Long-term funding programme targeting “digital coldspots”

Osborne Clarke is committing half a million pounds over the next three years to support leading charity UK Youth in addressing the lack of digital skills and resources for young people.

The funding will be used to buy new devices and software and to supply digital training and outreach primarily in areas local to Osborne Clarke’s three UK offices in Bristol, London and Reading. As a further sign of the firm’s commitment to boosting digital skills, it is also offering pro bono volunteering and mentoring support to the youth organisations who receive funding in so-called “digital coldspots.”

Osborne Clarke and UK Youth will distribute a total of £500 million to 15-20 organisations over three years.

A recent report found that 42 per cent - or 6 million young people – don’t have access to either a suitable device or home broadband. But at the same time, 83 per cent of young people feel that digital skills are essential for their future job and or career.

“It’s a critical time for young people and youth organisations, many of whom are still recovering from the pandemic and now face the cost of living crisis as well. We’re working with UK Youth to help to bridge the gap for young people by funding essential digital skills and services to ensure they don’t get left behind,” says Bola Gibson, head of inclusion and corporate responsibility at Osborne Clarke.

“Being a holistic and future-focused firm is key to our strategy, which is centred on doing right by our people, clients and communities. While we regularly advise our clients on the global trends that are impacting on business, we also appreciate that digital transformation creates challenges and opportunities across all of society. That's why it's so important to us that we also commit our resources locally to help alleviate the digital, relative and absolute poverty.”

Vicky Chenery, head of partnerships and philanthropy at UK Youth, added: “Not everyone is developing vital digital skills evenly. Young people from ethnic minority, lower socio-economic and rural backgrounds are often most acutely affected, lacking the necessary resources to support their development, which is creating digital coldspots across the country.

“Osborne Clarke’s long-term commitment and support will make a big difference to the lives of young people in helping them reach their potential. The funding will be provided in the local communities where Osborne Clarke operates - across London, Bristol and Reading. It will also be targeted at the most concerning digital coldspots across the country where digital skills and resources are most in need.”