Laptop Keyboard Digital inclusion

Over 10 million adults in the UK don't use the Internet, potentially leaving them digitally, socially and financially excluded.

This is why NIACE welcomed the proposals in the Digital Inclusion Action Plan launched by the Department of Communities and Local Government and the appointment of the Champion for Digital Inclusion. There is an urgent need to address the problems of digital exclusion and we support proposals to take cross-departmental action to ensure all people, especially the most disadvantaged, are able to benefit from new technologies.

Superfast broadband is likely to redraw the rural-urban digital divide and deepen the income-gap as new multi-access devices are too expensive for many people.

NIACE has been closely involved in policy development around social and digital inclusion, like:

  • promoting Skills for Life provision, including central involvement in the decision to designate ICT as a Skill for Life in 2003
  • working with Ofcom to promote media literacy (including facilitating the Wales Media Literacy Network)
  • pioneering information advice and guidance for adults through the pilot telephone helpline (1993) which became the learndirect helpline
  • supporting increased access to technology through initial sponsorship of the Government's UK Online Centres initiative.

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