Our suppliers help schools see the future

High school pupils in Dundee are looking to the future after visits from Social Security Scotland suppliers Fujitsu and Mphasis.

The technology companies have been running tailored technology events as part of their contracts with us.

Our Community Benefits Strategy 2024 – 2027 details how economic, social or environmental benefits are built into our contracts with businesses in Dundee, Glasgow or other areas and are a way for our suppliers to support local areas they work in.

Fujitsu, who power some of the IT we use to support client applications, ran a two-day Hackathon at Harris Academy. Four talented teams of senior pupils from S4-S6 took on the challenge of designing an Artificial Intelligence invoicing app and pitching their final products to a panel of judges.

Mphasis, who provide us with specialist digital and technical support, hosted a session focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at Baldragon Academy.

This allowed pupils to dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence and feedback from the pupils showed that on a scale of 1-5, the average rating for the session was 4.2.

Both projects were run in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce Tay Cities, which connects employers with young people and education.

Kacey Dunsmore, Developing the Young Workforce School coordinator, said:

“I was absolutely thrilled to team up with Social Security Scotland and Mphasis to bring an exciting, thought-provoking, and inspiring AI session to the amazing young people at Baldragon Academy.

“Seeing their enthusiasm and creativity was the highlight of the day. These young people are our future, and opportunities like these are invaluable.

“Life-changing experiences and meaningful engagement with leading professionals are only possible through partnership and strong community collaboration.”

Derrick Welsh, of Social Security Scotland, said:

“Community Benefits are now an essential part of our procurement and contract processes and ensure the businesses we work with are able to make positive differences in their own local areas.

“We are pleased to see first-hand how our suppliers are delivering on the commitments our in our Community Benefits strategy while inspiring young people.”