Coventry Council's Digital Programme Wins National Diversity and Inclusion Award
The #CovConnects initiative has been recognised for its innovative approach to digital inclusion and environmental sustainability.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
AI
Close-up of a laptop and tablet with a green circuit board pattern, symbolising digital inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Coventry City Council's digital inclusion programme, #CovConnects, has secured the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy of the Year award at the Women in Green Business Awards.
The prestigious award celebrates #CovConnects' innovative strategy for helping residents get online, access opportunities, and improve their lives through strong partnerships and a sustainable environmental model.
Central to the programme is the #CovConnects Device Bank, which refurbishes donated laptops, tablets, and smartphones, giving them a new lease of life before distribution to voluntary organisations. This initiative creates an environmentally recognised model that delivers social value while actively reducing electronic waste.
The Women in Green Business Awards, held in London on 7 October, recognise organisations and individuals driving positive environmental and social change. #CovConnects was specifically lauded for its unique model, led by an all-female council team, and its collaborative work with partners including Virgin Media O2, the University of Warwick, the NHS, and various community and voluntary organisations.
The programme provides crucial support to a diverse range of individuals, including female survivors of domestic abuse and families, enabling them to access essential services, employment opportunities, and vital digital skills. In Coventry, a significant proportion of residents, 6 in 10, rely solely on smartphones due to a lack of laptop or PC access, with 14,000 individuals completely offline.
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"We're incredibly proud that CovConnects has received this national recognition. This award reflects the passion and dedication of the team behind the programme and the partnerships that make it possible."
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"What makes CovConnects so special, is that it brings together organisations from across the city with a shared purpose: tackling digital exclusion and creating opportunities for residents. At the same time, we're extending the life of unwanted technology, helping to build a greener future for Coventry."
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"This achievement demonstrates how local government, businesses, health partners and the voluntary sector can work together to create lasting change. It's a perfect example of innovation, delivering real benefits for people and communities."
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"The award is a significant milestone for CovConnects, which has become a nationally recognised example of how digital inclusion and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand."
