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UK Government Publish its Action Plan for Digital Inclusion

Bridging the Digital Divide: Cosmic’s Enduring Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Today we welcome the announcements from HM Government in its Action Plan for Digital Inclusion which provides us with a renewed commitment to the role which digital inclusion plays in social impact and value. 

Key Initiatives in the Digital Inclusion Action Plan

The government’s new plan introduces several important initiatives, including:

  • Funding for Local Initiatives: The plan allocates resources to support local programmes targeting the most digitally excluded groups, such as the elderly and low-income households. This approach empowers local leaders to develop tailored solutions addressing specific community needs.
  • Partnerships with Charities: Collaborations with organisations in the VCSE are established to provide laptops and other essential devices to those lacking access, ensuring that more individuals can engage with the digital world effectively.
  • Corporate Commitments: Major technology companies (Google, BT and Vodafone) have pledged support for the initiative, with resources and support on offer.  These efforts aim to reduce the higher costs faced by digitally excluded individuals—who can pay up to 25% more for services like home insurance and travel—and to enhance access to essential services, employment opportunities, and social connectivity.

For nearly three decades, Cosmic has been at the forefront of digital inclusion, not just across the South West but impacting lives throughout the UK. In a world increasingly driven by technology, digital access is no longer a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity.

As Secretary of State, Rt Hon Peter Kyle points out
“The technological revolution we are living in is not only transforming everyone’s lives but is advancing at breakneck speed, and will not slow down any time soon. Leaving people behind in the process could threaten our mission to maximise technology for economic growth and better public services, which is central to our Plan for Change.”

This sentiment underpins our work at Cosmic. Our journey has been one of developing a deep understanding of the challenges faced. We’ve witnessed first-hand the profound impact of digital exclusion on individuals, families, and communities. We’ve seen how it limits access to essential services, hinders educational opportunities, and creates significant barriers to employment.

What we’ve learned through our projects, partnerships and delivery models – 

  • The Power of Networks: Our long-standing partnerships with many locally-based VCSE organisations, positioned at the forefront of many wider challenges in communities has provided excellent capabilities for engagement and positive outcomes. Trusted partners are vital to the delivery of positive outcomes and high social value. For example, through our work with Devon and Somerset VCSE in our Velocity projects we trained staff and volunteers across the sector to enhance the digital capabilities of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. And through our work alongside the Good Things Foundation and its major network of UK Online Centres we have reached even more individuals, providing vital digital skills training and support within local communities.  We’ve seen the transformative power of community-based learning first-hand.
  • The Human Cost: Digital exclusion isn’t just about a lack of internet access. It’s about isolation, missed opportunities, and the feeling of being left behind. We’ve worked directly with individuals struggling with these challenges, building empathy and a deep understanding of their needs, often through the partner network and in our programmes of work to support unemployed individuals into employment.
  • Education as Empowerment: We’ve seen how digital skills are crucial for learners of all ages. From basic computer literacy to skills necessary in most modern workplaces, empowering individuals with these skills opens doors to lifelong learning and future success.
  • Employability and Economic Opportunity: As the South West regional lead for FutureDotNow, we are driving initiatives to increase digital skills in the workforce. Further, our current project, Restart, is directly tackling employability by providing essential digital skills training to individuals across the region, helping them re-enter the workforce or improve their career prospects.
  • Supporting Local Businesses: Workforce Digital Skills for SMEs: We are also actively engaged in bolstering the digital capabilities of SMEs in Devon and Somerset, providing vital workforce digital skills training to ensure local businesses can thrive in the digital age. Digital leadership and digital skills for the workforce are leading to major enhancements to productivity and growth, raising salaries and business achievements.
  • Community Resilience: Digital inclusion strengthens communities. By providing access and training, we help build resilience, enabling individuals to connect, collaborate, and thrive.
  • The need for tailored support: One size does not fit all. Through our long experience, we have learned that people need tailored support, and that the barriers to inclusion are varied and complex.

Cosmic’s Commitment

Our almost 30-year legacy is built on a foundation of practical solutions and a genuine passion for making a difference. We continue to:

  • Deliver tailored digital skills training and support to individuals and organisations, leveraging the resources and reach of our partners like Good Things Foundation, and through projects like Restart and Workforce Digital Skills. 
  • Work with partners across the public, private, and voluntary sectors to expand digital inclusion initiatives, including our regional leadership role with FutureDotNow, and supporting SME’s.
  • Advocate for policies that address the root causes of digital exclusion.
  • Continue to evolve our services to meet the ever changing digital landscape.

Looking Ahead: The next 30 years! 

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and the challenge of digital exclusion persists. But with our extensive experience and unwavering commitment, strengthened by our crucial partnerships and active projects, Cosmic is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in the digital world.

“We know from experience that digital inclusion is about far more than simply providing access to technology. It’s about empowering people with the skills and confidence to use it meaningfully. The government’s new Digital Inclusion Action Plan is a crucial step forward, and we’re excited to align our work with this national agenda. Together with our partners, we will continue to drive change, reduce inequalities, and ensure that no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world.” Julie Hawker, Cosmic CEO.

Call to Action:

#DigitalInclusion #DigitalSkills #CommunityImpact #SocialImpact #Education #Employability #Cosmic #SouthWest #UK #TechForGood #GoodThingsFoundation #UKOnlineCentres #FutureDotNow #Restart #SMEsupport