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Paul Murphy unveils new role of Digital Champion October 28, 2008

Posted by Rich Spragg in DC10+, DIEP, Digital Divide, Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme, GMDDA, Local Authorities, News, UK Online Centres.
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Paul Murphy MP

Paul Murphy MP

A new high-profile Digital Champion will help promote the Government’s Digital Inclusion agenda, was announced by the Minister for Digital Inclusion Paul Murphy on Friday, 24 October 2008.

The creation of an independent Digital Champion is one of the key proposals to achieve greater digital inclusion included within the new cross-Government report ‘Delivering Digital Inclusion: An Action Plan for Consultation‘, published today.

Around 17 million people in the UK today are excluded from the digital revolution, with no access or experience of the Internet and other digital technologies.

Launching the Action Plan at Holborn Library’s UK Online Centre as part of the National Get online Day, Paul Murphy said:

“Technology and the Internet are now woven into the fabric of our society. However, we cannot ignore the fact that those who are socially excluded are much less likely to have access to and benefit from technology.

“Digital inclusion aims to create a fair society and bring social and economic benefits to individuals, communities and the economy as a whole. It is the links between social and technological disadvantage that makes digital inclusion a priority today.

“The post of Digital Champion will be independent of Government, but will work closely with myself as Minister for Digital Inclusion, the Cabinet Committee and the cross-Government Digital Inclusion Team. The Champion will work as a high-profile public figure who can raise the profile of this agenda, gaining support from industry, the third and public sectors, plus central and local government, whilst maintaining their independence.

“The exact role and responsibilities of the Champion are not yet agreed, that is why we are asking people to respond to this consultation to help us shape our plans for the future. We are eager to hear people’s views on how this new post can work most effectively, and indeed to suggest individuals or organisations to fulfil this role.”

The Digital Champion is just one of more than 70 Government actions listed in the Plan aiming to advance the Government’s Digital Inclusion agenda. Those actions include last week’s announcement by Lord Carter of the work on Digital Britain to secure the UK’s status as a world leader in the knowledge and learning economy.

Paul Murphy said:

“This Action Plan shows that the Government is taking the lead. We want to bring people together from industry and the voluntary sectors, as well as from across Government, so that we can work together and make more impact with the money we’re spending. This Action Plan is an important step to achieve greater co-ordination and co-operation on this important agenda.

“And we are already taking action. You will know that the Department for Children, Schools and Families recently announced its Home Access programme. A fundamental part of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, the home access programme will target those one million children in England who currently do not have access to a computer or internet connectivity at home, starting with pilots in Oldham and Suffolk.

“But the Action Plan isn’t just about what we’re doing at Whitehall level - it also recognises the good work that local authorities and others are already doing across the country, and we want to support that further.

“By all working together, we can make a difference to our 17 million citizens currently excluded from the digital world.”

To support the Action Plan, Communities and Local Government will be publishing new research and resources to help councils and communities deliver digital inclusion initiatives on the ground as well as moving forward with their plans for the Digital Mentors scheme, laid out in the Empowerment White Paper. This group of people will work to support and empower communities, in the UK’s most deprived areas, enabling them to engage with digital technology and media.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:

“The research we have released today very clearly demonstrates access to technology can improve quality of life and opens up new opportunities. We want to ensure that all communities - including the most disadvantaged - can benefit by going digital. The Government’s action plan is an important step, as well as new resources for councils and communities. I look forward to hearing the feedback this consultation produces and to seeing the development of even more inspiring and innovative programmes for digital inclusion.”

