UK National Delivery Plan 2023

References & Appendix I, II, III

References

1 Joseph Rowntree Foundation. What is poverty? https://www.jrf.org.uk/our-work/what-is-poverty.

2 Home – Digital Poverty Alliance. https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/

3 Allmann, K. UK Digital Poverty Evidence Review. https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UK-Digital-Poverty-Evidence-Review-2022-v1.0-compressed.pdf (2022).

4 British Academy. Understanding Digital Poverty and Inequality in the UK | The British Academy. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/understanding-digital-poverty-and-inequality-in-the-uk/ (2022).

5 Abey, J. Bridging the divide: tackling digital inequality in a post-pandemic world. (2022).

6 Ofcom. Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes report 2023. (2023).

7 Ofcom. Digital exclusion A review of Ofcom’s research on digital exclusion among adults in the UK. (2022).

8 Ofcom. Connected Nations 2022. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/multi-sector-research/infrastructure-research/connected-nations-2022 (2022).

9 Currys Raises Over £70,000 to Tackle Digital Poverty as New Study Reveals Digital Access Worsening | Currys PLC. https://www.currysplc.com/news-media/press-releases/2023/currys-raises-over-70-000-to-tackle-digital-poverty-as-new-study-reveals-digital-access-worsening/.

10 Lloyds Bank. Consumer Digital Index 2022. (2022).

11 ONS. Internet access – households and individuals, Great Britain – Office for National Statistics. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/householdcharacteristics/homeinternetandsocialmediausage/bulletins/internetaccesshouseholdsandindividuals/2020.

12 Ofcom. Affordability of communications services – April 2023 update.

13 Ruiu, M. L., Ragnedda, M., Addeo, F. & Ruiu, G. Investigating how the interaction between individual and circumstantial determinants influence the emergence of digital poverty: a post-pandemic survey among families with children in England. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2023.2166359 (2023) doi:10.1080/1369118X.2023.2166359.

14 DCMS. UK Digital Strategy. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy (2022).

15 Good Things Foundation. Virgin Media O2 becomes first strategic partner of Good Things Foundation with £2m donation to help fix the digital divide – for good. https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/what-we-do/news/virgin-media-o2-becomes-first-strategic-partner-of-good-things-foundation-with-2m-donation-to-help-fix-the-digital-divide-for-good/.

16 O’Neill, R. How universal credit claimants can get free TalkTalk internet and save £132 – Wales Online. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/talktalk-free-internet-universal-credit-22780202.

17 BT. Digital Inclusion The Social Return on Investment Analysis of BT Get IT Together 2011/12. (2014).

18 BEREC. BEREC preliminary assessment of the underlying assumptions of payments from large CAPs to ISPs. https://www.berec.europa.eu/en/document-categories/berec/opinions/berec-preliminary-assessment-of-the-underlying-assumptions-of-payments-from-large-caps-to-isps.

19 Allmann, K. UK Digital Poverty Evidence Review. https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UK-Digital-Poverty-Evidence-Review-2022-v1.0-compressed.pdf (2022).

20 British Academy. Understanding Digital Poverty and Inequality in the UK | The British Academy. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/understanding-digital-poverty-and-inequality-in-the-uk/ (2022).

21 Hutton, G. The Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband. Preprint at https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8146/ (2022).

22 DCMS. Improving broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises: Government response. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-broadband-for-very-hard-to-reach-premises/outcome/improving-broadband-for-very-hard-to-reach-premises-government-response#government-response-1 (2022).

23 Project Gigabit – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/project-gigabit-uk-gigabit-programme.

24 UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy#chapter-2–ensuring-good-connectivity-across-rural-and-urban-areas (2023).

25 Ofcom. Affordability of communications services: September 2022 update. (2022).

26 Ofcom. Affordability of communications services: September 2022 update. (2022).

27 Which. Broadband social tariffs: awareness and concerns about the speeds offered are hampering take up – Which? Consumer Insight. https://consumerinsight.which.co.uk/articles/broadband-social-tariffs.

28 Burton, L. Social broadband objectives at risk of being undermined. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2022/09/28/social-broadband-objectives-at-risk-of-being-undermined/ (2022).

