Digital Champions scheme introduction David Neale

Background: the digital divide in the UK 18% of Britain’s population lack the basic digital skills to realise the benefits of the internet 10% of the adult population may never be able to gain basic digital capabilities 88% feel more confident after they get help to use the internet

The digital divide in the UK The main excluded groups Keys to digital inclusion Older people: nearly half of non-users without internet access are aged over 65 Economically inactive: two thirds of non-users without home access are unemployed Low-qualified: 62% of those with no educational qualifications are non-users With disability: 49% of people with disabilities are not online Access - the ability to actually go online and connect to the internet Skills - to be able to use the internet Motivation - knowing the reasons why using the internet is a good thing Trust - a fear of crime, or not knowing where to start to go online

What we're doing to help Providing regular drop-in sessions at Reading's central library and other libraries and community venues around the town, with volunteers helping visitors with IT – basic computer and mobile device use, web browsing, email etc. Working with partner organisations who can provide additional training as appropriate – Age UK, New Directions We hope to work with partner organisations to reach more people with disabilities.

Our partners – Elevate @ the library More information at http://reading.elevateme.org.uk

Safeguarding We are likely to be working at times with visitors who would be classed as vulnerable adults, such as elderly and infirm people or those with learning-related disabilities. Volunteers will not need to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked provided that we don't offer advice that affects the visitor's wellbeing (e.g. financial advice or advice on benefits). We can give general advice on how to fill in online forms, for example. If in doubt please ask a member of the RVA team.

Confidentiality We are likely to be handling confidential information, even if inadvertently Volunteers should avoid observing sensitive information such as passwords as far as possible It is recognised that sensitive information will sometimes be seen by volunteers (e.g. when helping visitors to log into their email or other websites), in which case this should not be acted on or revealed to anyone else For further information please ask a member of the RVA team.

Any questions?