De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester

Digital transformation is a key theme of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s ‘Empowering University’ strategy.

The Digital Transformation Strategy was born, with the vision of ‘data, technology and digital that is fit for a leading, innovative and empowering university. One important aim is to promote a positive culture around technology. It has 3 core priorities: Digital Working, Digital Mindset and Change Management.

After an exciting launch of Microsoft 365 at the end of 2019, a huge investment of resources and time went into university-wide learning. But at the time, mindsets were not changing and traditional IT habits were continuing to exist.

When DMU's Chief Transformation Officer, Tracey Jessup, approached Hable to work with the Information Technology & Media Services team, she wanted to focus on promoting a ‘Digital Mindset’ by increasing the adoption of Microsoft 365.

Together, it was decided that they would recruit and train a Digital Champion network on the use of Microsoft 365 and key applications in everyday work scenarios. The Hable team started by conducting a Digital Maturity Assessment, to gain a clear picture of current ways of working. Giving us a good understanding of the level of knowledge of digital tools among staff.

One fifth of staff answered the digital skills survey across 11 directorates and faculties. 50% of staff indicated a level of digital confidence, with a willingness to explore and self-serve when it comes to technology adoption. With the other 50% preferring to have support when adopting new tools.

Once we had gained this insight, we began planning the Digital Champions network. Our in-house Creative Team worked closely with the DMU Marketing and Communications team to build a name and brand for the new community. We settled on the name MORE (Modernising Office, Reaching Excellence), alongside an engaging project identity, that set itself apart from the existing DMU branding.

We launched an internal comms campaign to raise awareness of the network. Helping to recruit members, set expectations, and promote the opportunity. We’re delighted that over 200 members of staff from across the University joined.

The subsequent 12-week learning programme delivered by Hable’s learning team was then put in place to help drive change and improve digital skills. With sessions on the basics of apps like Teams, how to apply these skills to real workplace scenarios, and how to inspire other colleagues to learn.

This all culminated in a fantastic in-person graduation event, where the successes of the programme were celebrated alongside the individual achievements of every single MORE Digital Champion across DMU.

Following the programme, we conducted a review to assess changes in habits and digital confidence. Before the programme, just 24 people marked themselves as ‘very confident.’ This rose to over 120 following it. 66 people marked themselves as ‘not at all confident’ before the programme, decreasing to just 20 after it.

We are delighted that the review showed an increase in confidence for so many staff across the University.

To ensure the MORE Digital Champions remain engaged, stay up to date and keep developing their knowledge, we are continuing to work with DMU through our Champions Recharge programme. Providing ongoing support every quarter for the next 3 years.