Modern world is rapidly changing, and in order for communities to keep up with the times, it is necessary to develop digital literacy among their employees. The U-LEAD with Europe Programme organised an event at which digitalisation expert Serhii Karelin explained the importance of digital skills for the effective work of local self-government bodies. Speakers and participants discussed the benefits of digitalisation and tools that help to improve the digital competence of community employees.
Digital competence: What is it and why is it so important?
Digital competence includes not only the ability to use a computer, but also an understanding of the principles of online safety and ethics. Digital skills include the ability of effectively using technology to find, process and share information. It also involves critical thinking about reliability of sources, protection of personal data, and online interactions. This opinion was shared by expert Serhii Karelin:
“Digital competence is a vital competence for municipalities today, as it facilitates quick decision-making, enhances security and improves document management.”
Tools for developing digital competence in local self-government bodies. During the event, the expert presented a number of resources that can help communities improve the digital competence of their employees. These include digital literacy courses that cover relevant skills for local self-government bodies, as well as learning platforms for citizens. Implementation of technologies such as e-document management provides significant benefits to the community:
“It includes optimisation of work, which provides more time for other tasks, as well as accessibility of data and the ability to work with it from anywhere. It also means faster approval and signing of documents, which simplifies management processes and a higher level of security due to the ability to control access to documents and track them”, Serhii Karelin said.
Participants were also presented with successful examples of digital solutions, such as the GIS system from Kyivvodokanal, which provides quick access to data on water supply and sewerage networks, simplifies monitoring of accidents and helps to resolve technical issues in a timely manner.
Digital ethics and security. How to avoid risks?
In addition to mastering basic skills, it is important for employees of local self-government bodies to learn how to ensure data security and adhere to digital ethics. Karelin advised the participants to use a white list of programs to protect their business computers and regularly update the software to avoid threats.
The expert also believes it is important to reduce the risk of fraud by limiting administrator permissions. It is also important to avoid public Wi-Fi networks, where confidential data can be intercepted, and to use two-factor authentication for accounts to protect them from unauthorised access.
Particular attention at the event was paid to protecting against phishing attacks, when attackers try to deceive employees to obtain their personal data. To avoid this, employees were advised to carefully check suspicious messages and emails.
Digital competence and its components: platforms for learning and development. Participants also learned about various platforms that can be useful for learning, including the “Tsyfrogram” test. This tool helps to evaluate the level of digital literacy of each employee and create a personal development plan. Serhii Karelin advised to make a list of necessary courses and motivate yourself to educate yourself to ensure effective digital transformation of communities.
Bohdan Aleshchenko, project management specialist of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, spoke about the importance of digital competence in the municipalities:
“Digitalisation of communities is not just about convenience or speed of work. It is about the capacity to make reasonable, operational decisions that ensure the development and sustainability of communities even in difficult conditions. When communities develop digital competence, they open up new opportunities for themselves: optimisation of processes, higher levels of data security, and better service delivery to citizens. Investing in digital competence of community employees today is a stable foundation for building innovative solutions and development tomorrow. The U-LEAD with Europe Programme supports such initiatives, as it understands that strong communities are the basis of a strong state.”
