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PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States, President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany [December 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz today.

The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.

Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.

They agreed that this was a critical moment – for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.

December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Construction of a new British High Commission in Nicosia begins [December 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 December 2025.

The British High Commission has announced that construction on the new buildings have started at the existing site in Nicosia.

Our historic site, which was formerly part of the Central Prisons’ compound, will soon house a new, fit-for-purpose, eco-friendly High Commission, which will better symbolise the strong and growing partnership between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus.

The €40 million-plus project – the largest current project on the UK’s diplomatic estate – constitutes a mark of confidence in the strength of the bilateral relationship. And with the prime contractor being the Cypriot-owned firm Atlas Pantou, it is also a significant British investment into the Cypriot economy.

Ground was broken in December and is the project is expected to be completed by November 2028. The project consists of a new High Commission office building, a security facility and a new Residence for the High Commissioner. The new compound will be carbon-neutral, contributing to Cyprus’ efforts to reduce emissions in our common fight to tackle the climate crisis.

The existing High Commission buildings will continue to be functional until the opening of our new building. While there will be new temporary access points for visitors, our services will not be interrupted.

British High Commissioner Michael Tatham, said:

“Any new construction represents change and a departure from the past. We see this as a massive upgrade, reflecting the value that the UK attaches to its strong partnership with the Republic of Cyprus. We are looking forward to seeing a new High Commission take shape – and to inviting our many Cypriot friends and partners to see it soon.”

December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Escalation of Russian attacks undermines peace efforts in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 December 2025.

Ambassador Holland highlights the intensification of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure in 2025, despite ongoing peace negotiations. He reiterates the UK’s grave concern and calls for Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, cease its aggression, and engage seriously in negotiations.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As we conclude the FSC’s work for 2025, the United Kingdom reiterates its grave concern at Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine. Each winter since 2022, we have cited independent sources detailing Russia’s pattern of targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure. This year, that pattern has intensified.

Despite ongoing peace negotiations, Russia has escalated its attacks. Three data points make this very clear:

In 2025 Russia has killed over 2,200 Ukrainian civilians and injured more than 11,000. This is a 27% increase in casualties compared to last year.

Since Russia sent a delegation to the first bilateral talks with Ukraine in mid-May, it has launched the 35 largest air attacks of the entire war.

And from June to November, Russian drones fired have averaged over 5,300 a month. This is more than five times the 2024 monthly average.

This is not the conduct of a state seeking peace. That is why, at the Ministerial Council last week, our Minister said: “we are committed to holding Russia to account – for its illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war against Ukraine; for the forced deportations of innocent children; and for unlawfully detaining civilians, including, as has been referenced, three members of this organisation’s staff.”

Mr Chair, the UK hopes that this is the last time we sit at this Forum against the backdrop of Russia’s war. As we have established clearly in this Forum, the only obstruction to peace is Russia’s continued willingness to fight a war of aggression that it started. A war which continues to cause misery and death on our continent.

The path to peace remains clear.  It is a path that Russia must choose. It must choose to return to full compliance with international law and the Helsinki Final Act. It must choose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And it must choose to cease its attacks, withdraw all of its forces from all of Ukraine, and to engage seriously in negotiations. Thank you.

December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Three Board Members extended to UK Sport board [December 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 December 2025.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has extended the second terms of Sally Bolton OBE, Annie Panter, and Martyn Worsley.

Sally Bolton OBE

Sally was appointed Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club in August 2020, having been Strategic Planning & Operations Director since 2018. Prior to joining the Club in 2016, Sally spent two years as Managing Director of the Organising Committee for the London double header of World Athletics Championships in 2017. Sally assumed this role having led the team that delivered a highly successful Rugby League World Cup in 2013, a role for which she was recognised with the award of an OBE.

Prior to this Sally was the Rugby Football League’s Director of Projects & Planning and played an integral part in the Rugby Football League team that won the rights to stage the 2013 tournament. Prior to joining the RFL, Sally held a number of other roles in sports administration at club and Governing Body level including a period as Chief Executive of Wigan RLFC and Orrell RUFC. In addition, Sally has worked in the highly regarded sports consulting group at Deloitte and runs her own sports consulting business.

