The importance of digital skills in an increasingly digital society

Martin McFadyen, Head of Public Sector at Virgin Media O2 Business, analyses the necessity of digital skills in an increasingly tech-savvy world, especially since the pandemic ushered in new ways of working and living

When the pandemic forced all of us to rely more on online services, it highlighted the many social and economic benefits of a digital-first approach for organisations and the community. Whilst a welcome change for those of us who are already confident using tech, what of the untold masses who don’t have efficient digital skills?

For those lacking the necessary digital skills, it resulted in further isolation and exclusion from an increasingly digital society.

According to the Good Things Foundation, there are 10 million people in the UK who are digitally excluded and lacking in the most basic skills. And this has vast economic repercussions, with research into the impacts of digital exclusion from Virgin Media O2 and Cebr showing that digital exclusion could cost UK workers over £5 billion, and the wider economy £12.8 billion.

10 million people in the UK are digitally excluded and lacking in the most basic skills

The shift from legacy tech has proven necessary to the overall satisfaction and productivity of people across the UK, especially since the pandemic ushered in new ways of working and living that utterly depend on technologies like communications and collaboration tools.

However, this tech is rendered useless when employees and residents of the local community are not equipped with the skills and confidence to make the best use of it.

Dismantling the term “digital native”

The term “digital native” assumes that, because of someone’s age and access to modern technology, they are comfortable and fluent in the use of these digital solutions.

However, technology is changing rapidly, and as such, so is the phrase “digital native.” Emerging tech, such as AI and automation, are becoming more prevalent, and the World Economic Forum predicts that 1.1 billion jobs will be radically changed by tech in the next decade.

Against this changing landscape, we shouldn’t assume that digital exclusion only impacts one demographic. It is not only older, unemployed and low-income people who are digitally excluded. Nominet’s Digital Youth Index highlights the extent of the issue in the UK, with 2.1 million young people (aged 8-25) being at risk of digital exclusion.

And the impact that this has on all aspects of life cannot be understated. As we navigate a cost-of-living crisis, it becomes even more important that all communities are digitally connected in order to carry out basic daily activities.

Yet, the research from Virgin Media O2 and Cebr discovered that a lack of digital skills was preventing young people from carrying out tasks like booking medical appointments online (56%), looking after their mental health (70%) and was leading them to pay higher prices for bills (62%). A similar trend was seen amongst those with a higher income as those with lower.

With digital exclusion potentially costing people their mental, financial and physical well-being, we in the private and public sectors have a key role to play in dismantling the idea of the “digital native” and ensuring that all members of society are able to thrive in a digital world.

Collaborating on digital upskilling

And the best way to achieve this? Public and private sector collaboration on digital upskilling, knowledge sharing and giving access to connectivity and devices. The challenge of increasing digital inclusion is not one that either the public or private sector should be expected to take on alone.

By coming together, the two can share resources, from devices and digital solutions to physical spaces and employee volunteers, to help educate and upskill communities, building their digital confidence and helping them to achieve more.

One of the participants in a recent roundtable we hosted talked about the importance of local libraries, which are all Wi-Fi enabled, and having a “digital helpers” programme. These spaces have become community hubs which engage local residents and help them develop their skills, giving them access to connectivity that they might not have at home.

Our Connect More Programme

We understand how imperative technology and digital skills are to all aspects of modern life. As such, we’ve taken up a mission to ensure equality of access so that people have the confidence to set themselves up for a more digitally enabled future. The Connect More Programme enables our employees to deliver positive change, providing digital skills support within the community as volunteers.

And as mentioned above, collaboration is a main factor. We look to address the issues of digital exclusion at its root by directly working with local authorities to identify and help areas in the community affected by digital exclusion.

We can address digital exclusion at its root by directly working with local authorities

The Programme started with a pilot in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and most recently, we announced its expansion to Reading in collaboration with Reading Borough Council. The national rollout of the Connect More Programme highlights the importance of the public sector – their schools, hospitals, libraries and local authorities – and the private sector working together.

Making digital inclusion inclusive

In our current landscape, digital inclusion is a necessity. The ability to be digitally connected, have access to tech and be well equipped on how to use it efficiently and safely is important for every member of society.

Terms like “digital native” do a disservice to everyone. With the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of slowing down and emerging tech forcing an upskilling and reskilling revolution in the workplace, it is impossible to assume that everyone has the capabilities to handle this.

Believing that certain demographics are digitally included based on factors such as age, race, or socio-economic background may lead to people slipping through the cracks. Opportunities for digital upskilling across society go a long way in ensuring that people are equipped to deal with recent and upcoming changes in the workplace.

Private and public sector collaboration is key to that success. And with the resources that the private sector has access to, they should take the lead in this relationship. By working with the public sector to identify and close digital skill gaps in the community, companies can bring all of society on the journey towards digital inclusion.

This piece was written and provided by Martin McFadyen, Head of Public Sector at Virgin Media O2 Business.