Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 In October 2013, Claremont Communications commissioned Dods, a leading information provider to the public sector, to conduct research into current attitudes to social media in central government, and barriers to use. These findings are based on an online survey of 1,722 members of the Civil Service World network.

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 About one in five central government respondents uses social media for work I do not use social media and I do not manage those who do 74% I use social media in my role 18% I am responsible for social media communications within my organisation 3% 5% I manage those who user social media

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Social media will become more important to government Much less important than today Less important than today As important as today More important than today Much more important than today Q. How important do you think the use of social media will be for achieving your aims in 12 months' time? Please select the statement that most closely reflects your views

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Social media promises the ability to reach audiences and get feedback quickly, at low cost Q. How do you / would you like to use social media?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Within government, people tend to feel their organisations’ capacity to use social media is weak Q. How would you rate your organisation’s level of skill in using social media?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Half of central government staff feel their own level of social media skill is low Q. How would you rate your current level of skill in using social media on behalf of your organisation?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Just one in five feel confident their organisation can evaluate social media effectiveness Q. How confident are you that your organisation understands how to measure the effectiveness of social media?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Access, policy and culture are barriers to social media use Q. To what extent are the following barriers to your organisation using social media as effectively as possible?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 Are managers paying lip service to social media support? Q. To what extent do you agree with the following statements about attitudes to social media in your organisation?

Digital skills in central government Source: Dods research for Claremont Communications Methodology: online survey of 1,722 central government contacts in October 2013 The Digital Skills Gym is a flexible programme of practical learning experiences and connections being developed to help individuals grow their digital communications skills in exactly the ways they need. It is being developed by a group of trainers and practitioners in digital communication, most of whom have a public or charity sector background, led by Helpful Technology & Claremont Communications. We are working with a small group of organisations to pilot the model in the first quarter of For more details, contact Steph Gray or Simon Booth-Lucking on or