A digital crisis is sweeping the UK. Banks are shutting their doors, healthcare is moving online, and the cost-of-living crisis continues.
We live in the age of AI, yet one in five people feel left behind by technology. Millions of people in the UK don’t have the basic digital skills they need to thrive in today’s world.
We need to see the Government step up and take action on digital inclusion. Our Manifesto to Fix the Digital Divide lays out five opportunities for the 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. Download our Manifesto or explore our policy asks below.
Policy ask 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 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 UK Government should co-invest in digital inclusion and galvanise cross-sector collaboration to fix the digital divide.
Watch our CEO, Helen Milner OBE, explain why collaboration and co-investment is necessary to fix the digital divide.
Policy ask 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 digital 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.
Watch our Director of Evidence and Engagement, Dr Emma Stone, unpack why the Government must ensure everyone can get the help they need to gain digital skills.
Policy ask 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.
Watch Chief Technology Officer, Chad Chandramohan, explain why it's so vital that the Government leads by example to contribute end-of-life devices to the National Device Bank.
Policy ask 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.
Watch our Associate Director of Digital Inclusion Delivery, Sital Mistry-Lee, illustrate why the internet is an essential need in our modern society.
Policy ask 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.
Watch our Associate Director of Finance & Corporate Services, Adam Barlow, explain how something as simple as signposting could help so many people access the online world.
What could our nation look like without digital exclusion?
Digital Futures for Good is our in-depth conversation series that imagines a nation without digital exclusion. Each episode focuses on the transformational potential of innovative initiatives and policymaking.
So far, we've been joined by leaders in digital and social inclusion:
- Baroness Dido Harding and Baroness Anna Healy from the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee
- Dotcom entrepreneur and former Digital Champion Baroness Martha Lane Fox
- Food bank charity Trussell Trust’s Chief Executive, Emma Revie
- Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham
Help us fix the digital divide
Speak to us about our Manifesto, advocacy work or to explore how we can work together to #FixTheDigitalDivide – for good.