In this episode, we discuss how businesses can promote digital safety awareness and contribute to a safer digital community overall with Chris Gale. We also touch on the role of regulations, corporate responsibility, and education in enhancing cyber security. Join us as we navigate through the maze of cyber security, shedding light on challenges, solutions and their capacity to make a significant social impact. 


Chris Gale is a Business Development Director at We Are Group. Chris is a former Aviation electronics engineer who developed and facilitated human factors within the Aviation industry to improve human performance and reduce errors. With a passion for uplifting and empowering people, Chris left the Aviation industry and moved into the education sector.  It was here that he saw first-hand the disparity of digital skills throughout the community and was empowered to move into the social impact sector. Engineering still influences his thought process, and instead of now fixing aircraft, he is focused on fixing the digital divide. He believes that in 2024, it is a travesty that people are left behind and their situation worsened by the ever-increasing digital world driven by business and government; there must be a moral standpoint in which mechanisms are in place so that no person suffers from the digitisation services. 

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In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of digital exclusion in rural areas. Despite the rapid advancement of technology, many rural communities still need access to reliable internet services, leading to a digital divide that not only affects their social interactions but also hinders economic growth and educational opportunities. Join us as we explore the root causes of this digital disparity, its consequences, and potential solutions. Listen in to understand how we can bridge the gap and ensure that everyone, regardless of their geographical location, has equal access to the digital world.


Kerry Booth
Kerry is the Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network.  She has been working with the Rural Service Network for almost ten years, honing her skills in representing rural service providers at a strategic level.  Kerry is a highly motivated, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills who is able to interact with a range of audiences in an engaging and persuasive manner. She has a successful track record of working in a political environment and an excellent understanding of the challenges facing organisations delivering services in rural communities.

Prior to joining the RSN, Kerry worked for almost a decade in Local Government, where she was part of the National Graduate Development Programme. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Local Government Management at Warwick Business School. She then held a number of positions in a rural local authority, with the last five years spent leading a joint Policy, Performance, and Improvement Team across two shared rural local authorities. 

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This podcast episode delves into the critical topic of remote roles for disabled individuals. As the government urges more disabled people to transition into work-from-home roles, we explore whether the job market offers enough remote opportunities and if organisations provide ample support for this work mode. 

Guest Dr Calum Carson

Dr Calum Carson is a Senior Research Associate within the Division of Health Research, Lancaster University. His current research project is the Inclusive Remote and Hybrid Working Study, which explores how to make remote and hybrid models of work more inclusive for the needs of disabled people.  Beyond this, his research interests broadly revolve around corporate social responsibility and the Decent Work Agenda, specifically around low pay and the needs of underrepresented groups and individuals within the labour market.

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Social Footprint is brought to you by We Are Group

In this episode, we delve into the concept of the "digital first" approach that has been widely adopted in our increasingly digital world. We explore what this approach signifies for individuals, communities, and businesses and what we can do to ensure people can keep up with the transition. 

Mark is a Professor of Digital Economy at the University of Exeter Business School and part of DIGIT Lab, an EPSRC Next Stage Digital Economy Research Centre. He is closely associated with the push for the adoption of open standards and digital platforms in the public sector.  He chairs a variety of digital conferences, and his work has appeared in Government Information Quarterly, Public Administration, Journal of Public Administration, Research and Theory, The MJ, Government Computing, The Guardian, Financial Times, The Economist and more.
 
In 2022, Mark was also Strategy Director at Methods Group, specialising in the digital transformation of public services, and a main Board Member at TechUK, blending the roles of academic, practitioner, and policy commentator.  In 2010-2012, Mark was IT Futures Advisor to George Osborne, a pro bono Cabinet Office role that involved policymaking around open standards and data across the UK government.  He has keynoted Departmental Away days for the Home Office, DFE, DEFRA, DWP, GDS, MHCLG, and many senior audiences (e.g. General Staff, British Army, Cabinet Office round tables).

