Digital Inclusion Action Committee: terms of reference
Published 10 July 2025
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Role of the group
The Digital Inclusion Action Committee (DIAC) is an external advisory body that will work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – home of the digital centre of government. Its role is to scrutinise, steer and help determine the work of the government in reducing digital exclusion in every part of the UK. DIAC supports the government’s vision of ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, location, or ability – can access and benefit from digital technologies.
Objectives
The DIAC aims to:
- Provide strategic advice on the delivery and effectiveness of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan and related government initiatives
- Identify systemic barriers to digital inclusion and propose actionable solutions, particularly for underserved groups such as disabled individuals, older people, and low-income households
- Advise on securing and maintaining equitable digital access to public services across society and ensuring co-ordinated work across government to achieve this aim
- Promote collaboration between government, industry, and the third sector to build and maintain national momentum on digital inclusion work
- Monitor progress on digital inclusion and ensure accountability through regular reporting and stakeholder engagement
Membership
The committee is chaired by Baroness Hilary Armstrong, a long-standing advocate for social equity and digital access. DIAC includes members representing the private, third, and local government sectors, multiple UK regions, and expertise benefitting a range of underrepresented demographic groups.
Structure
The DIAC comprises a plenary group and 3 subcommittees:
- Industry Leadership and Partnership – how business and charities can support the government’s renewed focus on digital inclusion, and how they can deliver in partnership with others
- Local Delivery – how to maximise the impact of local initiatives and community support. Identifying best practice as well as identifying specific needs of local communities
- Inclusive Digital Services – how to ensure digital services are more inclusive and accessible
Each subcommittee will consist of 10-11 members, including 2 co-chairs and an independent plenary member, and will hold regular meetings to support the plenary meetings. The co-chairs and independent plenary members will attend quarterly plenary meetings with DIAC chair Baroness Armstrong to provide feedback on the committee’s overall progress, produce recommendations, and discuss next steps.
More information
The DIAC’s effectiveness and membership will be reviewed annually, before decisions are made on the need to change its structure, meeting frequency, membership or aims.
Public communications, including membership and meeting summaries, will be published on GOV.UK in due course.