Annie Panter

Annie is a two-time Olympian, who competed in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games where she won a bronze medal in women’s hockey with Team GB. During much of this time, Annie was combining her sporting career with studying for a BSc in Mathematics and Economics at the University of Nottingham. Following her retirement from hockey in 2012, Annie pursued a career in finance with Goldman Sachs for several years, before moving back into the sports industry via TRM Partners in 2018 to lead the commercial programmes of premium sports properties. Following an acquisition, Annie is currently Managing Director at the sports marketing agency Two Circles.

Whilst at Goldman Sachs, Annie stayed closely involved with high performance sport. Between 2016-2019 Annie chaired the Athletes’ Committee and was an Executive Board member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Prior to her initial appointment to the UK Sport Board in 2018, Annie had been a member of the UK Sport Mission 2016/18 Panel and the British Cycling Independent Review Panel. She is currently a member of the UK Sport Major Events Investment and Assurance Panel.

Martyn Worsley

Martyn grew up in the West Midlands and was educated at The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School before going to the University of Southampton where he gained a BSc Hons in Geography. He started off his career in 1997 as a graduate trainee at Lloyds TSB before spending time in a variety of organisations including BT Group, BNY Mellon, SAB Miller and Tate & Lyle undertaking Business and Human Resource roles globally until he joined Lockton Companies as Chief People Officer in November 2020. Martyn is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Martyn has had a life-long passion for both playing and being involved in sport including latterly coaching the Rugby Football Union for Women’s (RFUW) Academy for 5 years before being a non-Executive Director of the RFUW supporting the integration of the Women’s game into the Rugby Football Union. Martyn has completed the Trans- Atlantic Yacht Race, the London Marathon and undertaken multiple overseas expeditions whilst also being a Trustee for the London Youth Games. His other hobbies include skiing, sailing, mountaineering and spending time with his young family.

Sally Bolton, Annie Panter and Martyn Worsley’s second terms have been extended to July 2026.

Remuneration and Governance Code

UK Sport Board Members are remunerated at £218 per day. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

Sally Bolton, Annie Panter and Martyn Worsley have declared no political activity.

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 50,000 more young people to benefit from apprenticeships as Government unveils new skills reforms to get Britain working [December 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 10 December 2025.
- Major £725 million investment to deliver more apprenticeships for young people and help match skills training with local job opportunities.
- Young people to benefit from increased access to training with full cost of apprenticeships at SME’s covered by Government.
- New wave of foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as retail and hospitality sectors to get young people into work.
- Backing thousands more apprenticeship starts for young people through a £140 million partnership with local leaders.
- 50,000 young people across the country will be better equipped for jobs of the future through a major investment to create more apprenticeships and training courses.
The £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with thousands more young people expected to benefit over the next three years.

The latest funding includes a £140 million for a pilot where Mayors will be able to connect young people – especially those not in education, employment or training (NEET) with thousands of apprenticeship opportunities at local employers.

By partnering with regional leaders who best understand their local economies, these pilots will ensure young people can access training that meets the needs of employers in their area.

As part of the package, the government will also cover the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 at small and medium-sized businesses.

Removing the 5% co-investment rate for SME’s means that the training costs for all eligible under 25 apprentices are fully funded opening up thousands of opportunities for young people. This will make it easier for young people to find opportunities and remove the burden from businesses, making it easier for them to take on young talent.

Businesses will also benefit from a major boost in flexibility as new short courses in cutting-edge areas including AI, engineering and digital skills will begin rolling out from April 2026.

This includes working closely with the defence sector to develop a new suite of flexible, work-based training options to help employers upskill their existing workforce in the critical skills needed for future success.

Today’s announcement comes alongside plans to open up new waves of foundation apprenticeships in sectors such as hospitality and retail.

The reforms will simplify and modernise the apprenticeship system, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of employers and learners. From April 2026, short courses will be introduced to provide more flexible training options and a new Level 4 apprenticeship in AI will also be introduced, supporting employers to develop the skills of their workforce.

The reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy build on the Prime Minister’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher level learners – academic, technical or apprenticeships – helping more young people gain the skills they need to start their careers.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

For too long, success has been measured by how many young people go to university. That narrow view has held back opportunity and created barriers we need to break.

If you choose an apprenticeship, you should have the same respect and opportunity as everyone else. That’s why the Government is investing £1.5 billion through the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy – creating 50,000 more apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships for young people over the next three years.

It’s time to change the way apprenticeships are viewed and to put them on an equal footing with university. This is a defining cause for this government and a key step towards our ambition to get two-thirds of young people in higher-level learning or apprenticeships.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed. When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them.

