Social change charity Good Things Foundation is collaborating with banking giant JP Morgan to investigate how digital skills can tackle economic exclusion in the UK.
The new programme aims to increase the digital skills of working age adults. It will help people to adapt to changes in the workplace, save money using online tools, and grow their businesses using digital technology.
11.3 million people in the UK don’t have all the basic digital skills they need, and 5.4 million of these are within the workforce. Alongside this, 30 per cent of UK charities and 16 per cent of UK small and medium-sized businesses have low digital capability.
Working with JP Morgan and partners, Good Things Foundation will research the current UK digital skills landscape and the people and businesses that can benefit from support, as well as mapping gaps in provision, and identifying best practice. SCVO, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, is the national partner in Scotland.
“This collaboration with JP Morgan is a great new commitment to digital skills in the UK,” said Helen Milner, chief executive of Good Things Foundation.
“There is a strong case for investing in essential digital skills – both for economic prosperity and social justice. With over 5 million adults in the workforce lacking some digital skills, and many small businesses and charities under-using digital to grow and thrive, the need for continuing action is clear.
“I’m delighted that we’re working with JP Morgan to address economic exclusion in the UK through digital skills, and I know that by working together we’ll have a significant impact in reaching the people and businesses most in need of support.”
Dan Zinkin, managing director for global investment and digital investment banking and head of technology at JP Morgan, said: “JP Morgan is at the forefront of developing new digital technologies and we are committed to bridging the digital divide in our communities. Through this collaboration, we are empowering people without the skills or confidence to use online digital services to seek employment, grow their businesses and improve their lives and economic prospects.”