The Government should prioritise the integration of digital inclusion into employment support programmes, according to a new report from the Good Things Foundation.
The digital inclusion charity has highlighted the issue as one of several that need to be addressed in Digital Futures for Good, along with the need for stronger leadership at all levels of government.
The report reflects a series of conversations with major stakeholders and thought leaders in the field. These produced findings grouped into five themes: leadership, skills, affordable access, digital services and confidence and local support.
In the skills section it emphasises that digital exclusion and unemployment go hand-in-hand, and says it is imperative that the Government prioritises the integration of digital inclusion with employment support, ensuring that everyone has access to the digital tools and skills they need to participate in the workforce.
“Digital skills should be embedded and access guaranteed through the standard curriculum – from early years to lifelong learning,” it says.
Encouraging sign
It sees a good sign on providing leadership in the Government’s recently published Digital Inclusion Action Plan, but says there has to be a sustained effort at all levels of government.
This includes central government embedding the issue into national policy, devolved authorities leading action in communities, and civil society and industry providing support.
On affordable access to devices and connectivity, it again welcomes the action plan but makes the point that it needs more detail on supporting people facing digital poverty, and says this should be promoted in the call for evidence on the plan.
The report says a ‘whole of system’ approach is required for digital services, integrating policies across housing, education and employment to tackle the root causes of digital exclusion. In addition, the NHS should ensure that digital transformation does not inadvertently widen existing health disparities.
System steward role
On building confidence and supporting local delivery, it praises the work of organisations such as the National Digital Inclusion Network that are tackling the issue at community level, and supports the idea of a ‘system steward’, a dedicated role providing personalised guidance. This would align with efforts to create a network of ‘advice ambassadors’ helping people to access financial and social support.
In the report’s foreword, Good Things Foundation CEO Helen Milner says: “The Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan, launched in February 2025, signals a commitment to change and some first step actions.
“I anticipate that the next step will be long term solutions of the kind our Digital Futures for Good participants often spoke of - sustained, systemic, cross policy, multi agency, cross sectoral. The conversations in this series have reinforced my belief that fixing the digital divide is not just possible; it is essential.”
