Pre-loved tech will help to bridge digital divide under new government charter
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-24)

Organisations can sign up to the IT Reuse for Good charter on GOV.UK and then work with their chosen charity partner to distribute devices.

Big names like Deloitte and VodafoneThree alongside leading charity Good Things Foundation are uniting with government to encourage organisations to donate pre-loved tech to digital excluded Brits.

Organisations can sign up to the IT Reuse for Good charter on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/it-reuse-for-good-charter) from today and then work with their chosen charity partner to distribute devices.

The Charter encourages organisations to change how they manage and dispose of IT assets, with the aim of increasing device donations to the 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom who lack access to a basic laptop, tablet and smartphone.

With technology transforming essential services like healthcare access, job applications and housing, government is doubling down on commitment to improve skills and technology access for all – breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change (https://www.gov.uk/missions).

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

Britain is leading the way when it comes to technological advancements with everyday essentials such as doctor’s appointments and job applications becoming increasingly digital. But to maximise the full potential of technology, we need to bring everyone along with us on this journey.

This Charter represents a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the digital divide and create a more sustainable approach to technology. By working together with industry and charity partners, we’re helping more people access the digital tools they need to improve their lives while reducing harmful electronic waste.

Research also shows that digitally excluded people face higher costs for things like home insurance, train travel and food paying up to 25% more on average than consumers who are online.

The charter sets out principles for organisations to adhere to including ensuring devices are securely wiped, professionally refurbished and fit for purpose so they can be provided free of charge to those who need them.

Ryan, a single father from Essex, struggled without access to a laptop. “Job searching felt impossible,” he said. “I couldn’t keep up and felt like I was falling behind.”

Through a donation from Vodafone’s Great British Tech Appeal to the National Device Bank, an initiative led by Good Things Foundation, Ryan received a laptop that transformed his prospects. “This laptop isn’t just a piece of equipment - it’s a lifeline,” Ryan shares. Now, he can actively search for jobs, attend online training, and build a better future.

“I want my kids to see what’s possible with determination and the right support,” Ryan says.

Helen Milner OBE, CEO of Good Things Foundation, said:

Alongside the government, VodafoneThree and Deloitte, Good Things Foundation has developed the IT Reuse for Good Charter, tackling the UK’s digital divide and e-waste crisis head-on. With 1.5 million adults lacking essential devices and 1.45 million tons of e-waste discarded yearly, we’re proud to lead the charge for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The Charter builds on the success of our National Device Bank and will be a game-changer, unlocking thousands of devices. We have also launched a Playbook to help businesses to navigate IT reuse for good, and bake it into their organisations.

Richard Houston, Senior Partner and CEO Deloitte UK said:

Since 2021, we’ve donated 20,000 devices to schools and charities through our network of social impact partners. I’m incredibly proud that we have been able to help thousands of people continue education, find employment, and connect with loved ones through technology. Yet I know there is so much more that can be done. I encourage all organisations, whatever size, to consider the role you can play, and together, we can bridge the digital divide.

Rich Marsh, Responsible Business Director at BT Group, said:

As well as being a leader in sustainability for more than 30 years, at BT we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that digital inclusion projects are having across the UK – supported by our networks, social tariffs and digital skills programs.

We warmly welcome the ‘IT Re-Use for Good’ Charter, which brings these 2 things together and gives a second life to our devices. Now we’re committing to donate even more devices, helping play our part in providing people with the tech they need in today’s digital society.

Notes to editors

Signatories must donate their first device within 6 months of signing the charter. Progress will be monitored by self-reporting every 6 months.

Digital Inclusion Action Plan documents
- Digital Inclusion Action Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-action-plan-first-steps/digital-inclusion-action-plan-first-steps)
- Research shows that digitally excluded people face higher costs for things like home insurance, train travel and food paying up to 25% more on average than consumers who are online. Centre for Social Justice - Left Out (2023): How to tackle digital exclusion and reduce the poverty premium (https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/library/left-out) (page 5)
- 1.5 million people in the UK currently lack access to a basic laptop, tablet or smartphone Access: Expert Overview - August 2024, Good Things Foundation (https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/policy-and-research/what-works-colab/access-briefing#:~:text=Key%20statistics%20on%20people%20affected,the%20Minimum%20Digital%20Living%20Standard)
Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer said:

At Currys, everything we do is to help everyone enjoy amazing technology. Within that, we’re very aware that not everyone can afford or have access to the amazing tech we sell. Through our work to date, it’s clear to see the positive, transformative power of just one digital device for a child or for a family, and how isolating not having access to the digital world really is. That’s why we were founding members of the Digital Poverty Alliance, and why we’re committed to doing everything we can to help make digital poverty a thing of the past. It’s been wonderful to work with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on this important new Charter and we’re proud to be signatories. The more we can do as a society, as businesses, working together with government with solutions to bridge the digital divide, the more likely we are to really make a difference.
- Read the full details of the IT Reuse for Good charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/it-reuse-for-good-charter).
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