29 Nominet. Nominet Digital Youth Index. https://www.nominet.uk/digital-youth-index-2022/ (2022).

30 Ofcom. Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes report. (2022).

31 Ofcom. Children and parents: media use and attitudes report Content consumption and online activities. (2021).

32 Get help with technology for remote education – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/get-help-with-technology-for-remote-education.

33 ONS. Exploring the UK’s digital divide – Office for National Statistics. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/householdcharacteristics/homeinternetandsocialmediausage/articles/exploringtheuksdigitaldivide/2019-03-04.

34 Loosemore, T. I should have renamed ‘assisted digital’ — Public Digital. https://public.digital/2018/09/21/i-should-have-renamed-assisted-digital.

35 Understanding accessibility requirements for public sector bodies – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps.

36 Accessibility monitoring of public sector websites and mobile apps 2020-2021 – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accessibility-monitoring-of-public-sector-websites-and-mobile-apps-2020-2021/accessibility-monitoring-of-public-sector-websites-and-mobile-apps-2020-2021.

37 Equality Act 2010: guidance – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance.

38 Pinsent Masons. Disabled access to websites under UK law. https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/guides/disabled-access-to-websites-under-uk-law.

39 The Guardian. UK bank branch numbers have almost halved since 2015, analysis finds | Banking | The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/27/uk-bank-branch-numbers-have-almost-halved-since-2015.

40 Ofcom. Online market failures and harms. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/174634/online-market-failures-and-harms.pdf (2019).

41 Online Safety Bill – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament. https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3137.

42 CDDO & CDEI. Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard Hub – GOV.UK. Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard Hub https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/algorithmic-transparency-recording-standard-hub (2023).

43 DCMS. Online Media Literacy Strategy . (2021).

44 Ofcom. Making Sense of Media Annual Plan. (2023).

45 Nania, J., Bonella, H., Restuccia, D. & Taska, B. No Longer Optional: Employer Demand for Digital Skills. (2019).

46 UK Government. Government Digital Inclusion Strategy. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-inclusion-strategy/government-digital-inclusion-strategy (2014).

47 Catch 22 & Nominet. Poverty is the fundamental barrier to digital skills. https://www.nominet.uk/catch-22-poverty-is-the-fundamental-barrier-to-digital-skills/.

48 Gausden, G. Government must fix restrictive apprenticeships levy, trade bodies and Labour say. https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/apprenticeships-government-must-fix-restrictive-levy-trade-bodies-2129239.

49 EPI. Digital Skills Divided: Technical provision for 16 to 19 year olds – Education Policy Institute. https://epi.org.uk/publications-and-research/digital-skills-divided-technical-provision-for-16-to-19-year-olds/.

50 Local skills improvement plans – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-skills-improvement-plans.

51 MDLS Project Team. Publications – Minimum Digital Living. https://mdls.org.uk/publications/.

52 DPA. DPA Directory: for research and insights – Digital Poverty Alliance. https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/dpa-directory-for-research-and-insights/.

53 About us – What Works Growth. https://whatworksgrowth.org/about-us/.

54 GMCA. Digital Exclusion Risk Index. https://www.gmtableau.nhs.uk/t/GMCA/views/DigitalExclusionRiskIndexv1_6/DERIhomepage?%3Adisplay_count=n&%3Aembed=y&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aorigin=viz_share_link&%3AshowAppBanner=false&%3AshowVizHome=n.

Appendix I – The Action Plan

The actions that follow summarise key actions in relation to each of the missions. We have identified the key organisations that we think are well-placed to take forward a particular action. In some cases, the identified organisations have agreed that they can take forward actions. In other cases, the key organisations are suggestions only, and specific ownership of actions will be updated in subsequent iterations of this plan. We intend to use the National Delivery Committee as the key forum to engage with organisations named within this plan.

Actions are prioritised based on areas where the route to implementation is best understood at this time. The priority status reflects the likelihood of actions being implemented within the 23/24 NDP cycle. The priority status given to each action is assigned to four categories: very high, high, medium, and low.

Mission One

Mission One: 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key organisations (devolved)
Key milestones
Due
Priority

1.1 Set up NDC committee.

Key Organisations:

DPA and National Delivery Committee (NDC)

Key Milestones:

Terms of reference agreed.
Membership confirmed.
Regular schedule of meetings set up.

