A new £1.3 million project has been launched which aims to give communities new digital skills
Scottish organisations are being given the chance to lead the fight against digital exclusion.
JP Morgan and Good Things Foundation this week launched Power Up, a £1.3 million project designed to support people in underserved communities to build the digital skills that they need to qualify for in-demand jobs.
Power Up will support activity in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bournemouth and East London. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has partnered with Good Things Foundation to deliver the initiative in Scotland.
Despite widespread internet access, there is a deep divide between those who have the digital skills and confidence to benefit fully, and those who do not. The latest Ofcom report shows a 17% gap in internet use between adults in high and low socio-economic groups.
Informed by new research by Good Things Foundation - which makes important recommendations for government, corporates and civil society - Power Up aims to improve people’s digital skills, motivation and confidence by focusing on three key themes; jobs and skills, financial health and small business support.
Sally Dyson, head of digital participation at SCVO, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with JP Morgan and Good Things Foundation in developing the research which underpins the Power Up Fund. The fund is a brilliant opportunity for organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh to tackle exclusion and build confidence by embedding the development essential digital skills in their work.”
Helen Milner OBE, Good Things Foundation chief executive, said: “The world we’re living in is changing rapidly, and although digital has the power to revolutionise both our lives and our work, many people are being left behind.
“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with JP Morgan to deliver a new kind of initiative that will change how digital skills support is delivered. This initiative will have a significant impact on the lives of the people we’re supporting, and I know the learnings will have a long term impact on the sector, and the way digital skills support is delivered.”
