How do we address digital skills shortages in the UK? Lords to ask TechUK and FutureDotNow
Friday 14 April 2023
The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee will next week take evidence from TechUK and FutureDotNow as it explores digital skills gaps in the UK.
The session forms part of the Committee’s investigation of digital exclusion and will explore what more can be done to ensure the UK makes the most of the economic opportunities of increasing digitisation, without further embedding existing inequalities.
The evidence sessions will start from 1:45pm on Tuesday 18 April in Committee Room 4 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence to the Committee will be:
1:45pm
- Liz Williams MBE, Chief Executive, FutureDotNow
- Antony Walker, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, TechUK
2:40pm
- Professor Simeon Yates, Professor of Digital Culture, University of Liverpool
- Kat Dixon
In the first session questions will focus on digital skills shortages at both the basic and advanced levels and how this impacts on business, productivity and prospects for economic growth. The Committee will also ask the witnesses what action government and industry can take to tackle skills gaps.
In the second session the Committee will explore how efforts to tackle digital exclusion can be made most effective. This may include supporting local initiatives, better coordination across government departments and the establishment of a basic standard for digital access given the increasing digitisation of a wide range of services.