Due: Summer 2023

Priority: Very High

1.2 Develop a strategy for targeted advocacy to raise awareness about digital poverty in the run-up to the next general election.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC, Good Things Foundation, APPG on data poverty, APPG on digital skills, PICTFOR APPG

Key Organisations (Devolved):

SCVO, Cwmpas, NICVA

Key Milestones:

Member and stakeholder consultations.
Development of an advocacy and engagement strategy.
Engagement around party manifestos.
Engagement at Party Conferences.

Due:From Autumn 2023

Priority: Very High

1.3 Produce a charter for businesses to commit to sustainable action to end digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

DPA

Key Milestones:

Scoping and a review of similar initiatives.
Stakeholder consultation.
Develop draft charter.
Revisions and sign-off.

Due: Winter 2023

Priority: High

1.4 Businesses to sign the charter by May 2024.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members

Key Milestones:

Develop a business engagement plan.
Promotion and awareness raising to encourage sign-ups.

Due: May 2024

Priority: High

1.5 Establish an “End Digital Poverty Day.”

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members

Key Milestones:

Consultations with NDC and stakeholders.
Develop an action plan.
Production and dissemination of communications materials and related assets.

Due: Autumn 2023

Priority: High

1.6 Initiate work to build the investment case for an integrated programme for sustainable digital inclusion.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members

Key Milestones:

Development of proposal.
Stakeholder consultations.
Delivery of research project.
Report Launch.

Due: Autumn 2023

Priority: Very high

Mission One: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

1.7 Deliver a full business/investment case for digital inclusion.

How can it be taken forward?

DPA to build on initial work to create a full cost-benefit investment case for ending digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

DPA, NDC Members.

1.8 Improve signposting for employers to resources on embedding digital inclusion across the workforce.

How can it be taken forward?

Scoping and mapping of the existing support offer alongside ongoing conversations between providers of work-based digital inclusion support and major employers and representative bodies to identify and embed existing resources.

Key Organisations:

DPA, FutureDotNow, Digital Unite, We Are Digital, Community of Tech Leaders, BCS, Tech UK, Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce.

1.9 Advocate for a new UK-wide digital inclusion strategy.

How can it be taken forward?

DPA and NDC members to consult and build the case for why a strategy is necessary. Alongside this, engage with Civil Servants and politicians across the UK.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Good Things Foundation, NDC members, DSIT, Cabinet Office, DfE, DLUHC, Devolved Administrations.

1.10 Advocate for ministerial-level responsibility for digital inclusion.

How can it be taken forward?

DPA and NDC members to consult and build the case for why this is needed within the UK Government.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Good Things Foundation, NDC members.

1.11 Government, industry and third sector to develop a model for an integrated programme.

How can it be taken forward?

Develop detailed proposals for an integrated programme following the delivery of the full investment case. Alongside this, initiate stakeholder consultations across government departments, including DSIT, DfE, DHSC, DWP and HMT. Engagement will also need to be carried out across the devolved governments and with the private and third sectors.

Key Organisations:

DPA, NDC members, UK Government and Devolved Governments, private sector institutions and representative bodies and third-sector organisations.

1.12 National Digital inclusion funding settlement to support stakeholders to increase capacity.

How can it be taken forward?

Following further research and evidence-building, including the delivery of the investment case. To build the case for a sustainable funding settlement to support public, private and third sectors to scale and support digital inclusion capacity.

Key Organisations:

HMT, Scottish Financial Management Directorate, the Economy, Welsh Treasury and Constitution Group, Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.

1.13 Ensure digital inclusion is embedded in the UK government’s public procurement policies and practices.

How can it be taken forward?

To develop specific proposals for government procurement frameworks where digital inclusion can be embedded.

Key Organisations:

DPA, NDC Members, Crown Commercial service.

Mission Two

Mission Two: 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key milestones
Due
Priority

2.1 Raise awareness among all employers and tech users about donating devices for reuse.

Key Organisations:

BCS, Tech UK, Material Focus, Learning Foundation/DPA.

Key Milestones:

Employer consultations.
Communication, advocacy and engagement with employers.
Advocating employer pledges.

