Following on from the success of our policy briefing in June, Policy Knowledge are proud to present the second event in this series on Digital Inclusion. As part of our Social Justice series of events this policy briefing will look at the potential of the internet and online services for individual, businesses and communities across the UK.
Currently, about 79% of the population are online however the remaining 21% (10.8 million people) are currently non users with either economic, social or physical barriers stopping them from enjoying the benefits and potential cost savings of online services.
Through this event we will explore current government policy to support people and businesses to go online and current work being undertaken by key stakeholders from across the digital inclusion community to ensure that all those who want to can take advantage of online services.
This event will explore key issues including:
- Assessing the current digital landscape in the UK
- The opportunity of the internet economy for UK businesses
- Tackling digital inclusion through skills
- Supporting vulnerable and older people online
- The cost benefits of delivering public services online
- Tackling social exclusion including unemployment through digital inclusion
Speaker:
Dr Gail Bradbrook - Director, Citizens Online
Gail has worked for Citizens Online since 2003. She oversees the Get IT Together Programme and the Fix the Web project (web accessibility) for Citizens Online, as well as supporting the charity’s consultancy work, fundraising and strategic direction.
Gail helped establish the EC’s e-inclusion awards and has been a judge for awards from Microsoft and Nominet. Gail was previously Director of comm.unity, Business in the Community’s campaign focusing on digital inclusion and corporate responsibility for the ICT sector, which included the establishment of IT4Communities. Gail has also worked for The Standing Conference on Community Development and Groundwork. Prior to this she undertook postdoctoral research in molecular biophysics in mainland Europe and in India doing Postdoctoral research.
Gail is committed to social change issues and is supporting Tax and Economic Justice issues, Transition Stroud and Woodcraft Folk on inclusion of disabled people. She is keen on sports such as running, skiing and yoga and has two children.