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Notes:

  1. Delivering Digital Inclusion: An Action Plan for Consultation is available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/deliveringdigitalinclusion.
  2. Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy launched the Action Plan at Holborn Library UK online centre as part of the National Get online Day.
  3. To support the plan, Communities and Local Government is running a programme to increase local authorities’ ability to use technology to provide innovative and successful services; key to helping more people overcome problems, gain self confidence and achieve the ability to fully enjoy, take part in and contribute towards society. Communities and Local Government’s programme (Digital Inclusion Capacity Building Programme) has been developed in consultation with stakeholders, including public, private and third sectors. New resources are being launched today and can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/digitalinclusion.
  4. Government has taken steps to improve digital inclusion in the last three years. For example, the Department for Children, Schools and Families introduced the Computers for Pupils programme; through UKOnline centres they have rolled out the myGuide service for the digitally excluded. And the winner of 2007’s Digital Challenge competition, Sunderland City Council, and the nine runners up are continuing to develop good practice for other local authorities so that they can help their communities, particularly the most deprived, to benefit from new technologies.
  5. Calls for Interest: Developing a National Network of ‘Digital Mentors’: Following the commitment in Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power, Communities and Local Government is inviting formal expressions of interest from organisations willing to work with us and each other to develop the network of ‘Digital Mentors’ in deprived communities in England. For more information visit Digital Mentors.
  6. For further details on Action Plan contact Andrew Mathias on 0207 270 0565 or 07973 303984.
  7. For further details about Communities and Local Government initiatives contact their press office on 0207 944 3042.

Government announces plan to close the digital divide September 24, 2008

Posted by Rich Spragg in Broadband, Digital Divide, Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme, Education, GMDDA, Internet, Local Authorities, News, e-Skills, schools.
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Children from jobless and low income families will receive a free computer and free broadband access under major plans to close the digital divide amongst young people.

The £300m investment will help make England one of the first countries in the world to ensure every single young person can use a computer and the internet at home for their education.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said that the achievement gap between rich and poor can only be closed in the modern world if everyone has access to a computer and high speed internet access.

Jim Knight said:

“Home access to ICT has educational, economic and social benefits. In fact it is now clear that pupils without internet access are at a disadvantage to their peers. Home access is increasingly becoming an essential part of a good education and having a computer with internet access should be seen as equally essential as having a school bag, a uniform or a pen and paper. Many of us could not have even dreamed of having a computer in our own home when we were at school, but times have changed and young people are now at a significant disadvantage if they do not have a computer and access to the internet. They are no longer luxury items, but are essential for a good education.

“It is unacceptable that the digital divide is growing with 35 per cent of families having no access to the internet and around a million children having no computer at home. That’s why we are taking this unprecedented step.

“But this isn’t simply about handing out laptops and plugging them into broadband. Of course this is central to our plans but a laptop that’s never used will not close the digital divide. What’s important is what young people use computers for. I want young people using the internet to study and research their school work and to find information that would normally be difficult to get hold of.

“What I find particularly exciting is that young people can then show their parents and grandparents how to use the internet so they can benefit from the vast amount of information available at their fingertips.”

The announcement follows an independent report published today by leading industry and educational experts who make up the ‘Home Access Taskforce’. The taskforce recommended boosting educational equality by ensuring that every 5-19 year-old can log on to the internet at home by 2011.

While further investigation is being carried out into the requirements of learners aged 5-7, the initial ‘Home Access’ package includes:

    • broadband for all young people between 7 - and 19-years-old whose families are eligible;
    • a free laptop or other computer with relevant software and hardware bought with a ‘Home Access’ voucher; and
    • support covering important areas such as internet safety, effective use of technology for learning and a technical support helpline.

    The programme will begin in November 2008 with targeted funding available for all local authorities to provide home access for groups such as looked after children and others for whom the authority has special responsibility. The wider programme will be piloted in early 2009 in two local authority areas, with expansion to the rest of England starting in autumn 2009. Families in receipt of income support or unemployment benefits will be able to apply for a ‘Home Access’ Grant which they can use to purchase a package from accredited suppliers. The programme aims to work towards universal home access by 2011.

