Digital inclusion

The ability of people to use new technologies is becoming as important as reading and writing. Individuals who do not have those skills are likely to become increasingly economically and socially disenfranchised.

It is an agenda about people and improving their lives, being able to communicate more easily; getting goods more easily and for lower prices and about being able to access public services more easily. Digital inclusion is also about reducing social isolation. It is about people being able to benefit, both as citizens and consumers.

The Welsh Government is committed to tackling digital exclusion, as reflected by its Communities 2.0 initiative and Digital Inclusion Framework.

Communities 2.0 commenced in April 2009. With a budget of £19.9 million over six years, the project is supporting community and voluntary sector groups and social enterprises to engage with technologies. It is being delivered by a consortium of five organisations led by the Wales Co-operative Centre. Further information can be found on the Communities 2.0 website.

Following a three month consultation period, the Digital Inclusion Framework was launched for publication in December 2010. Through this Framework, the Welsh Government intends to provide clear strategic leadership and outlines our commitment to help break down the barriers for those that are digitally excluded in Wales. A Digital Inclusion Delivery Plan has been developed to lay out targets to be achieved and the tasks to be undertaken.

The Welsh Government’s Digital Inclusion Unit have responsibility for strategic policy development, inter-governmental activity, and overseeing delivery in digital inclusion, which aims to engage with technologies and address barriers to digital exclusion.

The Unit will work with institutions to achieve understanding of and openness towards digital inclusion approaches with a view to changing organisations’ policies and practice.