Due: Summer 2024

Priority: Very High

2.2 Improve signposting to available schemes for support with devices and connectivity.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Community Tech Aid, Citizens Advice, Food Bank networks and Local Authorities.

Key Milestones:

Scoping and mapping of the existing support offer.
Stakeholder consultations.
Develop signposting toolkit.
Encouraging the use of the toolkit.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: Medium

2.3 Promote awareness of sources of support for local groups or organisations wanting to address data poverty and device poverty.

Key Organisations:

Good Things Foundation, Learning Foundation/DPA.

Key Milestones:

Expand the number of National data bank and national device bank partners.
Increases in the number of devices and data donated.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: Very high

2.4 Internet service providers to pledge to expand data donation initiatives to help those in need.

Key Organisations:

DPA, ISPA UK, Mobile UK, mobile and internet providers.

Key Milestones:

Scoping of existing data donations.
Engagement and advocacy.
Encouraging ISPs to make new data donation pledges.

Due: Summer 2024

Priority: Medium

2.5 Scale up the provision of centres for facilitated digital access funded by new government investment.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Good Things Foundation, local authorities, Libraries Connected; We Are Digital; Social Housing providers, Virgin Media O2.

Key Milestones:

Stakeholder consultations.
Development of proposals.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: High

Mission Two: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

2.6 UK Government must ensure all communities can access a strong, reliable internet connection.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage with the network delivering major projects, including the Shared Rural Network and Project Gigabit.

Key Organisations:

Ofcom, DSIT, Mobile and internet service providers operators, and satellite providers.

2.7 Investigate options for reducing VAT on broadband and mobile bills to 5% and replacing it with a digital inclusion levy.

How can it be taken forward?

Consult with stakeholders, including internet providers and Government departments. Develop proposals for how this can be taken forward.

Key Organisations:

HMT and HMRC.

2.8 Advocate for the removal of VAT on social tariffs.

How can it be taken forward?

Advocate and engage with UK Government departments about taking this forward.

Key Organisations:

HMT and HMRC.

2.9 Agreement between Government and ISPs for a co-funded industry-wide social tariff.

How can it be taken forward?

UK Government and internet service providers to consult to determine the scope, funding arrangements and implementation of the policy. Consultations should also involve relevant stakeholders, such as consumer advocacy groups and telecommunications regulatory bodies, to ensure the social tariff effectively addresses the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Key Organisations:

DSIT, Ofcom, Internet service providers, IPSA UK, Which?

2.10 Creation of a government entitlement to free connectivity, devices and support to priority groups at the highest risk of exclusion.

How can it be taken forward?

To develop detailed proposals for a policy concept and implementation. This would build on work in mission six to develop detailed personas for those at the highest risk of digital exclusion. It will be necessary to identify and agree on the eligible cohorts, anticipated costs and attracting support from key stakeholders. Consideration will also need to be given to how a guarantee would operate across the UK.

Key Organisations:

DPA, HMT, devolved administrations.

2.11 Develop proposals to ensure universal access to 1:1 devices within the education system.

How can it be taken forward?

Initial research would need to take place to estimate the demand for 1:1 devices within the education system. Proposals would need to consider the most effective way of targeting support without missing people out. Consideration will need to be given to how universal access can best be achieved in the context of different existing policies across the four nations.

Key Organisations:

DfE, devolved administrations.

2.12 DfE to publish an evaluation of the Get Help with Technology scheme.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage with officials to advocate for why an evaluation is necessary.

Key Organisations:

DfE.

Mission Three

Mission Three: 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key milestones
Due
Priority

3.1 Raise awareness and understanding about the importance of accessibility in digital product and service design.

Key Organisations:

AbilityNet, Citizens Online.

Key Milestones:

Scoping and review of existing initiatives.
Develop an action plan.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: Very High

3.2 Build on existing work through the Online Media Literacy Strategy and the Making Sense of Media Plan to ensure media literacy education and training is accessible to all.

Key Organisations:

DCMS, DSIT, Ofcom, DfE.

Key Milestones:

Publication of Media Literacy Strategy Year 3 action plan.
Publication of Making Sense of Media Annual Plan.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: High

3.3 GDS and Cabinet Office to build on existing work to ensure all public service websites and applications have high standards of accessibility.