That’s why we are introducing a range of reforms to help young people take that vital step into the workplace or training and to go on and make something of their lives.

This funding is a downpayment on young people’s futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment.

The reforms are designed to tackle the sharp decline in apprenticeship starts among young people over the last decade – which have fallen by almost 40% since 2015/16 and shift the focus towards supporting young people into high-quality training and employment.

This latest intervention follows an £820 million investment guaranteeing every young person the chance to gain the skills they need for success and support to find a job. This package will create 300,000 more opportunities to earn and learn and provide guaranteed jobs to almost 55,000 young people.

Over the coming months, DWP and Skills England will work intensively with business on the right balance to further boost apprenticeship starts for young people while delivering the right flexibilities for business.

Skills England will drive forward, with the Office for Investment, the service to support major investors and help them navigate the skills system. It will also establish a new skills infrastructure development service to support businesses to get training for jobs off the ground as quickly as possible and support young people in their careers.

McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer Nick Collins said:

Apprenticeships are a critical pipeline for developing the next generation of talent. They provide an immersive pathway for young people to gain practical experience and learn in real world environments.

At McLaren we recognise the importance of investing in people and skills to create the world’s most extraordinary supercars. We are proud to inspire and equip the next generation to continue this tradition of excellence.

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

Small businesses are incredibly enthusiastic about apprenticeships, and we are pleased the Government is taking steps to make the system more small business friendly. It will help unlock more local roles, meaning small firms can do what they do best – taking people on and giving them a great chance in life.

Rt Hon Robert Halfon, Executive Director, Make UK, said:

Manufacturers support the Government’s commitment to a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy to boost investment in high-quality training. The development of foundation apprenticeships has been a positive step in ensuring that effective entry level routes into employment are there for young people.

Industry is also keen to work with mayoral authorities to recruit more young people into engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships. Enabling more businesses to invest in work-based training is critical to supporting more young people into skilled work, and mayoral authorities bringing together employers and young people will help this to happen.

Chris Perriton, Head of Learning Pathways, Marston said:

At Marston’s, we believe apprenticeships are a vital pathway for young people to build confidence, gain practical skills and unlock long-term careers in hospitality. We welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities and driving skills development, and we’re proud to play our part by offering high-quality apprenticeships across our pubs and support teams. These programmes not only provide hands-on experience but also the structured training and mentoring needed to help the next generation thrive in our industry.

Dan Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer, Lee Marley Group said:

Apprenticeships play a vital role in sustaining the strength and capability of the construction industry. They give young people the structured development and real-world experience they need to carry essential craft skills forward, while building the confidence to pursue long-term, rewarding careers.

As construction continues to evolve, apprenticeships help address skills shortages and uphold the high standards our built environment depends on. Supporting future talent is a responsibility we take seriously, and it remains central to everything we do at Lee Marley Group.

Daniel Woolf, Head of Policy at small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said:

This fresh flexibility in the Government’s approach to apprenticeships will open up new opportunities for young people within the small business community. Unpicking the complexity and unlocking funding will make a great deal of difference to small firms with no HR department, that often find these challenges tip the balance against apprenticeships.

If we are going to build a local workforce fit for the future, we must continue to recruit and train our young people, so this package of reforms is excellent news.

Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the Institute of Directors, said:

Getting more young people into apprenticeships at SMEs will help the next generation into rewarding careers while helping small businesses to access the talent they need to grow. Removing the cost and bureaucracy associated with the 5% co-investment is an important first step in making the system easier for SMEs to navigate.

Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at Logistics UK, said:

Apprenticeships are an ideal way for young people to enter careers like logistics, and today’s announcement will help more of them to discover the varied opportunities our sector has on offer.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said:

The new apprenticeship reforms are a positive step forward for small builders who can often struggle to take on apprentices because of the cost burden. Enabling the nation’s small builders to train apprentices under the age of 25 for free is a much-needed boost to plug the construction skills gap. This new funding will help deliver the next generation of tradespeople to upgrade our existing homes and build the new ones we so desperately need.

Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:

This is clear recognition within the Government’s skills policy that hospitality is a vital employer of young people and key to getting people of all ages into employment, offering rewarding work, vital core skills, and swift career progression.

The addition of hospitality to the sectors that can access foundation apprenticeships will provide more routes into work for young people and I look forward to continuing to work with the Government on its skills policy.

