The DfE is seeking views on plans to improve adult basic digital skills.

The consultation covers:

• The draft national standards for basic digital skills
• The introduction of basic digital skills qualifications at two levels – ‘beginner’ and ‘essential’
• The addition of a national entitlement to basic digital skills, mirroring the existing entitlements for English and maths.

Feedback received will inform how the government develops and delivers improved adult basic digital skills training.

The consultation follows the Government’s 2017 UK Digital Strategy which set out an ambition for everyone to have the core digital skills they need to participate in life and work, and the announcement earlier this year for full funding for adults who need to take basic digital skills courses from 2020.

Ofqual will be running a parallel consultation on aspects such as the approach to titling the qualifications, coverage of the national standards and the structure of the qualifications.