Who's being left behind? Digital inclusion in the South West
How can we better connect the people, knowledge and resources across the South West to tackle digital exclusion together?
Across our region, charities, community groups, councils and businesses are doing important work to help people access and benefit from an increasingly digital world.
But much of this work happens in parallel. Communities are experiencing different challenges, organisations are developing their own solutions, and opportunities to share learning, resources and expertise can be missed.
It’s time to start connecting the dots.
As part of Brazen, Tech4Good South West is bringing together people from business, the public sector, charities and research to explore who’s being left behind, where the gaps are, what’s already working and how we might build a more connected, collaborative response.
This is a short, active session. You’ll hear national and regional perspectives, but much of the time is spent in conversation with people from sectors other than your own.
We want to hear your stories
This session is being shaped around the experiences of those closest to digital exclusion.
If you’re a charity, social enterprise or community organisation, we’d love to hear what you’re witnessing. Who is struggling to access services, opportunities or support? Where are the gaps? What’s working in your community, and what more could be possible with the right connections?
Bring those stories with you. There’s time throughout for small group conversations, and we’ll be capturing what people share to help shape what happens next. If there’s something you’d like us to know beforehand, please get in touch with Tech4Good South West.
Why businesses should come along
If you’re a business leader, employer or technology professional, we’re particularly keen for you to join us and listen.
Digital exclusion affects your customers, your workforce, your future talent and the communities in which you operate.
This is an opportunity to hear directly from the organisations and communities experiencing these challenges, understand where support is needed and discover how your skills, resources, influence and partnerships might make a meaningful difference.
You don’t need to arrive with a solution or a commitment. Come with curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to explore what we could achieve together.
What to expect
Arrive from 09:45. We start at 10:00 sharp with a cross-sector mingle, so it’s worth being there a few minutes early.
Meet people from other sectors: a quick mingle around one question: what makes digital inclusion significant for your sector or organisation?
The national picture:
Nic Littlejohn, Project Director The Connection Project. Headline findings from The Connection Project's new national report, opportunities for collaboration, and what it all means for the South West.
Amy Low, Chief Executive AbilityNet: insights on accessibility and digital exclusion for disabled and older people, including the implications of AI.
Voices from across the South West: short perspectives on the challenges, gaps and opportunities closer to home.
Katharine Willis, Professor of Smart Cities and Communities, University of Plymouth: how can we get creative about digital inclusion in the great South West? Katharine has led a number of research projects addressing digital and social inclusion in communities in the UK and globally.
Julie Hawker, Chief Executive, Cosmic
Freyja Lockwood, Digital Innovation & Transformation Programme Manager, West of England Combined Authority
Small group conversations: after each set of talks, time to explore what you’ve heard and what it means for you and your sector.
Reflection and next steps: we’ll close by capturing what people think needs to happen now, and sharing how the conversation will continue.
What we hope to achieve
You’ll leave with:
a clearer picture of digital inclusion nationally and across the South West
new connections with people working on it across sectors
at least one practical next step for you or your organisation
Our ambition is that this will be the beginning of an ongoing regional conversation that connects existing initiatives, makes community voices more visible and encourages practical action.
For charities, social enterprises, community organisations, businesses, technology professionals, researchers, local authorities, funders and decision-makers. Places are limited, so please register early.
Please note: Guest registration data will be shared with Brazen.