Bill Buchan, HR Director Sodexo UK&I, said:

Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of Sodexo’s talent and learning strategy, opening pathways for young people into hospitality and facilities management. We are long-time advocates of the opportunities that employment-based education can offer both to individuals and organisations in terms of additional skills, training new talent and allowing existing staff of all ages and backgrounds to retrain or upskill. We welcome any initiative that supports in the delivery of meaningful opportunities that will help to reduce NEET levels and strengthen the country’s skills agenda.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

We welcome the new package of reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, particularly the introduction of short courses from April next year. Retail plays a crucial role in helping young people into work, so it is vital that it receives the same priority as industrial strategy sectors.

We look forward to further detail on the proposed foundation apprenticeships for retail and the Youth Guarantee, as well as any additional measures that will add greater flexibility in how retailers can spend their Levy funds to boost skills development across the country.
December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes on the escalation in South Kivu [December 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 December 2025.

Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), have issued the following statement on the alarming escalation in South Kivu.

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) expresses its profound concern regarding the renewed outbreak of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the new offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, around Uvira (South Kivu) close to Burundi which risks destabilizing the whole region. The ICG expresses particular concern at the increased use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict. This represents a significant escalation in the fighting and poses an acute risk to civilian populations.

The ICG urges the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern DRC, in particular in South Kivu, and calls on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC in line with UNSC resolution 2773 and on the M23 to uphold its commitments under the Declaration of Principles that was signed in Doha on 19 July 2025.

The ICG calls on all parties to honour their obligations to protect civilians, adhere to all aspects of UNSC resolution 2773, including full respect of territorial integrity, to uphold their commitments under the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025 and immediately deescalate the situation. We urge all parties to avoid escalatory or provocative speech and actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and risk irreparably undermining the significant progress achieved with the Framework Agreement signed in Doha on 15 November 2025 by the Government of the DRC and M23. The ICG further calls on all actors involved to urgently and unequivocally recommit to the ceasefire and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded, humanitarian access so that critical assistance can reach those in need.

December 15, 2025
NEWS STORY : Oxfam UK Chief Executive Halima Begum Steps Down After Serious Allegations

STORY

Halima Begum, the now-former chief executive of Oxfam GB, has been forced out of her role following a series of serious allegations about her conduct and leadership, prompting a major upheaval at the charity. Her departure follows an independent review commissioned by Oxfam’s trustees after staff raised concerns about her behaviour and management approach. Investigators reported “serious issues” with her leadership and concluded that trust between Begum and the organisation had broken down beyond repair.

The allegations include claims that she created a hostile working environment, fostered a climate of fear among staff, and interfered in internal safeguarding and integrity processes. It is understood that dozens of employees supported a letter urging trustees to examine her conduct, and that some staff had already resigned amid tensions at senior levels of the organisation. Oxfam’s board said it respected those who came forward and would act on the findings to strengthen internal processes and rebuild confidence.

Begum has rejected the allegations and suggested some complaints may have arisen from disagreements over restructuring and cost-saving measures she introduced. Her departure adds to a turbulent period for Oxfam, which has faced repeated scrutiny over governance and conduct issues in recent years.

December 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby [December 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 December 2025.

The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln.

Background

The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln, in succession to the Right Reverend Dr David Court following his retirement.

Jean was trained for ministry via the East Midlands Ministry Training Course, accredited by Nottingham University.

She served her title at St George and St Mary’s Church, Gresley, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 2004. Jean served as Interim Minister at St Alkmund’s and St Werburgh’s from 2008 and was appointed Priest-in-Charge in 2013 and incumbent in 2018. Jean served as Archdeacon of Bolton and Archdeacon of Salford, both in the Diocese of Manchester, from 2018.

In 2023, Jean took up her current role as Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester.

December 14, 2025
NEWS STORY : Inquiry Launched into Blackpool Anti-Poverty Charity Over Governance Concerns

STORY

The Charity Commission has opened a formal investigation into a Blackpool anti-poverty charity after persistent failures to file legally required financial information and concerns about how the organisation is being managed.

Blackpool’s Voice, founded in 2020 to help residents struggling with hardship, has never submitted its accounts or annual returns. The regulator also discovered the charity has been operating with too few trustees, raising doubts about whether it has adequate oversight. Earlier efforts by the Commission to secure compliance were unsuccessful, prompting the escalation to a statutory inquiry.

The investigation will assess whether trustees have met their legal duties, whether the charity is functioning in line with its governing document, and whether any conflicts of interest or personal benefit issues have arisen. The Commission has said the inquiry’s scope may expand if further concerns come to light.

