Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce is the voice of the business community and we’re proud to represent business views on the key local, regional and national issues. As the voice of the local business community, we deliver a number of policy forums, linked to a range of business topics.
Our Digital forum has a role in driving the growing digital sector in Staffordshire, enabling businesses to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This particular forum has developed a Digital Divide Working Group (DDWG) and as the name suggests, the group is committed to bridging the digital divide.
Earlier this week, we took the time to respond to a health inquiry, which was instigated by the Digital Poverty Alliance. The Call for Evidence asked for views to examine the impacts of digital exclusion on the delivery of health services and its effects on health inequalities. Our DDWG submitted a response to the Call for Evidence, based on some of the progress we have made.
DDWG was formed in 2023 and its very work is underpinned by the four pillars of:
- Hardware availability.
- Communications/Internet availability.
- Digital/literacy skills.
- A local technical support network.
DDWG was formed as a ‘catalyst for collaboration’ for our local digital inclusion ecosystem, building on the work of a previous initiative – Discover Digital. During the last year, we have established an IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) – Reboot IT for All:
We are keen to remind local businesses and individuals about the option to donate unwanted items of kit, such as laptops and tablets, which are securely wiped and recycled, before being offered to community groups, who are supporting those members of our local society living in digital poverty.
Too many members of our society are living in digital poverty, trapped offline, in an online world, excluded from access to key services and information, particularly when it comes to accessing health services. Working alongside those who support community groups across Staffordshire, we have anecdotal feedback on residents who don’t have access to a suitable digital device or connection to the Internet, which ties to the first two of the DDWG pillars (Hardware availability and Comms/Internet availability).
The third pillar relates to the theme of Digital/literacy skills and we see this as a very extensive spectrum, with users being able to develop confidence in using IT for day-to-day use. This will start with an ability to switch on a laptop or mobile and develop confidence to successfully browse the Internet, as well as saving/retrieving documents.
Digital poverty is a blight on our society and stifles confidence and access to key public services. Our response to the Call for Evidence included a call for more government funding to increase opportunities to engage with members of society living in digital poverty and practical measures of training and development in communities. This will empower residents, who will include the elderly and those who don’t speak English as a first language.
Just another reminder about donating those unwanted items of kit (laptops, tablets etc.). Please check our dedicated Reboot IT for All website:
Your unwanted kit will help to bring an end to digital poverty in our county.
If you would like to learn more about our DDWG and how to get involved, please send an e-mail to:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
