Good Things Foundation and Cwmpas to deliver new Digital Inclusion Wales programme

Aligning with national strategy and wellbeing

This new programme builds on the collective successful delivery of the Welsh Government’s previous digital inclusion initiatives, taking the next era of digital inclusion in Wales to a new level. As a nationally coordinated, bilingual programme, this work will include developing a national digital inclusion advice and support service and mapping digital inclusion provision across Wales to strengthen collaboration and ensure that no one is left behind.

Digital inclusion is a key priority for Wales, underpinning the Welsh Government’s ambitions in the Digital Strategy for Wales and the Well-being of Future Generations Act. It is also closely aligned with the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS), an ambition both Good Things Foundation and Cwmpas strongly champions and the Welsh Government is actively working to support - enabling people to meet the MDLS, if they choose. Good Things Foundation and its partners are committed to making sure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or personal circumstances, can access and benefit from digital technology.

Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at Good Things Foundation, said:

“We're thrilled that Good Things Foundation is supporting Cwmpas in delivering the Digital Inclusion Wales, and also that the Welsh Government is putting the Minimum Digital Living Standard for Wales at the heart of its approach to digital inclusion. This is a pioneering approach to meeting a challenge that matters more than ever: ensuring no-one is left behind in our digital society”

Three pillars of delivery

The new programme will target three key areas to achieve its aims:

• National advice service: We will establish a national advice service, operating under regional and thematic strategies, to support public, private, and third-sector organisations in embedding digital inclusion into their operations.
• Extensive mapping exercise: We will undertake an extensive mapping exercise to identify support, interventions, and funding for digital inclusion within Wales and across the UK, ensuring we leverage all available resources that benefit Welsh communities.
• Collaborative partnership: We will facilitate a collaborative partnership, bringing together organisations from all sectors actively involved in shaping digital inclusion policy. This alliance will work together to share expertise, showcase best practice, and develop innovative approaches to overcoming barriers to meeting the MDLS.

A decade of progress and future ambition

Bethan Webber, Chief Executive of Cwmpas, said:

“We’re really pleased and proud that Cwmpas, together with our partners Good Things Foundation, has been awarded the contract by the Welsh Government to lead the new Digital Inclusion Wales programme.

Enabling digital access is essential in supporting people’s wellbeing and enhancing opportunities in today’s world. Through the new digital inclusion programme, we will build upon the achievements of the recently concluded Digital Communities Wales programme, working to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity to benefit from the digital world.

After more than a decade of dedicated work in this area, we are eager to collaborate across sectors to empower individuals and communities, increase digital confidence, and create a meaningful, lasting impact for the future of Wales.”

Jane Hutt, The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said:

“Wales has led the way on digital inclusion for over a decade, and this new Digital Inclusion Wales programme will build on that strong foundation.  

“Our ambition for the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) recognises that digital inclusion is more than personal use of the internet. People need the right devices, connectivity, and basic skills to take part fully in modern life. Digital exclusion is often linked to wider inequalities, and we are committed to ensuring everyone can benefit from digital technology if they choose to. 

I’m pleased to be awarding this contract to Cwmpas and Good Things Foundation, whose expertise and track record will be invaluable in delivering this vital programme for communities across Wales.”

By combining the strategic expertise of Cwmpas and the Good Things Foundation, the Digital Inclusion Wales programme represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide. Through targeted advice, resource mapping, and cross-sector collaboration, the initiative ensures that digital participation is treated not as a luxury, but as a fundamental component of social justice and economic opportunity for every citizen in Wales.