One voice across sectors: Reflecting on roundtables to fix the digital divide

Digital exclusion is now recognised as a concerning issue

I’m excited. Last week, I chaired four roundtables on fixing the digital divide - convening experts from across the country and across sectors with one purpose: to feed into the new Government’s thinking on digital inclusion.

I’m excited because the Secretary of State, Peter Kyle, and Minister Chris Bryant have both said they’re committed to digital inclusion. They recognise digital exclusion is damaging lives, communities, and economic growth; that digital exclusion is a barrier to opportunities for all.

We had a brilliant response from those we invited to take part. The level of engagement and contribution was superb. Inevitably, limited time, space and our aim to engage a rich mix of perspectives restricted numbers but, as DSIT officials confirmed, this is the start of the conversation.

Progress is being made for digital inclusion

We’ve now compiled (pro-bono) all the briefing papers and write-ups from the four roundtables on Access; Skills; Services; and Confidence and Engagement - recognising these are overlapping and interconnected. We’ve also summarised thoughts on opportunities for action, recognising the tight fiscal context but also that failure to tackle digital exclusion undermines delivery across the Government’s Missions. Especially for growing the economy, the NHS, and opportunities for all. 

Of course, we’re not starting from scratch. Our briefing papers and the roundtable discussions showed there’s plenty of good practice, learning and evidence already. As well as ideas for action, improvement, and innovation. 

We'll fix the digital divide through collaboration

The roundtables also demonstrated the strength of ambition and depth of cross-sector commitment to fix the digital divide. No single Government department, or organisation, or sector, or region can deliver digital inclusion alone. We have to work together. We’re ready to do so. 

So that’s why I’m excited. I expect to see action from this Government, and further opportunities for engagement, enabling more people to contribute. 

I look forward to hearing from the Secretary of State and the Minister about  next steps.