Key Organisations:

Cabinet Office, Government Digital Service.

Key Milestones:

Ongoing monitoring and development activity.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: Very high

3.4 Encourage DPA members to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility guidelines.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members.

Key Milestones:

Engagement with NDC members.
Secure commitments from NDC members.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: High

Mission Three: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

3.5 Develop mechanisms to incentivise developers to ensure accessibility compliance.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage in consultations with developers and digital product and service designers about how to best prioritise accessibility compliance. This may include taking proactive steps to increase awareness among app developers of the importance of designing with mobile accessibility in mind and incentivising the creation of more inclusive and user-friendly apps through public recognition.

Key Organisations:

DPA, AbilityNet.

3.6 UK Government to develop a mechanism to enforce public sector accessibility regulations across non-public centre digital services.

How can it be taken forward?

To advocate for regulations to enhance compliance with accessibility standards. UK government should work to establish clear guidelines and standards for compliance and implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure that digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Key Organisations:

Ofcom, UK Government.

3.7 Policymakers across the UK to review existing support available in relation to assistive technology.

How can it be taken forward?

Policymakers across the UK could engage with stakeholders from disability rights organisations, the technology industry, and the healthcare sector to gather input and feedback on current policies and programs. This could include conducting surveys, hosting focus groups, and soliciting input through public consultations. Based on the feedback, policymakers could identify areas for improvement and develop targeted policy interventions and programmes to enhance access to assistive technology for people with disabilities.

Key Organisations:

DSIT, AbilityNet, Disability Rights UK, RNIB.

3.8 Produce a regular monitoring report of adherence with WACG compliance standards across websites and applications of non-public sector digital service providers.

How can it be taken forward?

An entity should be responsible for producing a regular monitoring report to highlight examples of good and poor practice in relation to website accessibility.

Key Organisations:

UK Government.

3.9 Advocate for digital service and product design to include testing by people with low or no digital skills.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage in consultations with developers and digital product and service designers about how to best integrate diverse user experiences into digital product and service testing.

Key Organisations:

Ability Net, Citizens Online.

3.10 Ensure all offline options are protected for those that are unable or unwilling to access digital services in both public and private sectors.

How can it be taken forward?

Ensure that public and private service providers publish details of offline options such as paper forms, telephone support, or in-person assistance.

Key Organisations:

Government and private sector digital service providers.

3.11 Build on work to facilitate algorithmic transparency.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage in consultations across the public and private sectors about how to build on and enhance existing algorithmic transparency mechanisms.

Key Organisations:

Government and private sector digital service providers.

Mission Four

Mission Four : 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key organisations (devolved)
Key milestones
Due
Priority

4.1 Ensure Digital Skills Council prioritises action on essential digital skills.

Key Organisations:

DSIT

Key Milestones:

Engagement with the digital skills council.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: Medium

4.2 Raise public awareness of the importance of digital skills and available support.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Digital Unite, Cast, APPG on Digital Skills, iDEA Foundation, Good Things Foundation, FutureDotNow.

Key Organisations (devolved):

SCVO, Cwmpas, NICVA.

Key Milestones:

Desk-based research and stakeholder consultations.
Scoping and mapping of available support offer.
Production of communications materials.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: Very high

4.3 Expand digital champions programmes within organisations.

Key Organisations:

Digital Unite, Citizens Online.

Key Organisations (devolved):

SCVO, Cwmpas, NICVA.

Key Milestones:

Research into existing digital champions programmes.
Production of case studies, toolkits and best practice resources.
Employer engagement.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: High

4.4 Undertake initial scoping review of high-priority areas where digital skills training can help reduce social inequalities.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members.

Key Milestones:

Review of evidence on digital skills.
Stakeholder consultations and desk-based research.
Production of position paper.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: Medium

Mission Four: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

4.5 Explore options for a pan-UK insight-sharing forum in relation to essential digital skills.

How can it be taken forward?

Undertake an initial scoping exercise to determine the scope of existing fora to share practice on essential digital skills. Engage with key stakeholders to test the viability of a forum. This could build on work currently undertaken by the British-Irish Council.

Key Organisations:

British-Irish Council, FutureDotNow, SCVO, Cwmpas and NICVA.

