Digital Divide specialist group: Committee

Freddie Quek

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: BCS Fellow Member
Member, BCS Influence Board

DDSG Committee role: Chair

Bio: Freddie is a highly experienced and multiple award-winning global technology leader who has worked in Singapore, US and UK across automotive, higher education, publishing, loyalty, insurance, travel and financial services industries. He started the #joiningthedots initiative joining up 14 UK tech leaders communities to address #digitalinclusion, became special advisor and Community Board member of the Digital Poverty Alliance and established the BCS Digital Divide Specialist Group.

He serves on the boards at University of Bristol, BCS Influence Board and eLife, and is a member of the Technology Advisory Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He co-founded TechLinkUkraine to help displaced Ukrainian tech professionals.

Freddie is a Fellow of BCS and judge for the UK IT Industry and Women in IT awards. He has Master of Science degrees from the London School of Economics and Henley Business School and is an alumnus of Oxford University. In his spare time, he is a Research Associate at Henley Business School and a member of the London Multimedia Lab headed by Professor Patrick Humphreys, LSE.

LinkedIn profile: https://linkedin.com/in/freddiequek

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: I realised many of us in the tech/digital profession has this superpower skill to participate in the digital world that we take for granted when there are many who are unable to do so. I became more curious and found that in today's digital economy, 30% of the world's population are not on the Internet. In the UK, all across the spectrum from the young to the old, we are leaving people behind. BCS as a member-led organisation, identified closing the digital divide as one of its strategic priorities, and together with others, we are taking the responsibility to help "Make IT Good for Society" by "Leaving no one digitally behind".

BCS Member in the Community: I helped to join the dots across different initiatives and organisations. I am leading 3 pledges to the Digital Poverty Alliance's National Delivery Plan:
1) Tech Support Pilot
2) National Catalog of Digital Personas
3) HE sector-wide digital inclusion strategy

How can I help you? How can you help me?: Please get in touch if you need subject matter experts (SMEs) to understand the digital divide landscape and get advice on what to do at all levels.
Please come and join us to close the digital divide!

Contact details: chair.digitaldivide@bcs.org

Dave Donaghy

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: MBCS

DDSG Committee role: Vice Chair, Volunteer Coordination Officer

Bio: Dave is the Vice Chair and Volunteer Coordination Officer of the Digital Divide SG, and the Inclusion Officer of the Pride SG, both of which groups he was instrumental in creating.

He is also the Chair of the Bristol & Bath Branch, and is currently shifting the focus of the branch away from pre-covid activities to better reflect post-lockdown hybrid ways of working.

He is currently a BCS Councillor and has previously served as Councillor and Council-elected Trustee.

He has worked in Bristol and Bath as a software engineer for almost 30 years and is currently at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Bristol.

He has volunteered as. Charity trustee in Bath, and is currently a school governor there.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-donaghy-9459099b/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: Most people working in our industry, and certainly most experience people, are in very privileged positions; I feel a sense of responsibility to use that position to make things better for others.

BCS Member in the Community: Bath Digital Divide Collective

How can I help you? How can you help me?: Get involved locally, and feed that experience back into the SG.

Fiona Dawson

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: BCS Fellow, BCS F-TAG Member.

Other BCS or linked organisations professional credentials: CITP LFEDIP CDH-E CHCIO

DD SG Committee role: Treasurer

Bio: Fiona Dawson is Director at the international healthcare IT company, Mayden. She leads on the software development of the company’s flagship product, iaptus, and has particular responsibility for feature curation and external partnerships. iaptus is used as an electronic patient record system by more than 100 NHS organisations, and is also deployed in mental health settings in Canada, Australia and Ireland.

Fiona holds a first class degree in Applied Computing from the University of Bath and a Masters in Healthcare Data from Cambridge University. As a BCS Fellow, member of BCS F-TAG and a Chartered IT Professional, she works with those at the highest industry level to promote the safe, ethical and appropriate use of technology for the benefit of society. As a FEDIP Leading Practitioner, Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer and Certified Digital Health Executive, she is a passionate advocate for what technology can do to support healthcare and advocates for the health informatics profession. She holds a number of positions on national working groups that further key agendas, including interoperability.

