The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.
National charity body to deliver pioneering digital initiative in Scotland
J.P. Morgan and Good Things Foundation have today launched ‘Power Up’, a £1.3 million project designed to support people in underserved communities to build the digital skills that they need to qualify for in-demand jobs.
Power Up will support activity in Bournemouth, east London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have partnered with Good Things Foundation to deliver the initiative in Scotland.
Despite widespread internet access, there is a deep divide between those who have the digital skills and confidence to benefit fully, and those who do not. The latest Ofcom release shows a 17% gap in internet use between adults in high and low socio-economic groups.
Informed by new research by Good Things Foundation which makes important recommendations for government, corporates and civil society, Power Up aims to improve people’s digital skills, motivation and confidence by focussing on three key themes; jobs and skills, financial health and small business support.
Sally Dyson, Head of Digital Participation at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “We are delighted to have partnered with JP Morgan and Good Things Foundation in developing the research which underpins the Power Up Fund. The Fund is a brilliant opportunity for organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh to tackle exclusion and build confidence by embedding the development essential digital skills in their work.”
Helen Milner OBE, Good Things Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The world we’re living in is changing rapidly, and although digital has the power to revolutionise both our lives and our work, many people are being left behind. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with J.P Morgan to deliver a new kind of initiative that will change how digital skills support is delivered. This initiative will have a significant impact on the lives of the people we’re supporting, and I know the learnings will have a long term impact on the sector, and the way digital skills support is delivered.”
Power Up is now looking for applicants who want to rise to this challenge, and organisations and partnerships interested in applying to Power Up should go to www.power-up.org.uk .
Good Things Foundation will launch their research report - Powering Up: How we enable more people, communities and businesses to participate fully in a digital economy - at an event with SCVO on 27 June – register here.
