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Digital Inclusion Action Committee summary minutes: 23 October 2025

Published 1 May 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-action-committee-meeting-summaries/digital-inclusion-action-committee-summary-minutes-23-october-2025

Plenary summary minutes

Meeting attendees:

  • Rt. Hon. Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top, Chair
  • Jess Flack, Essex County Council
  • Caroline Abrahams CBE, Age UK
  • Natalie Ceeney CBE, Cash Access UK
  • Simeon Yates, University of Liverpool
  • Jocelle Lovell, Cwmpas Cooperative
  • Jason Tutin, 100% Digital Leeds
  • Patrick Melia OBE, Sunderland City Council
  • Antony Walker, techUK
  • Emma Stone, Good Things Foundation
  • Helen Burrows, BBC

Officials:

  • Rebecca Stephens, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
  • Relevant Secretariat Officials

Summary

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) provided updates confirming that delivery of the Action Plan remains on track, with successful Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund applicants due to be engaged shortly. Members were briefed on the development of the DSIT Digital Inclusion Dashboard, which will consolidate published and emerging data to support policy development and measurement of progress. DIAC agreed that defining clear, meaningful metrics is a priority, and DSIT will lead a dedicated session for all members (delivered on 12 December).

Subcommittees reported on their priorities:

  • The Inclusive Digital Services subcommittee highlighted the role of standards in improving accessibility and recommended expanding the use and enforcement of GDS standards across local government and the NHS.
  • The Industry Leadership and Partnership subcommittee set out opportunities to strengthen device donation, promote the IT Reuse for Good Charter, and support work on digital identity.
  • The Local Delivery subcommittee shared insights from local authority engagement and committed to reviewing findings from national surveys and innovation pilots.

Members considered DSIT’s proposed focus areas for DIAC’s forward programme, including improving cross‑government coordination, identifying priority sectors for joint action, supporting work on AI and digital identity, and improving understanding of groups most affected by exclusion. The Committee emphasised the need to embed digital inclusion across public services, develop a clearer national vision, and ensure that policy is informed by citizens’ lived experience. DSIT confirmed funding for citizen engagement research in early 2026, which DIAC will help shape.

It was agreed that DSIT will convene follow‑up discussions with the Chair and subcommittee co‑chairs to refine DIAC’s programme of work and confirm priority topics for the coming year.

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