5: Action Plan: 2026 – 2030
|
Ref |
Strategic Action |
Explanation |
Lead |
Expected delivery year |
|
Digital Infrastructure |
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|
IF1 |
Gigabit Delivery |
Extend gigabit-capable digital infrastructure across Gloucestershire. Working in collaboration with the national Project Gigabit programme and broadband providers to accelerate rollout in urban and hard-to-reach rural areas. |
GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
IF2 |
Mobile/Wireless Connectivity |
Improve mobile and wireless connectivity in underserved areas by partnering with mobile network operators (MNOs) and neutral‑host providers to identify coverage gaps, prioritise rural and hard‑to‑reach sites, and enable timely deployment of 4G/5G solutions (from small cells to new or upgraded macro sites). |
GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
Digital Inclusion |
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|
IC1 |
Get Online Gloucester website |
Create a website that provides information about all digital inclusion activities in Gloucestershire. This resource will assist residents, their family members, and professionals in identifying the most suitable and easily accessible digital inclusion support available. The site will also feature a portal that allows residents and businesses to identify available broadband connectivity options. |
GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
IC2 |
Gloucestershire Libraries |
Coordinate a program for digital inclusion provision across all libraries and provide signposting and information about digital inclusion assets throughout the county. |
GCC Libraries/GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
IC3 |
Digital Volunteer Network |
Establish a Volunteer Digital Champion Network to provide essential support for residents to develop the digital skills, AI awareness and confidence needed to get online. The network will focus on recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers who will deliver one-to-one and group support in libraries, community venues, and people’s homes. |
VCSE sector |
2025-2030 |
|
IC4 |
Digital Inclusion Network |
Develop a coordinated Digital Inclusion Network that brings together hyperlocal charities, community interest companies (CICs), and other trusted community partners already working in communities. This network will be supported with shared resources, targeted communications, volunteer recruitment and training, safeguarding guidance, technical support, and access to devices and connectivity. |
VCSE sector |
2025-2030 |
|
IC5 |
Digital Inclusion Triage Service |
Develop a digital triage service to act as a single, streamlined point of entry for residents seeking digital support. This service will quickly assess individual needs and connect people with the most appropriate local support, whether that’s a community organisation, library, or trained volunteer. |
VCSE sector |
2026-2030 |
|
IC6 |
Digital Device Recycling |
Establish a grants programme to support local charities, community groups, and social enterprises in collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing digital devices to residents most in need. The funding will cover essential costs such as secure data wiping, repairs, replacement parts, and basic software installation, ensuring that all devices are safe, functional, and ready for use. |
VCSE sector |
2026-2033 |
|
IC7 |
Digital Hardship Fund
|
Provide financial support for those in need, to help them cover the cost of broadband connectivity. Eligible families and individuals would be offered affordable or free internet connections and free refurbished devices, enabling them to access essential online services, education, and employment opportunities. |
GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
IC8 |
Marketing and Communications |
A targeted marketing and communications campaign will showcase the full range of digital inclusion support available, including the volunteer network, digital triage service, device recycling schemes, social tariffs and local training opportunities. Using clear, accessible messaging across multiple channels, such as social media, community newsletters, libraries, GP surgeries, billboards, and local radio, the campaign will ensure residents know what help is available, how to access it, and why it matters. By highlighting real stories and simple referral routes, the campaign will build awareness, trust, and engagement, reaching even the most digitally excluded communities. |
GCC Digital Team |
2026-2030 |
|
Digital Innovation |
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|
IN1 |
Corporate Social Responsibility |
Create a thriving digital ecosystem in Gloucester by encouraging larger businesses to mentor and support smaller enterprises. Through knowledge-sharing, skills development, and access to resources, this initiative will help SMEs overcome digital barriers, adopt new technologies, and build resilience in an increasingly online economy. |
GCC Digital Team/GET |
2026-2030 |
|
IN2 |
Cyber Essentials Business Support |
The Cyber Essentials Business Support programme will strengthen Gloucestershire’s resilience by partnering with digital and tech organisations to deliver a county-wide series of cybersecurity events. These sessions will raise awareness of the growing risks businesses face and provide practical guidance on protecting systems and data. Alongside this, we will offer tailored support and grant funding to help SMEs and charities achieve Cyber Essentials certification, ensuring they meet recognised security standards. |
GCC Digital Team/GET |
2026-2030 |
|
IN3 |
Digital Business Innovation Grant and Tailored Business Advice |
Building on the CSR and cybersecurity initiatives, and in partnership with the county’s Growth Hubs, we will launch a targeted grant scheme and provide one-to-one support from experienced business advisors to help identify and implement digital solutions. This approach will enable businesses to embrace digital technologies across three key stages of development: first, using AI and data tools to research markets and gain actionable insights; second, planning ventures with digital platforms that streamline operations and enhance strategic decision-making; and third, leveraging digital marketing and e-commerce tools to reach wider audiences and grow sustainably. By providing quick and impactful solutions where possible, and by keeping a clear focus on long-term strategic transformation that embeds digital innovation throughout the business lifecycle, we will help create an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready local economy. |
GCC Digital Team/GET/The Growth Hub |
2026-2030 |
|
IN4 |
Smart Places Initiatives |
In the Smart Gloucestershire, People, Future, and Sustainability project, we will adopt a phased approach by launching a series of targeted pilot projects across the county. These pilots will test innovative technologies and data-driven solutions in real-world settings, focusing on areas such as smart infrastructure, community engagement, and sustainable practices. |
GCC Digital Team/GET |
2026-2030 |
|
IN5 |
Library Labs |
To equip GCC Libraries’ LAB project with the resources needed to offer cutting-edge digital experiences. The funding would enable the purchase of advanced tools such as 3D printers, high-spec computers, and creative software like Adobe Creative Cloud, ensuring residents and businesses have access to industry-standard technology to help drive innovation. |
GCC Digital Team/Libraries Team |
2026-2030 |
|
IN6 |
Marketing, Communications and Data |
Targeted marketing, communications and data-driven insights to raise awareness of our Innovation Strategy and ensure its success. This will include using multi-channel campaigns, such as social media, newsletters, and community events, to engage businesses and residents, while analytics tools will track engagement and reach. |
GCC Digital Team/GET |
2026-2030 |