Good Things' Policy & Advocacy Autumn Session

In November, Good Things’ Policy Manager, Hannah Whelan, hosted an interactive session for members of the National Digital Inclusion Network to talk more about Good Things Foundation’s Policy Asks. 

Here's a summary of what we heard.

Top policy ask #1

Deliver online public services that work for everyone. Embed digital inclusion into the transformation of Government services.

The consensus was that public service digitisation must retain alternative non-digital or in-person support channel(s) to serve everyone.

• Language and advocacy: Using language familiar to councils and governments is very effective. An example mentioned their duty to follow the Equality Act - a bind that means all public services must be available to all.
• Device affordability and specifications: A major issue is that essential public service apps like the NHS App frequently require recent, high-spec smartphones. This excludes people using older or second-hand devices (e.g. an iPhone 7) due to the significant cost barrier of new, up-to-date technology and ever-changing operating systems which necessitate newer tech.
• Socio-economic exclusion: Hubs highlighted that digital exclusion is increasingly tied to socio-economic status and the affordability of necessary technology, moving beyond traditional identities like age or disability.This has significant health implications, such as for those with Type 1 diabetes who need a current smartphone and connectivity data for modern monitoring and insulin pump technology. Without it, individuals must resort to frequent, manual finger-prick tests and injections - which was described as a shocking and unfair disparity.
• Accessibility and usability: Apps and websites need to be functional for people with beginner digital skills.
• Trust and safety: The government should address the existence of fake government websites that give faulty information.
• Testing: Digital services need to be tested by the public, including people with low digital skills.

Top policy ask #2

Innovate funding for inclusive growth. Be bold and drive systemic change with innovative economic mechanisms for digital inclusion, so everyone can participate in a digital society - now and in the future.

Hubs reported that getting funding is currently very difficult, despite the shockingly fast pace of digitisation across both government and private services which pushes people online without adequate support.

• Sustainable and long-term funding: The critical need for sustainable, long-term investment in digital inclusion was emphasised.
• Alternative funding streams: Focus should be placed on money other than just government grants, such as setting aside a part of National Lottery money and funding for digital inclusion.
• The "Keep-Up" principle (procurement): It was suggested that public sector procurement rules could be used to earmark funds for digital inclusion. When public sector contracts (e.g. for IT systems or local authority services run by private companies) are awarded, funds or resources must be allocated to ensure people are supported to use the new service or are prevented from being excluded. Currently, this is often the "last thought."
• Regulated industry model: A model could be lifted from regulated industries (like water and energy) which have licence conditions to support vulnerable customers. This system generates significant money that goes into social tariffs and funding for support organisations, and a similar approach should be implemented for other companies involved in public sector services.
• Redistribution: The principle of "putting the money back where it comes from" was raised, suggesting money generated from digitalisation efforts or taxes from organisations driving digital inclusion should be directed back to support it.
• Barriers: The growing trend of requiring people to apply for ID online was noted as another significant barrier to participation.
• Economic growth to reduce wealth gap: Hubs agreed that focusing on digital inclusion for economic growth is a good point, but it must be ensured that this growth won’t enlarge the wealth and education gap.