As the UK's leading digital inclusion charity, we celebrate the Government’s commitment to digital inclusion through their Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps. But, the next steps will be critical.
We are asking the Government to bake-in, not bolt on, digital inclusion:
1. Lead with vision
Set a bold, future-focused vision for a digitally included UK in the age of AI, with 'Digital Inclusion Impact Assessments' across all departments and underpinning all Missions.
2. Make public services work for everyone
Pilot a new approach to inclusive public services - a National Network for All - that bakes-in digital inclusion and support for using online public services, at the same time and the same place.
3. End the postcode lottery
Mitigate the risks of a postcode lottery in community provision of support by expanding the National Digital Inclusion Network, co-investing alongside Local Authorities and our Strategic Partners - Vodafone UK, Virgin Media O2, Accenture, and Nominet.
4. Seize big moments for big impact
Lead cross-sector action to embed digital inclusion into major system changes, like PSTN* switch-off and IPTV* rollout. Use these moments to drive action, demonstrate leadership, and deliver better value for the public.
5. Innovate digital inclusion funding
Drive systemic change with innovative financing mechanisms for digital inclusion, like using the Digital Services Tax, a Digital Inclusion Embedding Fund, and or improved Social Value procurement; making digital inclusion sustainable, scalable, and permanent.
Baked In, not Bolted on
In April 2025, we responded to the Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan Call for Evidence. Group CEO, Helen Milner OBE comments on our response.
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
- NHS England Director of Primary Care Transformation, Minal Bakhai, and NHS England Director of Digital Development, Dr Sam Shah
- AI authority & thought leader, Nina Schick
Help us fix the digital divide
Speak to us about our policy asks, advocacy work or to explore how we can work together to #FixTheDigitalDivide – for good.
*Acronym explainer:
PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network
IPTV: Internet Protocol Television