News and information

New Digi-Inclusion Minister to speak at national Conference

01 April 2008

In his first official engagement as the newly appointed Minister for Digital Inclusion, Paul Murphy MP is to make a keynote speech at the third National Digital Inclusion Conference, taking place in London on Tuesday 29 April. 

Hosted by Civic Conferences in association with UK online centres and DC10plus, the Conference will explore the digital state of the nation, and look at what actions are needed to reach the final third – the circa 33 per cent of the population who are still missing out on the benefits of computers and the internet.  It’s a chance for representatives across the public, private and third sectors to meet, share best practice and help shape the future development of programmes and policies. 

Chaired by Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive at the RSA, Conference speakers include Dr Tanya Byron, who last week launched her report into children’s gaming and internet use, Minister for Schools Jim Knight MP, Nick Batey from the EU-E Inclusion Directorate and Baroness Andrews OBE from the Department of Communities and Local Government.  Other contributions will come from Mark MacGann, Director General at EICTA, Mike Hughes, Head of Inclusion Programmes at BT and Stephen Uden, Head of Skills and Economic Affairs at Microsoft.  Paul Murphy MP will close the Conference, helping to sum up some of the key themes of the day, and outlining his vision for the future of Digital Inclusion. 

Speaking about his forthcoming role, he said:  “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to meet under one roof so many of the key players and partners in what is increasingly a Digital Inclusion community.  I look forward to hearing from speakers and delegates about their thoughts, projects and ideas on what needs to be done to make a real and sustainable impact on promoting digital inclusion and narrowing the digital divide."

Managing Director of UK online centres Helen Milner commented: “Digital Inclusion has never really been considered a central or sexy policy issue, but suddenly it feels like it’s on the cusp of recognition.  It’s got a Minister, it’s caught cross-departmental and cross-sector interest, and it’s slowly building momentum.  The last year has seen significant changes both in the use of technology and in government structure and thinking, and our line-up of speakers and workshops very much reflects those changes.  Paul Murphy’s contribution is the icing on the cake.  I’m looking forward to the Conference for a topical and lively discussion, and most importantly some solid recommendations for co-ordinated action over the next twelve months and beyond.” 

Stephen Dodson, National Director for theDC10plus Network, added: “There has never been a better time to bring together policy makers and practitioners from the digital innovation and digital inclusion arenas.  The economic, social and environmental challenges we face across all sectors can only be tackled by clearly identifying common goals and searching out innovative and creative solutions to meeting them. The National Digital Inclusion Conference 2008 provides the ideal place for collaboration.”

The National Digital Inclusion Conference 2008 – ‘Reaching the final third’ – will take place on Tuesday 29 April at The Brewery in London.  As well as hearing keynote speeches, attendees will get the chance to take part in creative workshops and attend an evening networking reception the day before the event. 

For more information about the Conference or to book your place, please visit www.civicconferences.co.uk or contact Rebecca Lovatt, Civic Conferences, 0207 378 0422 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ends

For more information about this press release, please contact Abi Stevens, UK online centres, 0778 666 0689 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to editors