GoCompare becomes the 250th organisation to sign up for digital skills programme

Cardiff-based financial services comparision website GoCompare has become the 250th organisation to sign the Digital Inclusion Charter for Wales.

The charter, which was created by Digital Communities Wales, is aimed at getting more people in Wales online and improving digital skills. GoCompare will begin with its staff and customers.

According to statistics from the 2016/2017 National Survey for Wales, 15 per cent of Welsh adults are still not online. And as a result, they miss out on many digital opportunities.

Supported by companies throughout the country, the charter promotes basic digital skills through asking organisations to sign up to six pledges – including giving all staff and volunteers the opportunity to learn about new technologies.

It’s simple way for organisations to show how they can help digitally excluded people enjoy the benefits of the internet, especially older people, those living with disabilities and social housing tenants.

Digital Communities Wales, which manages the charter, is a Welsh Government project that helps people access and use the internet. It’s delivered by the Wales Co-Operative Centre.

GoCompare has joined a plethora of organisations that have already signed the charter, including BT Wales, Welsh Water, 12 local authorities, housing associations, national charities and regional support organisations.

Matthew Crummack, CEO of GoCompare, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Digital Communities Wales scheme. Digital inclusion is a hugely important issue throughout Wales and as one of the country’s biggest tech brands, we’re proud to support the initiative and help our community get online.

“We live in a world where people increasingly deal with their finances online. Whether it’s managing their current account, energy bills or even buying their insurance, the vast majority of people interact with their money through the internet.

“No one should be left behind just because they don’t have access to the internet and that’s why we, as a proud Welsh business, fully support the Welsh Government’s initiative for a better-connected community.”

Matt Lloyd, project manager at Digital Communities Wales, said: “We are delighted that GoCompare has signed up to the Digital Inclusion Charter and started to embed digital inclusion into its day-to-day activities.

“Being online can open doors to many opportunities – finding work, saving money, learning new skills and supporting a healthy lifestyle. I encourage other organisations in Wales, whether they are local authorities, libraries, schools, charities or businesses, to commit to the Charter so together we can do even more to support digital inclusion activities across Wales.”