Transformational government

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

Background

As more and more central and local government services shift from face-to-face to online channels, the need to make them work for people of all backgrounds and all social groups becomes more urgent.

UK online centres research has found that a helping hand from a trusted intermediary is key if digitally and socially excluded people are to make the most of government e-services.

The network is increasingly helping to drive awareness of and demand for online government services, and supporting people to use them effectively. There is potential for the current project and pilot work to develop into a more formal system of support, linking citizen to state and state to citizen.

UK online centres are a ready-made test bed and delivery arm for new and improved sites and services, with the footfall and reach to transform how those in most need of public services are able to find, understand and use them.

Did you know?

97% of UK online centre e-government users say they feel reassured just by having staff around to support online transactions

Six months after being given a helping hand at their UK online centre, nearly half are continuing to find useful government information online

Policy context

"The future of public services has to use technology to give citizens choice, with personalised services designed around their needs not the needs of the provider."
Transformational Government, November 2005

"There will always be certain individuals and groups - frequently the most vulnerable and excluded - who will find it difficult or who will be unwilling to use the latest technology......Over time, we would expect the number of those still using the more expensive [communications] channels to decline. UK online has a role to play in this."
Service Transformation, Varney Report, December 2006

Return to About UK online centres

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.