Policy paper

The IT Reuse for Good charter

Published 25 June 2025

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Good Things Foundation, VodafoneThree and Deloitte LLP^{[footnote 1]} have developed this charter for businesses and public sector bodies.

The IT Reuse for Good charter

Changing lives. Promoting circularity. Supporting Net Zero.

The IT Reuse for Good charter promotes a ‘reuse first’ approach to IT assets (like laptops and smartphones) and is an opportunity for organisations to give their devices a second-life by refurbishing and gifting them to someone who is digitally excluded.

The charter sets a new standard for responsible, sustainable IT asset management in the UK. It aims to add to, not replace, existing asset disposal processes by creating positive social and environmental impact.

The charter reflects the government’s commitment to:

• increase the number of quality devices given to people who need them

• promote a more circular approach to using devices

• embedding a ‘re-use first’ approach as a standard practice in asset management

Key statistics

1.5 million people in the UK currently lack access to a basic laptop, tablet or smartphone^{[footnote 2]}

Almost everything we do each day uses some form of digital device, whether looking up directions, paying a bill, messaging friends, booking appointments, doing homework, or finding work. Internet access is now vital to take part in society, grow the economy, and use essential public services.

Material Focus has estimated that there are 880 million unused items sitting in UK homes some of which (e.g. computers, laptops and mobile phones) could be donated through digital inclusion schemes.^{[footnote 3]}

Join the IT Reuse for Good movement

The government is calling on C-Suites and Boards in public and private sector organisations to shift the dial by taking a ‘reuse first’ approach to IT assets – closing the digital divide, promoting circularity, supporting Net Zero.

Be one of the first 100 organisations to sign the charter. By doing this you will:

• change lives in the UK – giving quality second-life devices to people who urgently need them

• elevate your environmental, sustainability, and governance achievements

• boost your Net Zero contribution

• shout about how your organisation is innovating to drive up inclusion and sustainability

The IT Reuse for Good charter will:

• grow the number of market-leading organisations helping to close the digital divide; recognising that organisations will be at different stages and will choose different routes

• strive to embed a ‘reuse first’ approach to IT asset management as standard practice, capturing social value and environmental benefits, and driving systemic change

• increase the number of quality devices given to people who are digitally excluded in the UK, promote a more circular approach to using devices, and support progress towards Net Zero

• celebrate organisations leading the way in their sectors by making this standard practice

By signing the IT Reuse for Good charter, you pledge to:

• take a reuse first approach to IT asset management – giving devices a second-life by refurbishing and gifting them to help close the UK’s digital divide

• embed this approach into ongoing IT asset management strategies over time

• ensure devices are securely wiped, refurbished to good quality, fit for purpose, and provided free of charge to support people and families in the UK who are digitally excluded

• measure and report bi-annually on the environmental benefits and social impacts

• share lessons learned and encourage others to join the movement

DSIT and the members of the IT Reuse for Good charter steering group^{[footnote 4]} are not liable for any action or inaction as a result of the material in this publication or for the quality of devices donated to individuals. They are also not liable for any financial, legal, commercial or other consequences that may arise following the implementation of the principles set out in the charter and/or the information set out in the playbook that supports the charter.

Express an interest in the charter

Be counted among the first 100 organisations to sign the IT Reuse for Good charter. Find out how to express your interest.

Device donation support: the playbook

Good Things Foundation, VodafoneThree, Deloitte LLP, and the University of Liverpool have created a playbook for organisations, ‘IT Reuse for Good Charter Playbook’

The playbook features practical information to support organisations with their own device donation programmes, including showcasing national partners that can manage the entire process end-to-end.

If you can’t access the playbook on an organisational network, please use a personal device to view the resource at http://reuseforgoodplaybook.org.

IT Reuse for Good charter advisory group

DSIT would like to thank the IT Reuse for Good charter advisory group for their expertise in advancing and supporting the development of the charter.

Advisory group members include:

• Currys
• Essex County Council
• Google
• Green Alliance
• HSBC
• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
• Material Focus
• National Grid
• Reconome
• Scottish Government
• University of Liverpool
• Virgin Media O2

1. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom. Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients ↩

2. Access: Expert Overview  - August 2024, Good Things Foundation. ↩

3. UK electrical waste: challenges & opportunities 2023 - MaterialFocus;
   What is E-waste? Definition and Why It’s Important ↩

4. The IT Reuse of Good charter steering group is made up of Deloitte LLP, VodafoneThree, Good Things Foundation ↩