4.6 Ensure requirements to boost essential digital skills are integrated into local skills improvement plans.

How can it be taken forward?

Conduct a review of existing plans and engage with the British Chambers of Commerce as the designated employer representative bodies.

Key Organisations:

DPA and LEP network, British Chambers of Commerce.

4.7 Support programmes that build the digital skills of frontline public service staff, civil servants and third-sector staff.

How can it be taken forward?

Undertake a scoping review of existing support and engage in consultations to determine the demand for support across public and charity sectors.

Key Organisations:

Civil service learning, Citizens Online.

4.8 Advocate for additional support to be provided to schools, colleges and universities to embed digital across the curriculum.

How can it be taken forward?

Work with DfE and the devolved administrations to ensure that schools and colleges are supported to meet digital and technology standards.

Key Organisations:

DfE, Teach First, BCS, Learning Foundation, Education and Training Foundation, devolved administrations.

4.9 Advocate for tech ambassadors programme within schools and FE colleges.

How can it be taken forward?

Develop a proposal for the scope of a programme through evidence review and consultation. The development of a programme could follow a similar model to the STEM Ambassadors programme developed by the IET.

Key Organisations:

STEM Learning, IET, DPA, Teach First.

4.10 Advocate for an independent review of the essential digital skills landscape for adults across the UK.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage in consultation through the NDC to determine the scope of the review and plans for implementation. The review may consider the types of support currently available and the extent to which it is sufficient to meet the demand for essential digital skills. The review may focus on the potential for changes to existing funding mechanisms, including new incentives and the flexibility of funding for non-qualification-based provision.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Digital Unite, Cast, Citizens Online, awarding bodies, Education and Training Foundation.

Mission Five

Mission Five: 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key milestones
Due
Priority

5.1 Advocate for the adoption of the minimum digital living standard across the government and other organisations.

Key Organisations:

Minimum Digital Living Standard project team; Welsh Government; Scottish Government; NI Government; UK Government.

Key Milestones:

Continued advocacy and engagement with stakeholders about the MDLS.

Due: Winter 2024

Priority: High

5.2 Continue with proof-of-concept work to evaluate the benefits of technology among specific groups.

Key Organisations:

DPA.

Key Milestones:

Proof of concept projects delivered.
Evaluations conducted.
Policy papers delivered.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: Very high

5.3 Build the evidence on the lived experience of digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Good Things Foundation, Citizens Online.

Key Milestones:

Scoping areas of good practice.
Case study production through engagement with individuals and organisations.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: High

Mission Five: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

5.4 Create and develop mechanisms for research and information sharing in relation to digital poverty.

How can it be taken forward?

Conduct a mapping of existing networks focussed on sharing insights around digital inclusion. Investigate the potential for new mechanisms, such as a ‘what works’ network, to help coordinate and disseminate insights and facilitate collaboration.

Key Organisations:

DPA, Digital Office Scotland and Connecting Scotland, LGA Digital Inclusion Network,
The London Office of Technology and Innovation, Good Things Foundation, Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales, GMCA, 100% Digital Leeds, Citizens Online, Liverpool City Region Digital Inclusion Taskforce, HACT Digital Inclusion Network.

5.5 Advocate for a question on digital poverty in the 2031 census.

How can it be taken forward?

Engagement and advocacy with the UK Government and ONS.

Key Organisations:

ONS.

5.6 Advocate for a longitudinal study to measure changes in the rate and experience of digital poverty over time. Consult on and build cross-sector support for a definition of digital poverty.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage with and work with researchers and regulators to develop a proposal for how this can be taken forward.

Key Organisations:

ONS, Ofcom, higher education and research institutions.

5.7 Consult on and build cross-sector support for a definition of digital poverty.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage with stakeholders, including individuals and organisations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to build support for a universal and cross-sector definition of digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC members.

5.8 Build the evidence base on the intersectional nature of digital poverty and the understanding of how existing structures of inequality compounds its experience.

How can it be taken forward?

Engagement with researchers and experts on digital exclusion and digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

Higher education and research institutions.

5.9 Conduct a social return on investment analysis for investment in digital inclusion.

How can it be taken forward?

Work with researchers to develop a methodology for investigating the social return on investment for ending digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

Higher education and research institutions.

