Tech for Good Scotland - 27th May 2025, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Hosted at BJSS, 180 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2NR
Tech for Good Scotland is a free networking event for people working in the third sector using digital, data and design to do good stuff. This includes:
- Funders supporting organisations to use technology to better deliver services.
- Public sector folks working in policy, funding and delivery.
- Activists using digital to engage with communities and bring about change.
- Third sector staff and volunteers
- Start-ups and established businesses passionate about tech for good.
Part of the Tech for Good UK Network, there will be two great speakers, you'll get the chance to meet others using digital as a tool for positive change plus the opportunity to share your own work with those attending.
Here are the speakers and the topics for the next Tech For Good Scotland:
Why Trustworthy, Ethical and Inclusive AI Matters?
with Steph Wright, Head of Scottish AI Alliance
In Scotland national AI strategy, a vision was set out for Scotland to become a leader in trustworthy, ethical and inclusive AI. But what does this mean and why do we think it matters? How can you use AI ethically and safely? Do you need to use it at all?
Join Steph Wright, Head of Scottish AI Alliance. Steph led on Data Lab’s efforts in support of the Scottish Government in developing Scotland’s AI Strategy and she’s now leading on the delivery of the strategy’s vision for Scotland to be a leader in the development and use of trustworthy, ethical and inclusive AI. She is also Co-Founder of Diverse AI and was recognised as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2023 and one of the Top 10 Women in Tech in Scotland in 2023. She was also awarded the 2024 DataIQ Award for Data & AI For Good Champion.
Games for Good: Unlocking the Power of Play for Social Impact
with Eliza Ralph, PhD Researcher, Founder & Director Spectral Wrender Ltd
In this talk, Eliza will explore how serious games - those designed with a purpose beyond entertainment - can be leveraged in the charity sector to drive social impact.
Eliza is a founder, technologist, and researcher focused on designing innovative solutions at the intersection of technology, gaming, and nature.
Drawing from her own experiences from working a decade in the mobile games industry and her experiences working with conservation charities, Eliza will share insights on how games can serve as powerful tools for engaging audiences, facilitating learning, raising awareness, and driving real-world action.
Previous event: Thursday 30th January, 10am-12pm
Hosted at BJSS, 180 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2NR
We hosted another successful Tech for Good Scotland event at BJSS in Glasgow. Attendees from various sectors gathered to explore the positive impact of digital, data, and design in the third sector.
We're grateful to all who participated and contributed to the engaging discussions. For those who couldn't attend, we've prepared a recap video highlighting the day's key moments to catch up on the inspiring sessions and collaborative atmosphere.
Here’s what we talked about in January:
Open Up: Build Trust and Impact Through Transparent Communication
with Robyn Barclay, (she/her), Third Sector Lab
In a world where trust and collaboration are key, open working is your secret weapon. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or a changemaker, working in the open helps you connect meaningfully with funders, colleagues, and communities.
Join Robyn Barclay, Communication, Content, and Marketing Executive at Third Sector Lab, for a practical session based on their highly-rated eight-week Open Working Programme. Learn how to share your organisation's journey through weeknotes, break down barriers to transparency, and build a structure that works for your team.
Step into this interactive talk and discover how to boost understanding, trust, and impact through open communication.
Innovating for Impact: Bridging Universities, Tech, and Social Good
with Manish Joshi, Non-Executive Director at the Scottish Government
This talk will explore how universities, technology, and social impact can come together to create real, tangible change in our communities. It will highlight the role of universities in fostering innovation, the potential of tech to solve big problems, and the power of collaboration to make a difference.
As a Non-Executive Director at the Scottish Government and Professor of Practice at the University of Strathclyde, Manish brings a unique perspective to the intersection of public policy, academia, and digital transformation.
Manish has served as a trustee for several organisations, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Stepwell, and EMMS International. His involvement with various charities and social enterprises underscores his dedication to creating social impact.
Become a Sponsor of Tech for Good Scotland
Joining forces with Tech for Good Scotland isn't just about putting your name out there; it's about being part of a community that believes technology can make the world a better place.
We're not just talking numbers, but with a reach of over 50,000 people across our social platforms, and an event that brings together over 50 decision-makers from the third, private, and public sectors, the impact could be significant.
By sponsoring our event, you're not just boosting your brand visibility; you're aligning with a mission that matters. Let's make a difference together, in a way that resonates with everyone involved.
Who is Tech for Good Scotland for?
- Anyone working in the third sector using digital, data and design to do good stuff.
- Funders supporting organisations to use technology to better deliver services.
- Public sector folks working in policy, funding and delivery.
- Activists using digital to engage with communities and bring about change.
- Professionals working in businesses and start-ups passionate about tech for good.
Priority ticketing is given to those working in the third sector and community activists. We also have free tickets for funders, start-ups, tech for good businesses and public sector folks.
Third Sector Lab organised Scotland's first meet-ups focused on digital as a tool for social good back in 2010 - Be Good Be Social. Those events ran for almost a decade, bringing together a wide range of people passionate about tech, design and data.
Principles we are working to as part of the Tech for Good UK Network:
- Technology can be a force for good in society
- Work in the open - it makes collaboration easier. We’re here to collaborate, work together and be part of something bigger.
- Lead by example - celebrate the radical approaches brought by everyone in the community and understand that people have different lived experiences.
- Do no harm / operate responsibly - despite our best intentions, no one is exempt from making a mistake. But we strive to do our utmost best to ensure we’re accountable for our actions.
- Don’t ponder, do. But do so responsibly.
Why is it 10am-12pm?
I ran a poll on Twitter and this time slot was most popular. It allows folks from outwith Glasgow to get in easily and it allows working parents & carers to attend without lots of planning. Unfortunately no timeslot we choose is going to be perfect for everyone. We will see how this goes and we can change timings for the next one if there's enough demand.