Digital inclusion has become a ‘hot topic’ recently, with the government launching it’s own digital inclusion action plan in 2025. In Luton, we’re putting our own digital inclusion plan together with the aim of empowering our residents to take full advantage of the benefits digital can offer.
But what does digital inclusion mean, and who will the plan help? Well, first of all, we need to understand what digital exclusion is.
Digital exclusion is the inability of individuals or communities to fully access, use or benefit from digital technology, such as the internet and digital devices.
Up to 1.6 million people in the UK are currently living offline and around a quarter of the UK population have the lowest level of digital capability, meaning they are likely to struggle to use online services.
These types of digital exclusion mean that there are sections of our community that, for a variety of reasons, do not have:
- access to a stable and affordable internet connection
- the right sort of device
- the knowledge and skills needed to complete tasks confidently and safely online
We want to change that. We want to break down those barriers and open up more opportunities for as many people as possible.
The DIWG became a thing
A Digital Inclusion Working Group (DIWG) was created and our DDaT director, Atika Mohammed asked me to get involved, which I was delighted to agree to! The group is led by our Head of Customer Services, Nikki McRobert, with members from services spanning the council including:
- education
- housing
- customer services
- children’s services
- adult social care
- business intelligence
- public health
- inclusive growth
- legal services
- community centres
- DDaT
First step: finding out the needs of our residents
To help us find out the specific needs of our residents, we’re about to launch a survey where we ask as many people as possible, from all walks of life in Luton, to tell us how they use the internet.
The survey is in digital format but, of course, we’re offering paper versions and support to complete the form for those who need it. We’d be a bit silly to limit the survey to those who are already digitally included!
The collective answers will tell us the specific types of support we need to offer in Luton, to make sure everyone has better opportunities.
That could mean:
- training courses to teach digital skills and increase confidence
- regular volunteer support in community venues
- access to free data and devices
Everyone needs a helping hand!
And I’m not even referring to the people our digital inclusion plan will support! I’ve been lucky to get advice from other local councils who are further ahead on their journey than we are. Huge shout out in particular to Lauren May from Kirklees Council. She gave me a lot of great advice and ideas when we first started with this project.
We’ve also become a member of an amazing and helpful organisation, Good Things Foundation. TGF is an organisation that offers exactly the kinds of services we need, that we can pass on to our residents including:
- access to free data and devices
- an awesome skills portal, Learn My Way
“We power digital inclusion services that are delivered through community-based Digital Inclusion Hubs. With free mobile data, devices and digital skills training, we’re helping Hubs reach digitally excluded people across the UK – so they can get online safely, affordably and confidently.”
Good Things Foundation
Offering the right support and services
The support we’ll provide to those who need it in Luton will lead to better access for things like:
- booking appointments
- job opportunities
- training courses
- social interactions
So much of this is done online now, but without the skills, access or confidence to use them, some people are being left behind.
And that is something we we’re going to rectify! Watch this space 😊
Like
Love
Haha
