Digital and social inclusion

Who we are, where we came from, what we do and why we do it...

Background

The gap between the ‘haves' and ‘have nots' of ICT is deepening. Technology has changed how we live, work and communicate, with each other and with the state.

Those not able to take digital opportunities or make digital choices are missing out both socially and economically. What's more, it's those already at a disadvantage who are most likely to be on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Connecting people to computers and the internet can connect them to new or better jobs, new forms of communication and social interaction, community infrastructures and government services, information, education, consumer power and convenience.

UK online centres are working to bridge the divide, targeting hard-to-reach people and promoting the benefits computers and the internet can bring to their everyday lives.

Did you know?

UK online centres can be found in 78% of the most deprived super output areas in England

2/3 of UK online centres' customers are from disadvantaged social groups

Policy context

"ICT can either create the new class divide or can reduce barriers. Our policies have to ensure the latter."
Connecting the UK, the Digital Strategy, April 2005

"ICT can be an enormously powerful tool for transforming not just the lives of the mainstream, but also of those who are on the margins of society."
Inclusion Through Innovation, November 2005

"It is possible to extend opportunity to the least advantaged so that they enjoy more of the choices, chances and power that the rest of society takes for granted."
Reaching Out: Action Plan on Social Exclusion, September 2006

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In this section

Latest news:

Web-novices get their own guide to online public services - Whether you’re trying to find out when your bins are being collected or renewing your tax disc, looking up your local school or checking your pension entitlements, you could be saving time and hassle by doing it all online.

Digital Inclusion Minister takes 1st Byte of UK online centres in Sheerness - Sheerness played host to new Minister for Digital Inclusion, Paul Murphy MP, who visited the town this morning on his first ever trip to a UK online centre.

National Awards for stars of Digital Inclusion - The stars of digital inclusion were celebrated yesterday at a special ceremony in London.

The second annual Get online day is taking place this year on 24 October 2008, and it’s another chance for families to get into UK online centres and onto the internet…

The UK online centres Awards took place over the summer. Find out more about the winners from the Awards programme, or get a flavour of the day by watching the Awards film.