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Digital Inclusion Initiative
Find out about the industry-leading Digital Inclusion Initiative and the impact it's having on our residents
What is the Digital Inclusion Initiative?
The Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) is a new, ground-breaking, industry-led programme, committed to bridging the digital divide by improving digital skills, enhancing lives, and stimulating economic growth.
This is done by providing over 4,500 tablets, sim cards (with six months of internet connectivity) and digital skills training to digitally excluded people throughout 2023-2024.
Lloyds Banking Group, Vodafone UK, Empaua Ventures and technology partners such as World Wide Technology are behind the initiative, with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority facilitating its rollout locally.
What do participants receive and how do I get involved?
Each participant receives a free android tablet, with six months of Vodafone connectivity, alongside in-person digital skills training.
To reach those most in need, we’re working in partnership with members of our Digital Inclusion Network to roll out this programme. This includes voluntary sector organisations, other local authorities and service providers.
If you’re an organisation supporting digitally excluded residents, sign up to our network to find out how to get involved.
Who is behind the initiative?
The DII is partnership programme funded by:
- Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Bank believe that both financial and digital capability are enablers to everyday life. Including people’s ability to manage their money, find a job and build or grow a business. Our aim is to help provide the access, ability and ambition to improve these skills, driven through our own activities but also utilising the power of partnerships.
- Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that is committed to helping everyone in the UK enjoy the benefits of a digital society regardless of their age, ethnicity, background, or ability. By providing the connectivity in this programme, they are helping to bridge the digital divide, enabling thousands of residents online.
- Empaua Ventures
Empaua Ventures are company builders with two key pillars. Firstly, they invest in growth technology companies who are deployed with world leaders in Financial Services, Telecommunications and Industrial segments. Secondly, they specialise in actively partnering with leading corporations to drive their innovation and partnership ecosystem. With a proven track record of building cross industry partnerships, they are committed to tackling digital exclusion.
- World Wide Technology Group
World Wide Technology (WWT) are a globally leading technology services provider, committed to creating a more equitable digital landscape across the UK. WWT helped unlock the immense potential of digital access and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Why is it important?
The Combined Authority is committed to building a co-ordinated and connected digital inclusion ecosystem, where our residents are empowered to make the most of a modern digital life online. Across our 1.6 million residents, it is estimated that 28% have the lowest digital capability, preventing them from participating fully in society – whether that’s engaging with their friends and family online, renewing their prescriptions through the NHS App, or accessing council services digitally.
Hundreds of thousands more lack the required digital devices or connectivity to engage, with the barriers of access and affordability preventing many from engaging further online. The need to work in partnership with organisations across the industry is critical in tackling this challenge together.
What have we done so far?
With wave 1.2 coming to an end
here are some of our achievements so far
