Tech volunteers asked to join fight against COVID-19

Tech volunteers are being asked to join the fight against COVID-19, following the launch of a new ‘Scottish Tech Army’ aimed at linking those with technical skills to projects in need of help.

A new community platform, run by CivTech, will attempt to link technically skilled people who have been furloughed, or are out of work, with public sector organisations that are developing digital projects to help tackle the outbreak of the virus and the management of the recovery process.

Under the scheme, CivTech will identify projects in need of support, while recruitment firms and senior figures from within the digital technology community will find volunteers with the right skills to offer help.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes said: “Our tech community can really support the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I know how much talent and skill exists within the tech community and this welcome initiative gives volunteers the chance to play a valuable role while continuing to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Volunteers can sign up to join the Scottish Tech Army at https://www.scottishtecharmy.org. 

The web site also provides a mechanism for individuals and organisations to suggest project ideas that the Scottish Tech Army can tackle.