Here is our fifth episode of the 'Think digital, act human' podcast series, which shines a light on the stories of the people behind our digital and technology projects.
In this pod our host, Adaobi Ifeachor, gets to know Rachel Hope. Rachel led the team that sourced, bought and distributed over 1.35 million laptops and tablets to disadvantaged children and young people who had to take classes remotely during the coronavirus lockdowns. What the ‘Get help with technology’ team achieved was certainly no mean feat.
Here, in the true spirit of working in the open, Rachel gives us an insight into the sheer scale of what was involved - from competing with other countries for computing hardware to negotiating with the airlines and couriers that delivered the tech.
Our second guest, Shafiqa Gunton, gives a sneak peek at what’s next for the ‘Get help with technology’ brand. And, if you too would like a career in programme delivery management, Shaf has some valuable advice.
Listen and let us know what you think.
If you prefer, fast forward to:
- 01:35 Rachel explaining how quickly the Get help with technology team was set up as national lockdown began
- 10:44 the 4 different parts of the service: laptops, data and routers, digital platforms, and training for schools
- 15:10 bringing policy teams and delivery teams together to get better results
- 22:03 the experts in the multi-disciplinary teams
- 25:15 Rachel trailblazing the DfE service ownership model
- 25:59 Rachel’s nomination as one of the world's 50 most influential people navigating disruption
- 34:00 Shaf Gunton on the next steps for Get help with technology, and creating a ‘family’ of services
Read the podcast transcript and subscribe to future DfE Digital and Technology podcasts on Podbean.
Follow DfE Digital and Technology, Adaobi Ifeachor, Rachel Hope and Shaf Gunton on Twitter.
1 comment
Comment by Ruhi Gupta posted on
Hi Department for Education Team,
Thank you for such an informative post like this. I am completely new to this digital technology field and have not much idea about this but your post has become a supportive pillar to me. After reading the blog I would expect to read more about the topic. I wish to get connected with you always for having updates on these sorts of ideas.