Big news! Government launches a new digital inclusion action plan

Digital inclusion on the national agenda

Today, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) launched their Digital Inclusion Action Plan - firmly placing the issue on the national agenda. With recognition from the heart of Government that urgent and joined-up action is needed to enable millions of people to overcome barriers to good work, good health and realising their full potential.

A new cross-Government ministerial group has been established to ensure that digital inclusion is central to boosting employability and accessing vital services, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. With an external task force, holding the Government to account, the action plan signifies a significant systemic change to tackling digital exclusion.

Helen Milner, CEO at Good Things said: “For the first time ever, digital inclusion is firmly on the national agenda. It’s fantastic to see recognition from the heart of Government that urgent and joined-up action is needed to enable millions of people to overcome barriers to good work, good health and realising their full potential. As the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation is delighted to see recognition of the vital role hyper local community organisations and civil society has played in fixing the digital divide, and a clear vision for how the national and devolved Government can amplify and build on that. This is a major milestone in our push for an inclusive and prosperous society where no-one is left behind.”

Alongside key actions and industry pledges comes a call for evidence for the public to have their say on what works for digital inclusion, specifically focused on four key areas: Digital skills, data and device poverty, digital services and building confidence and supporting local delivery.

Five key actions

Whilst the call for evidence demonstrates long-term goals to ensure systemic change, the action plan announced five immediate key actions for driving forward digital inclusion:

• A new Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund that will be delivered in partnership with local leaders and devolved government.
• Support for a framework that helps people and businesses get essential digital skills and confidence they need to thrive.
• Government unlocking unused devices, for a second life with people who have experience of digital exclusion.
• Making Government services easier to use, and increasing the number of people accessing Government services online.
• Measuring what works for digital inclusion, including both the economic and social value of action.

Cross-sector collaboration on digital inclusion

Civil society organisations including hyper local community support are highlighted in the action plan as playing a vital role in digital inclusion in the UK. The action plan builds on the fantastic cross-sector collaboration that is already underway - initiatives like the National Databank, delivered by community organisations, coordinated by Good Things and supported by generous donations from Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.

It further builds on the collaboration between local and regional authorities, industry and charities - such as programmes like Get Online London driving vast numbers of Londoners to become digitally included - funded by Greater London Authority, delivered by Good Things and the National Digital Inclusion Network and made possible thanks to Good Things’ strategic partners.

Devices for people who are digitally excluded

The Digital Inclusion Action Plan announced a new responsible device donation charter that reflects the Government’s aspirations to address digital exclusion and the UK’s electronic waste issue. As part of the action plan, DSIT, Good Things Foundation, VodafoneUK and Deloitte UK are working collaboratively to steer and lead the exciting development of a Charter for responsible device donation. This Charter will establish common principles for businesses and organisations to commit to - increasing the number of devices donated to digitally excluded people, reducing electronic waste, and promoting circularity.

Time for change

The Action Plan is a significant step towards fixing the digital divide. It acknowledges that there is “no silver bullet” and calls for input from the experts to ensure the next set of actions are evidence-based and scalable. Good Things’ CEO, Helen Milner, has written a response to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which you can now read here.

If you would like to know more about the responsible device donation charter, or any partnership opportunities, please contact: partnerships@goodthingsfoundation.org

Read the full action plan on the Gov.uk website.