Argos joins Board of Go ON UK to help improve the UK's digital skills

Argos, a leading online and high street retailer, has joined The Board of Go ON UK, the cross-sector charity with the ambition to make the UK the world’s most digitally skilled nation.

John Walden, Argos Managing Director has joined founder members BBC, TalkTalk, EE, Lloyds Banking Group, Big Lottery Fund, Age UK, E.ON, and Post Office to work together to help the 11 million adults who lack the basic online skills needed to explore the opportunities the internet has to offer.

Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, Chair of Go ON UK, said: “Our mission is to make the UK the most digitally skilled nation in the world. Whether it’s an individual keeping in touch with family and friends, a small business looking to boost sales, or a charity hoping to start fundraising online, we need to ensure that they have Basic Online Skills needed to achieve their goals.

“I am delighted to welcome Argos to the Board of Go ON UK. With their reach in communities all across the country, and initiatives like their digital concept stores, they can really help us bring Basic Online Skills to more people than ever before.”

On joining the Board, Argos has signed up to Go ON UK’s mission, which includes commitments to a Digital Skills Charter, created to help every person in the UK get connected:

• Help improve the digital skills of Argos colleagues, and appoint Digital Champions within its organisation

• Make more Argos services available online, and help more Argos customers access these and start transacting online.

John Walden said: “As a familiar brand in communities across the country, we are part of family life for many households – online, in store and via our catalogue. We are responding to how our customers want to shop with us – getting products faster and helping them navigate digital channels where they need that help. Argos serves around 124 million customers a year through its stores, website and apps, so we understand how and when people are interacting with the digital world.

“We welcome the opportunity to join the founding partners on The Board who, like us, are re-shaping their business for the future.”

Walden added: “We recognise that not all customers can access online, or are comfortable with technology. They know that their ability to find out information, engage with friends and family and buy goods and services depends on accessing the internet, but there are barriers for a number of reasons. Our ambition is to help people overcome those barriers, and we are pleased to continue that journey by being part of The Go ON UK Board.”

John Walden was asked to join the Future High Streets Forum by High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis last month, to help look at how digital technology can support the high street in future.

On 16 January 2014, Home Retail Group plc announced that John Walden will join the Board as Chief Executive with effect from 14 March 2014.

Source : Home Retail Group Press Release
www.homeretailgroup.com/news-and-media/news.aspx?smlbus=1519&article=5379