Outside of work she holds a number of other directorships including a company supporting the provision of fully funded science tutoring for children on free school meals, and Bath Bridge, a community interest company addressing ‘divides’ in the city of Bath. She is an Ambassador for the Digital Poverty Alliance and is passionate about the local work undertaken with the BCS Digital Divide Specialist Group to address digital poverty in Bath.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaedawson/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: I believe that the digital divide - which refers to disparities across multiple dimensions including access to devices, connectivity, accessibility and skills – is a significant societal challenge. Although I view our profession and its impact on society as both positive and vital, I also acknowledge my responsibility to those for whom this progress does not provide opportunities, and its inherent potential to widen existing gaps, such as health inequalities, education, and employment prospects.

My first exposure to the digital divide in Bath was before the Covid pandemic. The years that have followed have only highlighted and compounded the issue, and since becoming increasingly aware of the challenges facing my local community, I have become focused on doing all I can to make a difference.

During the Bath Digital Festival 2023, I helped launch the Digital Divide Collective, a BANES-wide collaboration to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their digital potential to allow them to live, learn, work, and participate in a digital society. Led by Bath Bridge CIC and Tech4Good South West CIC and working together across a multitude of charities, industry partners and third sector organisations, the collective seeks to identify the barriers, map the need and to initiate some key actions or projects so that those at risk of being left behind have every chance to prosper from technology.

There are many aspects of the digital divide to address in BaNES, not least supporting our ageing population, and more broadly access to skills and employment. Bath is a city of extremes – on the one hand, one of significant wealth, and on the other, high levels of deprivation and poverty. This deprivation lies in hidden pockets of the city, within which there are significant inequality gaps in education, employment, and health outcomes. Although multi-faceted and multi-layered, the digital divide is often a common element that is in some way contributing to the impact of these inequalities. As a result, these communities face digital barriers that continue to exclude them from society, not least as many government departments and core services have now moved to ‘digital access first.’ The shifts to digitising our world means that only too often, the people who are most in need are those most disadvantaged, particularly around accessing core services. They not only lack access to the necessary infrastructure but also the self-confidence, skills, and access to appropriate devices together with the human-level support required to help them access the digital world and lead a safe, rewarding, and fulfilled life.

Bath is not alone. Through the Digital Divide Specialist Group I am excited to volunteer alongside a purpose driven group of people seeking to make a difference. I want to support not only changes in my local community but also to identify how to have impact nationally, share best practice, raise awareness and influence policy. It is rewarding to be part of such an active group that is wanting to make a significant and meaningful positive impact in these ways and more.

BCS Member in the Community: Bath Digital Divide Collective
Bath Tech & Data Bank

How can I help you? How can you help me?: Please contact me if you would like to support any of our efforts in Bath and North East Somerset, or if you have suggestions on how we can do more or better! 

Contact details: via Digital Divide SG

Maria Shiao

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: MBCS

DDSG Committee role: Secretary

Bio: For more than 20 years, Maria developed new businesses and markets for leading tech and industrial companies such as AT&T, Orange, IBM, Cisco, Halma and BP. She has a particularly deep experience in building new solutions, partnerships and ecosystems across digital and physical industries.

A business angel across a number of sectors and technologies, Maria is now focussing on coaching startups, entrepreneurs and tech talent in the UK and European innovation ecosystem.

She holds a BS (Honors) in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, a Master’s Degree in Electronics from Telecom Paris, an MBA (Honors) from ESSEC, and a Professional Certificate in Coaching from Henley Business School. 

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.co.uk/in/mariashiao

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: As a telecoms professional, I was confronted to the digital divide early in my career: subsea fibre optic cables just connected international capital cities, like a motorway with no exits. Fast forward a few more years, and access to fixed and mobile broadband (and devices) is still an issue, especially for the less privileged.

Having witnessed the digital divide and the importance of digital skills in the world of social media and disinformation, my personal mission is to avoid making the same mistakes with the advent of Generative AI, and pushing for an environmentally and socially responsible AI.

BCS Member in the Community: My main involvement is with the day to day operations of our Specialist Group, however I am also an active member of the London Chapter, especially any activity having to do with developing AI skills so that we leave no one behind.

How can I help you? How can you help me?: We are always looking for new volunteers to help us spread the word across the BCS chapters and communities!

If you have a speaker or an idea on how to address the Digital Divide, let us know.

