This marked an exciting step toward strengthening collaboration and learning across the programme. The Community of Practice (CoP), led by QCAP (Queen’s University Belfast) is designed to bring partners together around a common purpose, with this first session focused on building a strong foundation and setting shared direction for our ongoing work. The meeting offered space for reflection, dialogue, and practical planning. The meeting began by establishing the shared purpose, principles, and foundation for trust that will guide our SUMIT CoP. Participants discussed the importance of collective learning and mutual support, highlighting that collaboration would be central to realising SUMIT’s ambitions for all.

A key highlight was the opportunity to reflect on local learning from our Community and Voluntary sector partners. Organisations reflected information on their services and service user landscape; alongside recognition of current challenges and recent successes within their organisation and geographical area. These experiences brought to life the diversity of local contexts and demonstrated the value of peer exchange. Participants noted some similar issues which resonated across regions, as well as learning from place-based successes, reinforcing the importance of collaborative learning.

Building on these reflections, the session turned to learning from best practice examples. Expert contributions from the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) provided inspiration and practical insight. Alan Connor (DHI's portfolio lead of Digital Addiction Support) shared approaches to embedding digital inclusion within existing service provision, with a focus on the impact of digital solutions in Scotland. Aaron Slater (Digital Inclusion Manager, SCVO) explored digital inclusion in more detail, with consideration at individual, organisational and sectoral levels. These sessions sparked rich discussion on how such models could be relevant, adaptable and scalable within the SUMIT context.

The meeting closed with a forward-looking discussion on next steps, including who else should be part of the conversation and how the CoP will continue to evolve. Members agreed on the importance of broadening participation, fostering ongoing knowledge exchange, and initiating collaborative activities that translate shared learning into tangible outcomes.

As one participant noted, “The power of this community lies in learning from each other. Our challenges, our creativity, and our collective drive to make digital inclusion real.”

The first SUMIT CoP meeting set the tone for an open, inclusive, and action-oriented network; one that will continue to facilitate, share, and promote best practice across the partnership.

SUMIT is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)”