Digital and IT Strategy 2025 2030 VISION Create a digitally confident educational community where technology is used to make learning more personal, teaching more engaging, and everyone better prepared for the digital world of tomorrow.
CURRENT DIGITAL LANDSCAPE OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVICE The digital skills landscape across Yorkshire’s Further Education (FE) sector is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for digitally confident learners and staff. However, persistent digital exclusion remains a key
challenge — particularly in areas like Wakefield, where 21.6% of households lack access to a laptop, desktop, or tablet, compared to 17.2% nationally (ONS, 2023).
IN WEST YORKSHIRE:
IN YORK AND NORTH YORKSHIRE:
Around 1 in 5 adults are digitally excluded due to affordability, confidence, or skills (West Yorkshire Combined Authority). In Wakefield, digital poverty is closely linked to deprivation, affecting access to online learning and employment opportunities. FE learners face barriers such as poor connectivity, limited access to devices, and low awareness or use of assistive technologies.
An estimated 33% of rural households face poor broadband connectivity, limiting access to online learning and resources (NYCC, 2023). The region has identified digital exclusion as a key barrier to adult reskilling, particularly for older learners and those in isolated communities. Local colleges are embedding digital literacy into adult and community learning in response to employer demand and digital skills deficits in sectors like health and visitor economy.
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE & REGIONAL ALIGNMENT
47% of UK businesses report digital skills gaps among current employees (Lloyds Digital Index, 2023).
82% of jobs advertised in West Yorkshire require at least basic digital skills (WYCA Labour Market Report, 2024).
WE ALL PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN CLOSING DIGITAL GAPS ACROSS OUR ORGANISATION. We play a critical role in addressing these gaps through upskilling, embedding digital literacy across the curriculum, and supporting learners into digitally enabled roles. The embedding of I>innovate has started this work at the Heart of Yorkshire, with this strategy a commitment to narrowing the digital divide for staff and students and increasing confidence and competence with digital literacy. This includes a strong emphasis on digital safety and cyber security, ensuring that learners and staff are equipped not only with the skills to thrive in a digital environment but also with the awareness and practices to stay safe and secure online.