Greater Manchester is setting the pace nationally in tackling digital exclusion, driven by a bold, shared vision: a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life – regardless of their age, background or situation. To make this possible, it’s essential that everyone can thrive in the digital age and no one gets left behind. We’re working to fix the digital divide by helping more people get online and removing barriers such as connectivity, confidence, skills, affordability, and accessibility.

This summit marks a pivotal moment. That’s why, five years after launching our ground-breaking Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change, this landmark summit brings together leaders across government, business, education, health, social housing, communities and residents to reflect, re-energise, and reimagine our collective mission to close the digital divide for good.

The bold vision set out in the Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change is shared by a powerful ecosystem of people and organisations that has enabled thousands of residents in every postcode across Greater Manchester to be enabled to get online. We’re bringing this ecosystem together to celebrate our collective impact and explore innovative and sustainable ways to truly level up the UK.

We’re making progress in tackling the digital divide – driven by the power of people, partnerships and networks. Hundreds of organisations and groups, including those involved in the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Taskforce, have come together to support thousands of residents in gaining the confidence, skills, and access they need to get online and thrive. Highlights include:

6,858 students supported through the Digital Participation in School initiative

1,087 care leavers reached through the Care Leavers Programme

73,289 free Databank SIMs distributed to residents

But this summit is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action.

Widening gaps are leaving UK citizens behind, locked out of accessing vital services. The Government has ambitions to be a global digital and tech superpower. However, in an increasingly digital society, we see:

2.4 million people unable to complete a single basic task to get online

1.7 million UK households with no mobile or broadband internet

Up to 1 million people now cutting back, or cancelling internet packages, in the last 12 months

Over 5 million employed adults unable to complete essential digital work tasks, with basic digital skills are set to become the UK’s largest skills gap by 2030.

About the event

Supported by techUK, this event will share learnings, progress and successes of Greater Manchester’s Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change, celebrating impact across every borough for every citizen.

Together, we’re proving what’s possible:

Digital inclusion embedded across local services and systems

Tailored support meeting people where they are — in libraries, homes, community hubs, and care settings

Innovation driven by lived experience, community insight, and bold partnerships

What to expect:

Inspiring stories of impact from across Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs

Insights and evidence on what works - and what’s next

Strategic discussions on how to scale success and embed digital inclusion across policy, investment, and delivery

Opportunities to collaborate with changemakers across sectors

What role can each of us play in building a more connected, equitable Britain? With growing inequalities and digital exclusion threatening to widen divides, we must move further, faster, together.

Join us to shape the future of digital inclusion and help drive forward Greater Manchester’s ambition to be a beacon of opportunity, access, and innovation for all.

If you have any dietry requirements or accessibility needs, please notify us by contacting gmcadigital@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.

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Digital Inclusion Summit 2025