At its core, the scheme encourages organisations to remove barriers such as place and time constraints which previously limited the pool of digital talent they were able to work with.
Forming part of Heritage Fund’s ongoing efforts to support the sector’s recovery from the pandemic, Digital Skills for Heritage is expected to herald the creation of many new ‘at distance’ volunteering opportunities online.
Roles are expected to range from social media management, collecting data and tagging images through to carrying out website design or running online events, all of which will be made available to all applicants regardless of location.
Digital volunteering can help open doors for all involved, keeping more of us connected to heritage.
“The UK has so much to offer in terms of heritage, and it’s not always possible for people to travel to experience it. Equally, the perfect volunteer may only have a small amount of time to give,” notes Ros Kerslake, CEO of National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Digital volunteering can help open doors for all involved, keeping more of us connected to heritage. Organisations will benefit from the time and expertise of people who may not have been able to volunteer in person, and volunteers will be able to share and develop their skills while supporting the heritage they love. It’s a win-win situation for everyone and we are delighted to launch this fund, thanks to National Lottery players who raise £36million each week for good causes.”
The delivery of Digital Skills for Heritage has been informed by responses to National Lottery Heritage Fund’s 2020 Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey, which highlighted both a willingness to develop digital skills across the sector and the need to broaden the scope of volunteer recruitment.
Project Enquiry Forms must be submitted by 12 noon on 16th August and full applications by 27th September. More information on the initiative’s application process can be found here.
