We commit to understanding digital exclusion and how it impacts the people we work with.
Some specific actions that demonstrate our commitment to this pledge:
1. Research and Data:
- Conduct surveys to understand who in our community is digitally excluded (e.g., lacking internet access, digital skills, or devices).
2. Staff Training:
- Provide training sessions for staff on digital exclusion and its impact, equipping them with the knowledge to recognise and address these barriers.
3. Community Engagement:
- Consult with people in our communities, impacted by digital exclusion to learn about their specific needs and challenges.
- Work closely with other partner organisations to gather firsthand insights and collaborate on addressing digital gaps.
We commit to delivering on digital inclusion across our organisation, based on our understanding of need.
Some of our commitments and actions that align with this pledge:
1. Inclusive Service Design:
- Offer Multiple Access Channels: We provide alternative ways to access services, such as phone lines, in-person support, or paper-based options, for those who cannot engage digitally.
2. Digital Skills Training and Support:
- Train Staff to Support Users: Equip staff with the knowledge and tools to assist those who face digital barriers, offering tailored support to help people navigate digital services.
- Where possible provide Digital Literacy Support: Offer digital literacy training for clients or service users to improve their comfort with technology.
3. Partnerships and Collaboration:
- Collaborate with Local Communities: Partner with other key organisations and community groups that are experienced in addressing digital exclusion to expand outreach and deliver solutions to those in need.
4. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:
- Monitor Progress: Where possible set up systems to track and measure progress toward digital inclusion goals, gathering data to see where gaps remain.
- Adapt Based on Feedback: Using feedback from digitally excluded individuals or groups to adapt and improve organisational inclusion efforts.
We commit to identifying and utilising appropriate resources for digital inclusion.
Here are specific commitments and actions that align with this pledge:
1. Resource Identification:
- Conduct a thorough review of current tools, funding, partnerships, and technologies within your organisation to identify what can be leveraged for digital inclusion.
- Research New Resources: Stay up to date with innovations, grants, and digital inclusion initiatives that could support our delivery.
2. Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Collaborate with Digital Inclusion Networks: Join forces with local or national digital inclusion networks to access shared resources like training materials, best practice, and outreach support.
3. Access to Devices and Connectivity:
- Where possible provide Devices and Internet Access: Secure resources that can offer subsidised or free devices, such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets, along with affordable internet packages for under served communities.
- Digital Hubs or Drop-in Support: Create or support community hubs where individuals can access digital devices and receive guidance on how to use them.
4. Training and Skill Development:
- Utilise Resources: Leverage freely available online courses, tutorials, and resources to promote digital literacy and competency.
- Staff Training on Digital Inclusion: Provide employees with training on how to support digitally excluded individuals effectively and use inclusive technologies.
5. Funding and Grants:
- Seek Funding: Identify and apply for grants or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that support digital inclusion efforts.
- Where possible allocate Internal Funds: Dedicate a portion of the organisation’s budget specifically to digital inclusion activities, ensuring financial sustainability.
We commit to working in genuine partnership where we can, to promote and advance digital inclusion.
Below are key commitments and actions that demonstrate our commitment to this pledge:
1. Building Strong Partnerships:
- Engage with Local Communities: Work closely with community groups, charities, and local authorities that have a deep understanding of the digital exclusion challenges faced by the people they serve.
Form Alliances: Team up with schools and adult education provision to provide digital skills training and resources for digitally excluded groups.
2. Co-creation and Shared Learning:
- Co-design Solutions: Involve partner organisations and the people affected by digital exclusion in designing and delivering digital inclusion strategies, ensuring solutions meet the needs identified.
- Share Knowledge and Best Practice: Actively participate in knowledge exchange, sharing insights, tools, and best practice with other organisations to scale up digital inclusion efforts locally.
3. Collaborative Funding and Resources:
- Pursue Joint Funding Opportunities: Apply for joint funding with partner organisations to pool resources and increase the scope and impact of digital inclusion programs.
- Resource Sharing: Work with partners to share existing resources, such as training materials, online platforms, or community spaces, ensuring that more people can benefit from them.
4. Community Engagement and Outreach:
- Joint Outreach Support: Collaborate with partners to organise outreach programs, workshops, and events that raise awareness about digital exclusion and the support available.
We commit to contributing towards a wider conversation, developing a sense of community and being part of something bigger - because digital inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
Here are key commitments and actions aligned with this pledge:
1. Active Participation:
- Join National Digital Inclusion Movements: Actively participate in digital inclusion forums, conferences, webinars, and workshops, contributing insights and learning from others in this field.
- Engage in Online and Offline Discussions: Regularly share knowledge, success stories, and challenges through social media and other platforms to raise awareness and inspire action on digital inclusion.
2. Foster a Sense of Community:
Digital Inclusion Network: Where possible participate in a local network of organisations, community groups, and individuals working together to address digital exclusion.
- Organise Community Events: Where possible host events such as community workshops and meetups focused on building digital skills and fostering dialogue about digital inclusion.
- Celebrate Success: Highlight and celebrate digital inclusion achievements within your community or organisation to inspire others and create a sense of shared purpose.
3. Encouraging Cross-Sector Collaboration:
- Partner Across Sectors: Work with public, private, and third sectors to drive digital inclusion. These partnerships help to share resources, expand outreach, and coordinate efforts at larger scales.
- Engage with Policymakers: Actively contribute to discussions with government bodies, influencing policy decisions that support broader digital inclusion efforts.
4. Building Collective Responsibility:
- Advocate for a Shared Responsibility: Promote the idea that digital inclusion is a collective effort, not just the responsibility of a single sector. Encourage businesses, schools and communities to see digital inclusion as a key social responsibility for us all.
