More than one million people supported through the government’s digital inclusion strategy
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published a review of its Digital Inclusion Action Plan this week, one year after its launch. The action plan is the first government strategy to tackle digital exclusion in a decade. It has seen major successes, including supporting more than one million people to get connected, and funding 80 programmes across the UK, according to the review.
Gov.uk‘Pick up the pace’: Good Things Foundation reflects on one year of the government action plan
In February, the charity Good Things Foundation published its own reflections on the first year of the government’s action plan. The group noted “tangible” progress, including the provision of grants to community groups and the Department for Education’s recent consultation on reform. But it urges the government to "pick up the pace" – scoring it 6 out of 10 for progress so far.
Good Things FoundationGovernment outlines next steps under Digital Inclusion Action Plan
The government’s review also outlined a six-point plan for next year and beyond. Promised steps include updating its public service manual to set higher standards for digital inclusion, continuing to work with telecoms companies, and embedding digital inclusion across government departments. Read a full breakdown of progress and promised actions at the link below.
Gov.ukGovernment commits to updating framework outlining vital digital skills
Digital inclusion advocates celebrated the government’s commitment to updating its ‘Essential digital skills framework’, announced in the review. The framework outlines basic digital skills people need for work and everyday life. Following advocacy from groups like FutureDotNow, DSIT says it will ensure the inclusion of new technology like AI and steps to help people stay safe from scams and fraud online. Read FutureDotNow’s recommendations for the framework at the link below.
FutureDotNow