A full report will be published at the end of the investigation. The charity has not commented publicly, but the inquiry highlights the regulator’s continued push to strengthen governance and accountability across the sector.

December 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands to get free digital training [December 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 December 2025.

Free support to get people online is rolling out in communities in every region of the country.
- 80 innovative digital skills and support schemes receive government funding to help most vulnerable in communities get online with confidence
- People in every region of the country will benefit, from disadvantaged young people to elderly people and the homeless, through expanded fund as part of the government’s push to close the digital divide
- Community-led initiatives to get people the skills and access to devices they need – delivering national renewal by boosting employment opportunities, saving people money, improving health and making life easier
Free support to get people online is rolling out in communities in every region of the country, so they can book a doctor’s appointment on the NHS app, shop around for better deals on things such as home insurance and food, or stay in touch with loved ones.

Today (Wednesday 10 December), Minister for Digital Inclusion, Liz Lloyd is unveiling 80 local schemes receiving backing from the first-of-its-kind £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.

From Leeds to London, Bristol to Nottingham this fund will support projects in communities across the UK, helping people at risk of being left behind get the access, skills and confidence they need to get online, improve their living standards and deliver national renewal.

Research suggests there are currently 8 million adults in the UK who lack basic digital skills¹ and 1.6 million who live offline altogether². This prevents them from accessing convenient digital government services online, managing their finances on their phone, or searching for job opportunities.

These people are locked out from some of the most basic opportunities that modern life offers, whether that’s mastering the essential digital skills for work – like setting up an email account and sharing files – or facing higher costs for things like home insurance, train travel and food – with people without internet access paying on average 25% more than consumers who are online³.

These new innovative schemes, tailored to suit the needs of local people, will change that. Disadvantaged young people across the North and Midlands will use e-sports to learn new digital skills and develop safe online behaviours; over 7,000 older people will learn how to use the NHS app to manage their health; and people experiencing homelessness will be able to access devices and data to get online to help them find accommodation and other essentials.

The success of these projects will help inform future initiatives to help get more people online and open up doors for them to make the most of the opportunities technology can bring – boosting employment, improving health and making life more convenient.

Minister for Digital Inclusion, Liz Lloyd said:

This government is tearing down the barriers to success and making the future work for all, not just the fortunate.

Being online is something many of us take for granted, but for millions it could mean a new job opportunity, quicker access to healthcare or a lifeline to the local community.

This fund will both empower community organisations to help those most at risk of being left behind get the skills, access and confidence they need – while also informing how we can help even more people in the future.

Some of the projects funded

The Bromley by Bow Centre’s Connected Lives project, visited by the Minister this week. This will support residents who attend the Centre’s Welcome Hub programmes, like its community food pantry, by providing digital skills training and devices to use for practical life tasks like managing benefits and paying bills online.

A project run by Age UK will help thousands of older people through events and skills sessions, to learn how to use the NHS app to manage health matters. Helping improve their physical and digital health at the same time.

Sheffield United’s Community Foundation will trial using e-sports video gaming to help 400 young people build digital skills and confidence, and raise awareness on being safe online. The Safe to Play project will adapt e-sports as a vehicle for digital inclusion in their existing Football Club charities youth programmes. Each club will deliver a 6–8 week programme of weekly workshops and esports play sessions, combining practical digital learning for young people, within a fun, safe and trusted environment.

The University of Bristol’s Future IDEAS project will bring together digitally excluded members of the community, and digital design experts to co-create a chat bot that will be used to facilitate digital skills and confidence building for the public. The co-creation will ensure the chatbot is built to understand the needs and capabilities of the people it’s being built to support. The chatbot will then be trialled in a rollout in community hubs alongside trained digital champions to measure its success.

The fund is being directed at community organisations as the best placed to determine how to support the needs of their communities. Each organisation will report back on their project, with the findings used to work out what works best when it comes to helping people to get online, and using this to shape digital inclusion initiatives across the country in the future.

Portions of the fund have been allocated to the devolved governments in:
- Scotland (£764,020)
- Wales (£400,368)
- Northern Ireland (£267,249)
This ensures that it is a UK-wide digital inclusion drive.

The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund is a key part of government’s drive to ensuring everyone has the digital skills needed to use technology to make life better and more convenient, and to access the jobs of the future. The Fund is one of government’s first 5 actions committed in this year’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan.