    GMDDA welcomes Government Strategy on Digital Inclusion May 2, 2008

    Posted by Rich Spragg in AIMES, Community Development, DC10+, DC10plus, DIEP, Digital Inclusion, Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme, Entrepreneurship, GMDDA, Local Authorities, Merseyside, News, Technology, UK Online Centres, e-Skills.
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    Paul Murphy MPA strategy to get the last third of unconnected UK citizens online is now being drawn up, according to Paul Murphy MP, Minister for Digital Inclusion, at yesterday’s National Digital Inclusion Conference, also attended by GMDDA. In his first speech since his appointment, he revealed the strategy could be in place by summer.

    Some 17 million citizens in the UK did not have access to a computer, either at home or at work, he said, “Chances are these people come from an older or socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged group”.

    The new cabinet committee set up by Mr Murphy met for the first time last week, “We came up with the following mission statement: To co-ordinate policies and a coherent strategy that all citizens, especially the disadvantaged, can benefit from new technologies,” he told the conference.

    Delegates welcomed the appointment of the first cabinet minister to have responsibility for digital exclusion.

    “The vision from government seems now to be bigger and bolder,” said Helen Milner, managing director of UK Online centres, community-based groups aimed at connecting the disconnected.

    David Parr, Chair of the Greater Merseyside Digital Development Agency agreed, “This is a clear indication that the priorities of GMDDA, tackling digital exclusion in our communities, is also being addressed by central government.”

    These views were echoed by Professor Dennis Kehoe, Director of the AIMES Centre at the University of Liverpool, “It is good to hear that Government is addressing digital inclusion at Cabinet-level, comments expressed today mirror exactly our objectives in the Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme for Merseyside. There is a clear link between digital inclusion and economic prosperity”

    GMDDA and AIMES are currently working with other partners, including local councils, to digitally enable over 5,000 residents, as well as encouraging enterprise development and other initiatives, such as homeshoring. Read more about the programme here: http://diep.aimes.net/

    Wireless Cities initiative hits Liverpool February 8, 2008

    Posted by Rich Spragg in Broadband, Business, Capital of Culture, Flexible Working, GMDDA, Liverpool, Local Authorities, News, wi-fi.
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    BT Openzone logoBT has launched an extensive Wireless Broadband (Wi-Fi) network with coverage across Liverpool city centre - from Pembroke Place, west of Liverpool University, down to the Three Graces, across to the Albert Dock and up to Rodney Street. See the full coverage here:

    http://www.btwireless.bt.com/availability_liverpool.html

    BT has worked in partnership with Liverpool City Council to deliver the network. They are also working together to investigate a range of applications to improve key services addressing areas such as traffic management, environmental services and tourism. Included at launch is a facility that allows citizens and visitors to Liverpool free access to the City Council web sites, Liverpool Business and What’s on 08 - free to anyone logging on to the wireless service in the Wireless Liverpool area (Charges apply for BT Openzone and require Wi-Fi enabled equipment for usage).

    (more…)

    MERIT Event: The ITIL® framework - “Change alone is unchanging” December 11, 2007

    Posted by Rich Spragg in Business, Events, Knowledge Transfer, Liverpool, Local Authorities, MERIT, News, Training.
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    MERIT logoRegister for Free Registration 11:00 - 11:30
    Presentation 11:30 - 12:30
    Lunch & Networking 12:30 - 2:00

    ICDC Liverpool Digital, 2nd Floor, Babbage House entrance, Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 9NW

    The Information Revolution is transforming the nature of business. The ITIL® framework has become the most widely accepted approach to managing IT service quality and costs in a context of ever changing business requirements and increasing expectations.

    Adopted and adapted by organisations of all sizes and sectors around the world, ITIL has become the de facto standard for IT Service Management.

    ITIL

    At this FREE event Mark Flynn, founder of ITIL Consultancy organisation, Felix Maldo Ltd, will explain the nature of the ITIL material and qualifications - ITIL origins and credentials, scope, key concepts and the benefits, costs and risks of adopting an ITIL approach.

    Following on from this event MERIT will be running the ITIL® V3 Foundation certificate training course. For further information visit http://www.merit.org.uk/training

    For the ITIL experienced in the audience, this will be a useful introduction ITIL V3 which was launched earlier this year.

    ITIL ® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.