Contact details: Please message me via BCS Community @maria.shiao

Margaret Ross MBE, Hon FBCS, FBCS, CITP, CEng, CSci, FIST

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: Current BCS roles to various BCS MGs - Chair; Vice Chair, Treasurer; Secretary, Inclusion Officer, Committee member ;a BCS Unconscious Bias trainer, previously on BCS Council and Trustee Board also BCS representative on the Engineering Council.

DD SG Committee role: Committee member, Member Groups’ Liaison Officer 

Bio: Emeritus Professor of Software Quality at Solent University. Having started from mathematics degrees, leading to computing, and still acting as an External Examiner for PhDs. I have been actively involved as a BCS volunteer for many years, currently Chair Hampshire Branch; Vice Chair eLearning SG; Vice Chair, Treasurer Quality SG; Secretary Dorset Branch, GreenIT SG; Secretary, Inclusion Officer AGD SG; Committee member BCSWomen SG ; a BCS Unconscious Bias trainer, previously on BCS Council and Trustee Board, BCS representative on the Engineering Council, and an independent member and Council member of PITCOM (Parliamentary IT Committee). I organise BCS competitions for AGD, GreenIT and eLearning SGs for HE students, schools and BCS members, with winners from UK and overseas and annual SQM and INSPIRE quality and educational BCS conferences.

I have been involved in assisting in the organisation some of our events, including on dementia, autism, those with Visual Impairment and the elderly.

I have been lucky enough to be awarded MBE, BCS HonFBCS, BCS John Ivison Medal, a runner-up in 2020 for the BCS Society Medal and added to the 2020 Computer Weekly’s Hall of Fame.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-ross-2671901/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: I wish to encourage better understanding between Government, BCS and other Professional Bodies, national and local business organisations, schools and the media to increase awareness of those experiencing any form of digital divide. Over the years, I have had excellent students who have overcome tremendous problems but had such problems in obtaining initial employment, due I feel to the lack of understanding of the digital divide by potential employers.

Computing can be such an interesting and fast changing area that I would like to encourage those, regardless of their issues and students to consider working with technology to ensure we will have high quality computer professionals needed for the future.

BCS Member in the Community: I have been founder and active with a charity in Southampton, to assist elderly, and also those needing help in the city.

How can I help you? How can you help me?: My links has helped me to promote the activities of our specialist group and to hold joint activities with other BCS membership groups. I have been involved in assisting in the organisation some of our events, including on dementia, autism, the elderly and those with VI and other physical disabilities, so am always looking for presenters. 

Contact details: Margaret.ross@bcs.org.uk

Charlie Houston-Brown

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: Chair, BCS North Staffordshire

DD SG Committee role: Membership Secretary

Bio: Charlie founded a business system consultancy having worked in corporate IT for over 30 years, operating globally to improve business processes, systems and supply chains within complex and demanding manufacturing organisations. Originally from Northern Ireland, Charlie settled in Stoke-on-Trent over 25 years ago, was warmly welcomed and has been proud to call it home ever since.

He is the current Chair of the BCS North Staffordshire Branch, bringing educators and businesses together to help shrink the digital divide within Staffordshire and beyond.  Charlie was elected to BCS Council in 2022. Charlie also chairs the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Digital Forum and is a board member of Silicon Stoke, supporting the digital city ambitions for Stoke-on-Trent.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-houston-brown/

Rubi Kaur

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: FBCS, CITP

DD SG Committee role: Inclusion Officer

Bio: I am the Chief Enterprise Architect at Lloyds Banking Group. With over 25 years of technical lead experience from previous roles at Vodafone, BT, O2 and the UK Government. I have led award winning teams to win the Business Green IT Team of the year and the UK Government Finance Award for Sustainability. I am an active fellow and former Trustee of the British Computer Society, Chartered Institute of IT and recently I am the Inclusion Officer the BCS Digital Divide Specialist Group.

My passion is to help architect progressive, fair, inclusive, ethical and responsible digital technology for everyone. So that we leave no one behind in the digital age. I'm a connector, I make sure everyone is involved and everyone has point of view. For the last 4 years I have featured in the Computer Weekly list of most Influential Women in technology.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubikaur/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: We live in an age of Digital Enlightenment, which opens up opportunties for many. But that’s the problem its for the many and not for the few. The few are the disadvantaged who are increasingly becoming further and further left behind and falling into the chasm of the digital divide. I believe we all have a role to play to ensure the chasm doesn't get any wider and we throw a lifeline to pull those in the digital divide chasm out. By being part of the DDSG group I am going to do my utmost best to leave no one behind and throwing that lifeline out to those in need. 