This fund will underpin the focused approach to society-wide skills development and access being implemented by Secretary of State for Technology, Liz Kendall. This includes the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s work with industry and civil society to get 7.5 million UK workers essential AI skills by 2030. DSIT is also preparing to launch government’s hallmark £187 million TechFirst skills programme in 2026, which will reach 1 million school students in classrooms across the UK, and develop the essential tech skills needed for our future workforce.

Elly De Decker, CEO of Bromley by Bow Centre:

Technology is ever-present in all aspects of our lives. Too many people, for a variety of reasons, are not able to engage with the growing influence of this technology, leading to more exclusion and inequality.

The reality in our community is that many people do not have the skills and access to the right tools to engage in the digital economy with confidence. We see this every day and we are working alongside local residents to help them improve their skills and confidence in practical and meaningful ways. This funding is absolutely crucial to reducing the digital divide.

Paul Farmer, CEO, Age UK, Mehfuz Ahmed, CEO, Age UK Westminster and Mary-Ann Foxwell, CEO, Age UK East London said:

While many older people embrace the digital world, too many remain locked out of essential services. Age UK, Age UK East London and Age UK Westminster, welcome the government’s recognition of older people’s needs through the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.

This vital support enables us to build on proven work in local communities: breaking down barriers, and empowering older people to use digital services confidently – improving health outcomes and fostering healthier, more connected, and independent lives

Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the English Football League (EFL) said:

The Safe to Play campaign is an exciting and innovative way to support young people in our EFL Club communities. Using esports as a vehicle for digital inclusion, online safety, and wellbeing, we’re equipping disadvantaged young people with essential skills for the modern world.

The project, that will run in 10 Football Club communities, led by Sheffield United’s Community Foundation, will provide a safe, engaging environment for around 400 participants and empower trained facilitators to deliver guidance informed by the British Esports Federation ‘Duty to Care in Esports’ framework. This project is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and ensuring every young person feels supported online and offline.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation, said:

Digital inclusion isn’t just about providing access to technology – it’s about empowering people with the tools to change their lives.

Through our Digital Inclusion Initiative, over 5,500 residents can now connect to jobs, education, healthcare, and stay in touch with loved ones. It’s already having a real impact across our communities and proved to government that we know how to tackle digital exclusion.

I’m proud that, working with our partners, and thanks to the government’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, we’re now able to build on that success to get even more people online. And this is only the start. We’re committed to closing the digital divide and creating a future where no one is left behind.

Helen Milner OBE, CEO of Good Things Foundation said:

The funding from DSIT is a welcome and vital step that places digital inclusion firmly on the national agenda, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing exclusion. Support through the Fund is enabling Good Things Foundation to work alongside our trusted community partners to capture the real life barriers that people face.

Our evidence-led work with councils will create a blueprint that any local authority can use. We must ‘bake in, not bolt on’ digital inclusion to ensure everyone can participate in our digital society.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Essex County Council said:

We’re thrilled that Essex has been recognised nationally for its commitment to digital inclusion. Securing this funding is a fantastic achievement and will allow us to make a real difference in the lives of those groups who can sometimes be left behind in today’s digital world.

By focusing on older adults, young people who are not in education or employment, and individuals with disabilities, we’re helping improve their computer skills and access exciting new opportunities, whether that is gaining employment, learning new skills or better connecting with their local community.

Rachel Kelly, Chief Executive of Women’s Health Matters said:

At Women’s Health Matters in Leeds, we are delighted that this funding for our DigitALL Women project will help women build confidence and skills to use technology safely and independently.

Sitting alongside our support work for victim-survivors of Domestic Abuse, women whose children live in the care of others, and women seeking asylum, the project will provide support to help get women online, stay safe, provide suitable hardware, and make the most of digital tools in everyday life.

Andrew Morter, Chief Executive of Vision Norfolk said:

We’re delighted to receive support from the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund for this vital project. For people with sight loss, digital technology can be truly life-changing – and is as important today as braille was 100 years ago – opening up access to information, services, and social connection – but only if they have the right support to use it safely and confidently.

This funding will enable us to recruit and train volunteers who can provide that crucial one-to-one support to help our clients navigate the digital world independently.”

Andria Birch MBE, Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Services CEO said:

We are absolutely delighted to be leading the Tackling Technology Together partnership project. It is built on years of learning and partnership work with local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and our NHS and wider public sector colleagues and will enable us to deliver local solutions to local problems for those in greatest need.
December 14, 2025