In today's digital age, having digital skills is no longer just a convenience, but a necessity. From accessing information to communicating with others, the digital world is an integral part of our daily lives. But not everyone has the same standard of digital access and capability.
What is a Minimum Digital Living Standard?
A minimum digital standard of living includes having accessible internet, adequate equipment, and the digital skills, knowledge, and support to navigate the digital landscape.
Unfortunately, a significant number of households in the UK do not meet this standard.
Researchers and professionals from academic institutions and corporate organisations have come together to understand how technology (devices and broadband) can assist families in their everyday lives and develop a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS).
Why do we need a Minimum Digital Living Standard?
According to recent statistics, 3.7 million households with children do not meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard, which amounts to 4 in 10 households with children in the country (MDLS).
With millions of households excluded from the digital world, the UK faces a huge digital skills gap. 5 million workers are predicted to be "acutely under-skilled" in digital skills by 2030 (Industrial Strategy Council). This gap not only affects people’s ability to thrive in the digital world but also has broader implications, including employment exclusion, social exclusion, and financial exclusion, since most job boards, communication mediums, financial services, and more migrate to online channels.
Addressing this issue
To address this issue, We Are Group provide Digital Skills training programmes to those in need. Through partnerships with organisations like Lloyds Banking Group and Local Authorities, including the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, We Are Group has been able to reach a wide audience and make a real difference in people's lives by giving them digital devices and essential digital skills.
Our Digital Skills training covers a range of essential skills, including:
- setting up and navigating digital devices
- connecting to the internet
- communicating via email and messaging apps
- shopping online securely
- staying safe online and avoiding scams
- using online banking, and more.
By empowering individuals with these skills, We Are Group is helping people build confidence and independence in the digital world.
Closing the Gap with Lloyds Banking Group
An impactful example of our Digital Skills training is our work with Lloyds Banking Group. Since 2020, we have been managing and delivering the Digital Helpline on behalf of Lloyds Banking Group (LBG). As a bespoke Digital Skills training programme for LBG, the Digital Helpline has supported thousands of people in getting online, learning essential digital skills, and becoming digitally included.
Always catering to convenience and accessibility, the Digital Helpline, as well as our other Digital Skills training programmes, offer either face-to-face sessions or remote sessions held over the phone. The majority of training sessions being held remotely, 4,622 in 2023, demonstrates the importance of people being able to pick up the phone and get support at their point of need.
In 2023 alone, 4,644 people received our training via the Digital Helpline, with a 100% Net Promoter Score indicating high levels of satisfaction and 99% of Helpline users recommending our services to a friend or family member. Throughout 2023, 357 devices were provided to Digital Helpline users to ensure they have the necessary tools to learn and practice their newfound skills.
By closing the digital skills gap and empowering individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age, We Are Group, our clients, and the development of a Minimum Digital Living Standard is helping to create a more inclusive and digitally literate society. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential that everyone has the opportunity to develop their digital skills and participate fully in the digital world.
Want to empower the lives of your customers or residents with Digital Skills?
Get in touch with us here.