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Social Footprint is brought to you by We Are Group

This episode discusses the ever-increasing sophistication of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the role it is playing in cyber-crime, the effect this has on people, and how organisations can support their customers in the face of AI-fuelled cyber-crime. 

Professor Karen Elliott is Chair (Full Professor) of Practice in Finance/FinTech at the University of Birmingham Business School and Co-Director of the FinTech MSc Programme. She has been named as ‘Standout #35 Women in FinTech Powerlist by Innovate Finance’ for Policy and Governance 2019/ 2020/2021. In addition, Karen is an Advisory Board member to Incuto, championing access to fair and affordable finance, and an Impact Council member for We Are Group addressing the digital divide. Karen co-leads Agency, UKFin Network+ and INFINITY projects (£12m EPSRC/UKRI/Research England) to optimise trustworthy, responsible, and ethical AI. A member of the Prime Minister’s Champions Group for Dementia, Corporate Digital Responsibility, Radix, IEEE Global Initiative Planet Positive and a Digital Poverty Alliance Ambassador, Karen seeks a balance between academia and practice towards an equitable digital society.

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In our latest podcast episode, we tackle the process of a career change, a journey that can be challenging and daunting when moving into a new field. We delve into the lack of structured pathways and support for those wishing to switch careers and discuss potential solutions. We also explore the role businesses can play in facilitating this transition, providing clear and accessible support for those eager to embark on a new career path. 

Dave Cordle
Following careers in cartography and computer systems development, Dave found his true calling as a Career Coach in 2001. Since then, he has worked with clients at all levels and across a vast range of industries and professions, fulfilling his passion of giving people the skills and confidence to define and create success on their terms. 

 Known as The Career Mountaineer on LinkedIn, Dave draws inspiration and analogies for career journeys from his expeditions to high mountain ranges and polar regions. Dave is a UK Registered Career Development Professional and a Fellow of The CDI (Career Development Institute), for whom he is a past President and Chair of the Board of Directors. He has also served as a governor and chair of the Institute of Career Certification International’s Global Career Council. 

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In the UK, there are millions of digitally challenged individuals who lack basic digital skills. As a result, many customers rely on Call Centres for assistance with basic tasks. This episode discusses how organisations can reduce Call Centre pressures and improve operational efficiency whilst making a positive social impact in the face of the digital divide.

Jonathan (JP) Prew is the Managing Director at We Are Group. Having spent a good portion of his career in corporate roles, he moved into the field of Social Impact, which combined his business background with a desire to make a positive social difference. He has extensive public and private sector experience, with expertise in outsourcing, change management, and technology. He has generated over £1bn in new business and managed a staff base of 5000+ with a P&L responsibility of over £400m. JP has a full life cycle of experience from contract launch to delivery of operational improvements, renegotiation, and transition.

He has worked in various industries, including the Private sector, Local Authority, Education, Housing Associations, Central Government, Social Care, Voluntary Sector, and Emergency Services. His achievements have been recognised with two global awards for inspirational leadership. 

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In this episode, we delve into the complexities and challenges currently facing the UK welfare sector. We explore the issue of fragmentation, where different services are not interconnected, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in support for those who need it most. We also discuss potential solutions that the sector and organisations can adopt to continue helping people in a more efficient way.


Matthew (Matt) Adam is the Founder of We Are Group, a mission-led scale-up based in the West Midlands disrupting the tech-for-good space. Founded in 2012, We Are Group now helps around 100,000 people a year to get online, access essential government online services, manage money and debts, gain new jobs, and ultimately improve their lives. Matt is a 2023 Digital Leader of the Year nominee backed by Europe's top impact investors.
Matt enjoys playing tennis, spending time with his two young daughters, and watching films when he isn't working.

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Together, we will discover how businesses and individuals can contribute to building sustainable and thriving communities. So, sit back, tune in, and let's explore the transformative power of the social footprint.

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LinkedIn: @WeAreGroup.

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Want to work with We Are Group? Contact us here or email: [email protected]


To find out more about We Are Group's services visit wearegroup.com


Social Footprint is brought to you by We Are Group