Dorset Council has been shortlisted for three national awards, recognising the local authority's focus on digital technologies.

The Digital Leaders 100 Awards 2020 celebrate individuals and organisations from the private, public and non-profit sector who have demonstrated a pioneering approach to digital transformation in the UK.

Sam McLaren, service improvement analyst in the council's digital and change team has been shortlisted in the Young Digital Leader of the Year category, while two projects by Dorset Council have been shortlisted in the Digital Public Service Innovation of the Year category.

The council has been shortlisted for 'developing digital skills and awareness in Dorset' and for 'supporting children and young people to access education'.

Councillor Peter Wharf, Deputy Leader at Dorset Council, said: “The recent Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the value that digital can bring to our lives and the need for collaborative working. I am proud to say that as a county we are clearly in good hands. What a great achievement to have three finalists in the awards this year, all of whom represent our vision to position Dorset as a leader in digital transformation.

“One of the most hotly contested categories each year is the ‘Young Digital Leader Award’. I am heartened to see Sam McLaren, who joined this council as an apprentice just a few years ago, thriving in his career and up for the title. As Sam has so clearly expressed in his entry, digital as a way of working is not just about the technology; it is always first and foremost about our people.

“In the Digital Public Service Innovation of the Year category we have two entries that demonstrate just this. The first project by identifying vulnerable learners and the second by helping everyone to improve their digital skills and build a digital culture in Dorset.

“Our challenge as a council is to continue to think innovatively about how we design services and use technology, saving us all time and money. I am proud of all our contestants and encourage all our staff, councillors, Senior Leadership Team and residents to vote for your Dorset Digital Leaders.”

Vote for Sam here: https://digileaders100.com/young-digital-leader

Vote for Dorset Council in the Digital Public Service Innovation of the Year category here: https://digileaders100.com/digital-public-service-innovation

Voting closes at 12pm on Friday, August 28 with the winners announced on Thursday, October 15.