The Tech Partnership and Lloyds Banking Group have announced they are leading a consultation that will improve the way that the UK measures the Basic Digital Skills required for adults to thrive in a digital world.
The final framework created will be used to shape the Government’s Digital Skills Entitlement programme, which will make training in basic digital skills free for adults in the UK lacking relevant qualifications.
Anne Milton, Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships said, “I welcome this consultation. The ‘Get Digital’ Basic Skills framework has brought consensus on the digital skills adults need for life and work, and will form the foundation of our new basic digital skills standards.”
Increasing the digital skills of adults across the country will help more people access the numerous benefits of being online. Research from the Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index highlights that having Basic Digital Skills can save individuals an average of £744 a year, and provide them with easier access to work and education.
The consultation invites everyone with an interest in this important agenda to give their thoughts on the level of digital skills needed for today and the future. It is an update of a framework initially developed by Go ON UK, remodeled to reflect the significant changes in technology that have taken place since it was created.
The Tech Partnership and Lloyds Banking Group have convened a steering group featuring a wide range of organisations, to ensure that all sectors of industry, academia, government and education are shaping the outputs to transform the UK’s digital skills capabilities.
Karen Price OBE, Chief Executive of The Tech Partnership said, “We are thrilled to be co-chairing this consultation process. Together, we have convened a formidable leadership group of employers, government officials, training providers and industry experts to develop and review this new framework and to ultimately ensure that all individuals in the UK can safely participate in and contribute to the digital world of today and the future, at both home and work.”
Leigh Smyth who leads Group Transformation Culture and Capability at Lloyds Banking Group, said, “With 11.5 million UK adults currently without basic digital skills, it is imperative that we build a single view of UK capability so all partners and practitioners can work together to provide consistent support to help people with the right skills and understanding. This new framework, developed in collaboration with cross sector organisations in tandem with insight, face to face local support and training will enable essential progress at a national and local level”.