% can join online meetings and video calls
- 90% understand how to handle personal data safely
Overall, staff demonstrate strong digital proficiency in fundamental areas such as device usage, email communication, and online transactions. However, challenges remain in document collaboration, troubleshooting, internal service access, and cybersecurity and privacy awareness.
Where We Can Improve…
While the results are positive overall, there are some areas where staff feel less confident, highlighting opportunities for further support and training:
- 25% need support with OneDrive and Teams for document sharing and collaboration.
- 28% need guidance on synchronising and sharing information across devices.
- 29% are uncertain about how to report issues via Hornbill ITSM.
- 55% of staff are unaware of their designated Digi-Guru for digital support.
- 16% of staff require additional training on managing privacy settings.
- 12% need further support in recognising and reporting online threats.
Addressing these areas will support more effective collaboration, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance security awareness, ensuring staff can navigate digital systems with greater confidence.
What’s Next?
An action plan has been created that will target these areas for improvement by focusing on training, workshops, peer support initiatives, and improved awareness of digital training resources.
The actions outlined in this plan will be progressed between March and September 2025, following a three-phase approach.
Phase 1: Awareness & Foundations, Phase 2: Training & Support and Phase 3: Security & Continuous Development.
Actions from each phase will become part of our day-to-day digital skills promotions and awareness campaigns. Our goal is to build a digitally confident workforce that can work efficiently, securely, and with ease in an increasingly digital world.
The Digital Skills survey results and action plan can be found on Connects.