WIREDGOV

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) will be at both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences this year, hosting a roundtable and panel focused on youth empowerment and the role technology plays in the opportunities available to young people.

Sponsored by Currys, the two sessions will bring evidence from the DPA’s work into conversations about education, skills and young people’s futures. Findings from our 2026 UK School Census will feature across both events, alongside the launch of the evaluation of Tech4YoungCarers, our programme supporting young carers across the UK with access to technology.

Labour Party Conference
Understanding the impact of digital poverty on youth opportunity
28 September | 3:45-5pm | Riverside Lounge, Liverpool, within the secure zone.

Young people are expected to learn, develop skills and prepare for work in a world where technology is woven into almost every opportunity. Yet access to the right device, connectivity and support is still far from equal.

Chaired by Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance, the roundtable will challenge the assumption that young people are automatically “digitally native” and examine how digital poverty can affect their ability to participate fully in education and prepare for what comes next. The discussion will also consider the experiences of young people with caring responsibilities.

The Tech4YoungCarers evaluation will be launched during the session, sharing what has been learned from a programme designed to put technology into the hands of young carers who need it.

An official conference pass is required to attend.

Conservative Party Conference
Empowering young people through the technology they need
6 October | 1-2:30pm | Hyatt Regency, Birmingham, Concerto Room, within the secure zone

The Conservative panel will turn the focus to what access to the right technology can make possible for young people. Being connected is not the same as having the device needed to complete coursework, develop skills or prepare properly for further education and work.

Evidence from our 2026 UK School Census will help frame that discussion, while the launch of the Tech4YoungCarers evaluation will offer a practical view of what happens when access improves. The panel will explore what can be learned from that experience and how technology can play a stronger role in empowering young people to participate, progress and make choices about their futures.

An official conference pass is required to attend.

If you will be attending Labour or Conservative Party Conference this year, we hope you will join us.