Fix the digital divide – for good

A digital crisis is sweeping the UK

Calling for a digital inclusion action plan

Our Manifesto to Fix the Digital Divide lays out the opportunities for the future Government to show sustained, joined-up leadership on digital inclusion; commit to publishing a clear plan of action serving communities across the country; and build on the cross-party House of Lords committee’s report on digital exclusion.

This action plan should commit to:

1. Collaborating with businesses, civil society, and the public sector to fix the digital divide.
2. Ensuring all adults can get vital help with digital skills, confidence, and safety in an age of AI.
3. Leading by example in reusing appropriate tech for social good through the National Device Bank.
4. Recognising internet access is essential – innovating so everyone can afford to get online, and it is free for those most excluded.
5. Signposting from Government and NHS front line services so people can find local support from the National Digital Inclusion Network.

Lord Ed Vaizey joined us to discuss our Manifesto to Fix the Digital Divide

1. Collaborating with businesses, civil society, and the public sector to fix the digital divide.

To break down barriers to opportunity and set the UK on a fairer path to growth, we’re asking the future Government to co-invest alongside businesses. Five million people could be supported with £24.4m a year – seeing an end to digital exclusion by 2030.

The economic case for investment in digital inclusion and skills is strong, showing a significant £13.7 billion economic benefit to the UK.

Together with Good Things Foundation, the National Digital Inclusion Network, civil society, business and the public sector, the future Government should co-invest in digital inclusion and galvanise cross-sector collaboration to fix the digital divide.

2. Ensuring all adults can get vital help with digital skills, confidence, and safety in an age of AI.

In the age of AI, digital skills and confidence are critical – yet 8.5 million adults lack the most basic skills, and 45% of households with children are below the Minimum Digital Living Standard defined by members of the public – with children and parents falling down on practical and critical skills. Reviewing learning frameworks and funding is a good place for the future Government to start.

The Essential Digital Skills entitlement supports adults with a free formal basic qualification in digital skills; yet, in the last year less than 18,000 people have benefited – showing the limitations of formal routes compared to informal, community-based learning.

3. Leading by example in reusing appropriate tech for social good through the National Device Bank.

The UK is the world’s second largest emitter of electronic waste per capita, yet 1.5 million people in the UK don’t have a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The thousands of community partners we work with urgently need suitable devices, but demand is five times greater than current supply.

We’re asking the future Government to commit that all appropriate tech is reused for good by donating to Good Things’ National Device Bank – breathing life into end-of-use devices to provide them to people experiencing digital exclusion. By joining our movement alongside businesses, Councils and public bodies, the future Government can tackle exclusion and combat the climate crisis.

4. Recognising internet access is essential – innovating so everyone can afford to get online, and it is free for those most excluded.

Connectivity is essential. We need the future Government to help eradicate data poverty – ensuring everyone can afford to get online. Good Things’ National Databank delivers free mobile connectivity SIMs donated by Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone to ensure those most excluded can get online.

Broadband ‘social tariffs’ can support households on the lowest incomes to stay connected. But they aren’t affordable for everyone. With savings passed on to the end consumer, cutting VAT to 0% would ensure many more families are able to stay online – and up to £153 million a year saved by people on very low incomes.

5. Signposting from Government and NHS front line services so people can find local support from the National Digital Inclusion Network.

The National Digital Inclusion Network is made up of over 5,000 hyperlocal organisations – such as libraries, family hubs, community centres, food banks – providing free, friendly, informal digital inclusion support. This is vital as more NHS and Government public services move online.

These networked hyperlocal organisations offer a range of support, including National Databank, National Device Bank, and Learn My Way, and exist in all parts of the UK. Government service providers such as JobCentre Plus – alongside GPs, banking hubs, and others – can signpost people who might benefit to their nearest hub, or become digital inclusion hubs themselves.

We want to see commitment to fixing the digital divide. We urge the future Government to collaborate on actions that empower people and communities in this AI age.

Embracing our plan will lead to a future where everyone can benefit, with nobody left behind.

Help us fix the digital divide

Get in touch to speak to us about our Manifesto and explore how we can work together to #FixTheDigitalDivide – for good.