DigiLocal, John Bradford

DigiLocal is an independent registered charity for the public benefit, to advance the education of young people in the UK from groups that are under-represented within the technology industry. DigiLocal addresses the skills gap in the tech industry through community-based digital skills training and mentoring for young people.

Chief Executive Officer, John Bradford’s vision focuses on creating accessible pathways into technology for those traditionally excluded from digital industries, including underrepresented youth. By establishing local hubs and providing hands-on experience, DigiLocal cultivates a sense of inclusion, empowerment, and readiness for future careers in tech.

DigiLocal is nominated as a Tech4Good South West Champion as an initiative that exemplifies how technology can be a force for good by breaking down barriers, building confidence, and equipping young people with essential 21st-century skills. Take a listen to our podcast episode with John, Developing Digital Talent in Young People - which highlights how DigiLocal engages underrepresented youth across the city, helping them build essential digital skills and confidence through practical tech projects and community support, fostering Bristol’s next generation of digital innovators.

Why do you think technology can and should be used as a force for good?

I believe we have an individual and collective responsibility to use our assets to benefit the planet and the people thereon. Those assets might include physical resources, financial resources, personal networks, subject knowledge, etc. Technology is possibly the greatest amplifier of those assets currently available. For too many people, access to opportunities is determined by accident of birth. It is the responsibility of everyone to identify those barriers and discriminations, remove them, and support those affected to reach their full potential.

Describe your background and experience that led you to DigiLocal

I was fortunate to be born a white male in the UK in the 1970's. I passed the 16+ and went to University to study Engineering. From there I completed my Doctorate in Systems Theory and Change, working for the University of Plymouth. I then spent around 20 years between academia and industry, supporting innovation projects in aerospace & technology. During all this time I'd volunteered with a charity supporting marginalised young people (though not technology related). While running High Tech Bristol and Bath, I saw the opportunity to make a direct difference with what became DigiLocal.

Summarise the DigiLocal tech for good journey

DigiLocal came out of a skills and diversity event co-hosted by High Tech Bristol & Bath, and the Local Enterprise Partnership Skills team. We worked with the Somali Resource Centre, and other community partners, to understand what would help their young people access coding skills. We worked with the high tech cluster to understand the barriers to their greater volunteering in support of young people.

Since it's launch in 2015, DigiLocal has supported over 200 volunteers and 3,000 young people. This has mainly been through our weekly coding clubs in community venues. Our young people have gone on to study Computer Science at GCSE, A-Level, and degree. We also have young people returning as volunteers for the next generation. We have been the NASA Space Apps Challenge Lead for Bristol since 2020 and are piloting an internship programme to give young people paid experience prior to their first full role.

John Bradford

DigiLocal - Felix Road Adventure Playground Club