The University, in partnership with the N8 and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), will be hosting a distinguished panel of speakers from various sectors to discuss the digital divide at a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference next month.
The panel will address the stark reality that approximately 10 million people in the UK currently lack even the most basic digital skills, such as navigating an internet browser or using a computer mouse. Exacerbated by the pandemic and the rising cost of living, the digital divide has widened. Neglecting this issue could lead to a future where a considerable number of the UK workforce remains under-skilled, with far-reaching consequences for our society, the economy, and overall health and wellbeing.
The discussion will focus on the responsibility and tools required to make digital inclusion a reality. A key proposal under consideration is the establishment of a Minimum Digital Living Standard to ensure that everyone in the UK has equitable access to essential digital skills and services.
The event will take place on Monday 9th October from 5pm – 6.30pm BST in the Hilton Hotel’s Grace Suite 1 and will be chaired by Jennifer Williams, Northern England Correspondent for the Financial Times. The event is free to attend and a conference pass is not required. You can sign up for the event here. The full panel listing is as follows:
- Professor Simeon Yates, University of Liverpool
- Dr Emma Stone, Good Things Foundation
- Beena Puri, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
- Hafsha Shaikh, Smartlyte – Get Families Talking
- Dana Haidan, Virgin Media O2
- Jocelle Lovell, Welsh Government
This event offers a unique platform for attendees to engage with leaders from industry, politics, the public sector, civil society, and academia to plan for a more inclusive digital future. As the digital divide continues to widen, this gathering of influential voices promises to shed light on a critical issue affecting millions of people and explore actionable solutions that can create a more digitally inclusive and equitable society.
Register now
To register for this free event please visit:
Refreshments will be provided to all participants.