A Regional Approach to IT Reuse for Good: Opportunities in the West Midlands

“We had access to 30 devices … we actually had an overwhelming response of over 100 people who wanted the devices” (VCSE lead)

• The Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps commits to tackling ‘device poverty’ by promoting reuse and refurbishment of devices to give to digitally excluded individuals and households. 
• A new Government charter, the IT Reuse for Good Charter, encourages businesses and public sector organisations to reuse IT assets for social good. 
• Devolution to regions and localities is a key plank in the Government’s approach.

“There's a lot of stuff going on locally, so the WMCA role in that respect might be around sort of getting practice shared” (Local authority lead)

• The West Midlands Digital Roadmap 2024-2027 has a commitment to enabling residents to access an affordable device and connection, and feel confident to access the internet and basic services, as part of a holistic approach.
• The West Midlands has an evolving ecosystem for device donation and reuse involving local authorities, businesses, integrated care boards, voluntary and community sector organisations, alongside national initiatives.
• A snapshot estimate indicates the size of the opportunity in the West Midlands. Based on 22 large employers, together employing around 240,000 people, around 131,275 devices could become available over a four-year period, enabling around 37,842 devices to be rehomed to tackle digital inclusion.
• Stakeholders confirmed the need for devices (also connectivity and skills support). However, activity, assets, capacity and capability to implement device donation and reuse schemes was felt to be uneven across the region. 
• Some local authorities have more developed approaches, such as #CovConnects (Coventry) and Wolves Tech Aid (Wolverhampton).
• The importance of local VCSE infrastructure and capacity was emphasised, but the strength of relationships with local authorities varied. 
• Stakeholders felt a regional ecosystem could centralise business engagement and bulk donations, but local relationships and autonomy would be crucial to delivery. Schemes like the National Device Bank were felt to play a valued role.

“The combined authority is probably in the best place to have those relationships with strategic businesses at a regional level” (Local authority lead)

Opportunities for the West Midlands Combined Authority to explore further with local, regional, and national partners include:

• Set a vision, with strategic outcomes to guide regional activity such as: 
  • WMCA leads by example, embedding device donation and reuse into digital inclusion and sustainability goals. 
  • Local authorities are empowered to innovate, build business partnerships, and respond to community needs. 
  • VCSEs are supported to play their vital role in device reuse — acting as trusted intermediaries to reach those most in need. 
• Champion national initiatives, like the IT Reuse for Good Charter, in the region.
• Publish a regional annual snapshot, combining case studies, data and trends.
• Ensure digital inclusion funding streams support the purchase of refurbished devices.
• Use commissioning levers to integrate reuse and donation in public contracts.
• Connect device donors with IT Asset Disposal providers who meet key standards.
• Resource holistic digital inclusion, so devices are given alongside offers of data connectivity, and support with digital skills and confidence. 
• Create a West Midlands device reuse network, fostering collaboration.
• Share good practice through regional learning forums or showcases; funded peer placements between initiatives; and/or a searchable directory of initiatives.
• Help to establish local repair and reuse training schemes through partnerships with colleges, social enterprises or repair cafes.
• Co-create practical guidance for VCSEs on assessing donated or refurbished devices, with community organisations, local authority and other experts.

“Organisations are very happy to receive devices… but they haven’t got the skills to understand what their expectations are as a provider of a device” (VCSE lead)