Imagining a future without digital exclusion: Digital Futures for Good
Digital Futures for Good is our in-depth conversation series that imagines a nation without digital exclusion, focusing on the transformational potential of innovative initiatives and policymaking.
Connecting with policymakers & leaders in digital inclusion
Thanks to support from our strategic partners Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 and Nominet, we launched Digital Futures for Good, an exploratory conversation series that imagines a future without digital exclusion.
Each episode features a never-before-heard conversation between our CEO Helen Milner OBE and guests who are experienced in supporting digital inclusion in a particular area or industry. Helen and our guests discuss digital inclusion best practice and what could (and should!) be done to fix the digital divide.
The conversation is broadcast during an online event alongside commentary from expert speakers, focusing on the transformational potential of innovative initiatives and policymaking.
You can catch up on past episodes and read our reflections on the conversations below.
Digital Futures for Good episode 1 with Baroness Dido Harding and Baroness Anna Healy
Baroness Dido Harding and Baroness Anna Healy shared their experience as part of the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, exploring digital exclusion and the cost of living crisis.
The group also discusses the Baronesses' visit to Digital Inclusion Hub, Skills Enterprise, and their visions for a future Government when it comes to fixing the digital divide.
Digital Futures for Good episode 2 with Martha Lane Fox
During her conversation with Helen, Martha Lane Fox, dotcom entrepreneur, says: "The Prime Minister] can do less than some people will imagine, but the thing they can do is keep it [digital inclusion] a priority top of mind of their cabinet. We are building a modern Britain and that means using the tools of the modern age to make sure no one is left behind, that we have put modern technologies at the helm."
A tireless advocate for digital inclusion, Martha remains optimistic about what can be achieved with focused leadership and action.
Digital Futures for Good episode 3 with Emma Revie
Trussell Trust's vision is for a UK without the need for food banks. They are working towards a just, compassionate future, where no one should have the use a food bank to get by.
Emma and Helen's discussion covers the intersectional links between those living in poverty, including food poverty and data and digital poverty.
Digital Futures for Good episode 4 with Mayor Andy Burnham
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sat down with Helen to explain why we need collaboration to fix the digital divide.
Mayor Burnham explains how it could happen through a bottom-up, localised approach across the nation, and talks about the action they're taking to combat digital exclusion in the GMCA.
Digital Futures for Good bonus General Election Special
In our General Election Special, we heard from members of the National Digital Inclusion Network about their work in communities across the UK.
They spoke about the issues people they support face, and why we need to act now on digital inclusion.
Digital Futures For Good episode 5: Healthcare and Digital Transformation
In our sixth episode of Digital Futures For Good, we heard from Sam Shah and Minal Bakhai of NHS England on the impact of digital transformation in healthcare.
The discussion highlighted how digital shapes access to health services, with implications for who does and doesn’t benefit from care and better health.
Digital Futures for Good episode 6 with Nina Schick
In our sixth episode of Digital Futures For Good, we heard from AI authority and thought leader, Nina Schick.
Nina and Helen's discussion highlights the impact and role of AI both currently and on the future of digital exclusion - explaining how it's similar to the transformative power modern computing has had on society.
Digital Futures for Good episode 7 - Keir's 100 day special with Liz Williams
this episode of ‘Digital Futures for Good’ Helen Milner OBE sits down with Good Things Foundation Board Chair, Liz Williams MBE to reflect on Keir Starmer’s first 100 days in office.
In this anniversary special we considered what more needs to be done to ensure digital inclusion is firmly on the policy agenda in the next 100 days and beyond.
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Digital Futures for Good episode 8 - Pathways to Work Commission with Rt Hon Alan Milburn.
In this episode of ‘Digital Futures for Good’ host Helen Milner, Good Things Foundation’s Chief Executive, sits down with Rt Hon Alan Milburn for a discussion on the Pathways to Work Commission report.
With Milburn’s extensive experience as former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State for Health, the episode launch focuses on the key insights from the Commission’s findings on how to enhance access to employment, with a focus on how to do so in a rapidly digitising economy.
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Financial and Digital Inclusion: Digital Futures for Good panel
In this episode of Digital Futures for Good host Helen Milner spoke to four experts to explore the significant, and increasing, links between financial inclusion and digital inclusion. With different perspectives - business, regulatory, and civil society - the panellists shared their assessment of the challenges and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and innovation.
Our panellists for this episode were: Sara Weller (Money and Pensions Service Advisory Board), Jemma Waters (Lloyds Banking Group), Professor Martin Coppack (CHASM/Fair by Design) and Tamara Dewhirst (Virgin Money).
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