An IT asset disposal firm and a digital inclusion charity have formed a three year alliance to distribute tens of thousands of refurbished devices to people in the United Kingdom who lack access to technology. Reconome and the Good Things Foundation announced a partnership to provide 85,000 laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to digitally excluded individuals through a sustained national program.
The devices will be channeled through the Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank. This initiative provides refurbished technology through a network of local organizations established to tackle the digital divide. Reconome will serve as the charity’s exclusive technology partner, ensuring a long term supply of equipment sourced from corporate clients.
Addressing a Persistent Digital Divide
This collaboration responds to significant gaps in digital access across the UK. According to the Good Things Foundation’s “Digital Nation 2025” data, approximately 7.9 million people in the country lack basic digital skills. Furthermore, 1.6 million adults do not have access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The lack of a device is identified as a major barrier to education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and accessing public services.
The partnership builds upon a pilot program launched three years ago. It is designed to move beyond one off donations and establish a consistent, scalable model for device reuse. Reconome sources used IT equipment from corporate partners, which is then professionally refurbished and redistributed to community organizations supporting digitally excluded people.
Scale and Impact of the Network
The Good Things Foundation has significantly expanded its delivery network. Since April 2022, the number of National Digital Inclusion Hubs has grown to 667 locations. During this period of expansion, the foundation has distributed 28,992 devices directly. An additional 33,112 people benefited from shared access to technology within households or community settings.
Nick Rawkins, co founder and chief executive of Reconome, stated that the agreement would enable the distribution of refurbished technology at a greater scale while simultaneously reducing electronic waste. He emphasized the environmental and social benefits of a circular model for IT assets.
Helen Milner, chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, highlighted the importance of a reliable supply. She said the partnership would provide a more consistent flow of devices to support individuals cut off from the digital world, enabling longer term support and digital skills development.
Alignment with National Policy
The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan. This government strategy identifies access to devices as a fundamental requirement for full participation in an increasingly digital society and economy. By providing hardware, the partnership addresses the first critical step in digital inclusion, which can then be supported by training offered through the local hub network.
The organizations stated that their three year partnership will directly support national efforts to reduce digital exclusion. The focus will be on creating a sustainable pipeline that can adapt to ongoing need.
Looking ahead, the partners will work to fulfill the commitment of 85,000 devices over the next three years. The success of the program will be measured by the number of individuals gaining access to essential technology and the subsequent impact on their ability to engage with vital services and opportunities. The collaboration sets a precedent for how corporate IT refresh cycles can be harnessed for social good on a national scale.
Source: Mobile News CWP
