Bridging the digital divide: meet the panel at Orlo’s BIG Social

The digital divide isn’t a new thing – you’ll no doubt understand the gaps in technology access across your communities. But now, in 2025, it’s hugely important to understand the barriers as we embrace rapidly evolving technologies. 

For public sector leaders, the challenge is clear: how do we harness digital innovation to build stronger, fairer communities without leaving people behind?

That’s the question at the heart of our headline panel at Orlo’s BIG Social on 22 October in Birmingham.

We’re bringing together some of the most experienced and respected voices in UK public sector communications:

• Camilla Mankabady, Director of Strategic Communications and Corporate Affairs, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
  
• Paul Butler, Communications Lead for National Digital Channels, NHS England.
  
• Emma Harding, Head of Communications, Network Rail (North West).
  
• Chris Davidson, Deputy Head of Digital, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Hosted by Orlo’s own Helena Hornby, the discussion will explore the role of technology in forging more resilient communities.

From health and transport to the environment and local government, digital has become central to how public services engage. But as our panellists know from first-hand experience, opportunity comes with risk:

• Access and confidence: In Liverpool, refurbished devices and training programmes are helping thousands of residents get online, but whole communities remain excluded.
  
• Trust and misinformation: From viral TikToks to “fake news” around farming policy, comms leaders face daily battles to keep communities informed with accurate, reliable messages.
  
• Efficiency and impact: AI is already freeing up social workers’ time in St Helens and supporting rail passengers with real-time updates. But it also raises big questions about equity and accountability.
  
• Proving value: With budgets tight, data and evidence are essential. Engagement numbers are just the start; the real impact is measured in long-term outcomes.

These are the issues that shape the day-to-day work of public sector comms teams. And they’re exactly what our panel will be tackling head-on.

Expect a frank, practical conversation. The panellists will share lessons learned from the NHS, transport networks, local authorities, and central government, as well as answer some of your questions from the audience. They’ll debate:

• What “digital resilience” really means in 2025
• How to ensure innovation drives inclusion, not exclusion
• The skills and cultural shifts comms teams need to embrace
• How AI could close, or widen, the digital divide

And they’ll offer their take on one big question: If you could change one thing tomorrow to make digital work better for your community, what would it be?

This panel is just one part of a packed agenda at BIG Social. But it’s a must-hear for anyone working in or with the public sector.

If you want fresh ideas, honest reflections, and practical takeaways to bring back to your team, make sure you’re in the room.

BIG Social 2025
22 October | The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham

Register now – it’s free to attend, but places are limited and going fast!