Mission Six

Mission Six: 2023/24

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

Key organisations
Key organisations (devolved)
Key milestones
Due
Priority

6.1 Raise awareness across local authorities on the role that digital inclusion can play as a strategic enabler of local priorities.

Key Organisations:

Local authorities, Combined Authorities and LGA, Citizens Online.

Key Organisations (Devolved):

NILGA, Welsh Local Government Association, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

Key Milestones:

Increased engagement amongst local authorities around the digital inclusion agenda.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: High

6.2 Ensure housing associations are supported to drive forward digital inclusion support for their residents.

Key Organisations:

HACT and housing associations. HACT digital inclusion network, DPA.

Key Milestones:

Ongoing engagement activities.
Development of best practice guidance.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: High

6.3 To pilot approaches to enable local areas to capture data on the supply and demand for digital inclusion support

Key Organisations:

DPA.

Key Milestones:

Development of proposal.
Determine pilot areas.
Undertake pilot.
Disseminate findings.

Due: Summer 2024

Priority: High

6.4 Work to promote best practice such as the digital exclusion risk index and the digital inclusion toolkit.

Key Organisations:

DPA.

Key Milestones:

Scoping review to identify and map the available resources.

Due: Ongoing

Priority: High

Mission Six: What needs to happen by 2030? (Phases 2-4)

This Appendix outlines the following for each action:

How can it be taken forward?
Key organisations

6.5 Support local and national NHS and health services to embed digital inclusion.

How can it be taken forward?

Engagement with NHS England, NHS in Scotland and Wales and Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland.

Key Organisations:

Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Directorates Welsh Government Health and Social Services Group; Department of Health NI, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, NHS.

6.6 Advocate for mechanisms to build local capacity to embed digital inclusion within local areas.

How can it be taken forward?

Taking this forward could involve engaging with local government officials, community organisations, and digital inclusion experts to develop and promote effective strategies for building local capacity to address digital inclusion.

Key Organisations:

LGA, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; Welsh Local Government Association; Northern Ireland Local Government Association.

6.7 Develop detailed personas to better understand how barriers can be tackled.

How can it be taken forward?

To undertake a review of existing work on personas and coordinate experts and digital inclusion practitioners to help build personas and identify gaps.

Key Organisations:

DPA and NDC Members.

6.8 Create consistent and transferable ways for local authorities to gather and organize information about digital poverty and the resources available to help, with a focus on improving collaboration and information-sharing among services that serve those with complex needs.

How can it be taken forward?

Engage with experts to develop a framework for data collection and sharing across local services that address the needs of people affected by digital poverty.

Key Organisations:

Local Government Association; Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

6.9 Improve signposting within local government and DWP services for digital support.

How can it be taken forward?

Engagement with DWP services and JCP.

Key Organisations:

DWP, Local Government Association; Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Jobcentre Plus, Advice NI.

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Appendix II – Overview of policies and The Action Plan

The list below sets out a list of national digital inclusion strategies that impact digital inclusion policy. The list presented below is not exhaustive but presents some of the key strategic reference materials with respect to digital inclusion.

Appendix III – List of abbreviations

BCS – British Computing Society

CDDO – Central Digital and Data Office

DCMS – Department For Culture Media and Sport

DfE – Department for Education

DHCLU – “Department for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up”

DPA – Digital Poverty Alliance

DSIT – “The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology”

DWP – Department for Work and Pensions

EDS – Essential Digital Skills

FCA – Financial Conduct Authority

GDS – Government Digital Service

GMCA – Greater Manchester Combined Authority

HACT – Housing Associations Charitable Trust

HMRC – HM Revenue and Custom

HMT – His Majesty’s Treasury

IET – Institution of Engineering and Technology

JCP – Job Centre Plus

LEP – Local Enterprise Partnership

LGA – Local Government Association

MDLS – Minimum Digital Living Standard

NDC – National Delivery Committee

NDP – National Delivery Plan

NHS – National Health Service

NICVA – Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action

NILGA – Northern Ireland Local Government Association

ONS – Office for National Statistics

PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network

SCVO – Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations

List of Actions

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Read the overview

We have condensed the following National Delivery Plan 2023 into a 10 page PDF. This provides an overview of our approach, the six missions and their suggested actions.

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