BCS Member in the Community: Raising awareness when I speak on panels or conferences. Showcasing the good work happening with the digital poverty alliance.

How can I help you? How can you help me?: Let me know if there are any areas where you believe I can get more involved to solve the Digital Divide in our society

Maureen Childs

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: MBCS

DD SG Committee Role: Aging Population Liaison (AgeUK)

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: At the Portsoken Community Centre, a quiet crisis was brewing. The digital help once provided by a dedicated volunteer was gone, leaving the community's older residents stranded in the rapidly advancing world of technology. The Centre's sole staff member, already stretched thin, found herself overwhelmed by requests—not only for IT help but also for translation and local knowledge from the diverse, multilingual community.

Qualified computer technicians were quickly hired by local businesses, leaving the Centre without affordable tech support. Many seniors, frustrated by their inability to keep up with technology, had abandoned their computers altogether, relying on mobile phones instead. But even those were confusing and problematic for some.

I suggested establishing a self-help group using AI to ease the burden and empower the community, but the path forward was fraught with challenges. Funding was needed to hire a room, acquire devices, and find patient, understanding teachers. The Centre’s manager and I held two meetings and began the daunting task of applying for grants.
Despite Portsoken's location in one of the wealthiest cities in the world, even securing a free room proved difficult. Yet, in the face of these obstacles, there remained a quiet determination to bridge the Digital Divide.

James Davenport

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: FBCS CITP Hon FBCS; Council, Trustee Board, F-TAG; Quantum SG Treasurer

DD SG Committee Role: Higher Education Liaison

Bio: MBCS (1987-2007) then Fellow (2007-), Council since 2010. Vice-President (Academy) 2014-2020. MA Mmath PhD (Cambridge) and have taught Maths/Computing at Bath since 1983 (Professor 1986-). Research speciality is Computer Algebra, but also teaches Cybersecurity.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-davenport-td-dsc-h-c-fbcs-fima-citp-cmath-29b2377/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: Several elderly friends, who are challenged by online "services" as well as issues of access.

BCS Member in the Community: Member of Bristol Branch

How can I help you? How can you help me?: Can students help you? Do you have projects you think students could work on?

Contact details: via DD SG

Sean Sadler

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: MBCS, CITP

DD SG Committee role: Early Career Advocate

Bio: Sean is an award winning and experienced Senior IT Leader, Advisor, Mentor and Trustee for both corporate and charitable organisations. He has been professionally recognised by becoming a Chartered IT Professional of the British Computer Society and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.
Sean has worked within both the private and public sectors, where he has performed as a visionary leader building high performing teams and built business-enhancing systems and services. Sean has moved into a Director of Consulting role related to Cloud and Digital Transformation, to provide other companies with the benefit of his knowledge and experience.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-sadler-cloudchoices/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: From a personal perspective, Sean has a real passion for using the knowledge and experience he has gained to help address some of the issues facing society today, such as digital poverty, homelessness and the responsible use of technology to enhance sustainability initiatives. He is also keen to inspire others to think of how they could do more.

Aidene Quek

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: Student Member

DD SG Committee role: I am a final year student at University of Bath, studying BSc International Management and French. This degree allows me to combine my passion for the methodical and analytical nature of the sciences with the creativity of art, history and literature of languages.

I volunteer for the role of Social Media Officer for BCS Digital Divide Specialist Group to use my skills to help amplify what we can do to use technology to close the digital divide. Recently I have just completed my year abroad in Paris with Edenred doing Social Media and PR and BNP Paribas supporting the Leadership & Change Development Team. Alongside my studies, I am a private tutor for German and French GCSE and AS level, as well as a freelance photographer

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidenequek/

Why I volunteer in the DD SG: Use my social media skills to help amplify what we can do to use technology to close the digital divide.

BCS Member in the Community: My main involvement is to use the social media skills I have learnt and applied working for Times Higher Education and EdenRed to support the SG.

How can I help you? How can you help me?: I hope to help the SG to connect with my generation of peers.

Contact details: via DD SG

Alastair Irons

BCS Membership, other BCS positions: FBCS, CITP, FIET, FHEA, SFSEDA

DD SG Committee role: Internal Communications Officer

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-irons-5527b31/