On Wednesday we held our bi-annual Digital inclusion Forum with all of our Digital Inclusion Charter signatories at the BT Tower (thanks to the generous hospitality of our charter partner BT).
It was an opportunity to share success stories and to understand the further challenges that lie ahead on digital inclusion.
Digital Friends
We heard inspiring stories about how the Digital Friends initiative is taking off from the likes of Lloyds Banking Group, Halifax, the Tinder Foundation, the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) and HM Revenue & Customs.
Digital Inclusion Outcomes Framework
We had a really useful talk from BT’s John Perkins and members of the Research Working Group, including Citizens Online and Carnegie UK Trust, who presented the Digital Inclusion Outcomes Framework and explained how it can be used in different contexts. Rachel Neaman, CEO of Go ON UK, also talked about capturing national and local digital inclusion activity.
Closer collaboration
We also heard a fascinating discussion between panel speakers from SCL, Google, Policy Exchange, Hyde Housing Group and LSE on how to encourage more collaboration.
There was a clear sense from everyone that continued partnerships between sectors is vital for us to make sure people get online and make the most of the internet.
All of these discussions will help us refresh our strategy and ensure we’re focusing on the right things.