Digital exclusion is not just about connectivity. Affordability, access, skills and confidence all impact how people can use digital services. TVCA wanted to better understand this complex nature of digital exclusion, and to establish a clear, region-wide evidence base to help them identify areas of highest digital exclusion risk. In addition to this, by mapping support across the region it would allow TVCA to pinpoint gaps in digital inclusion support.
FarrPoint undertook a geospatial and demographic analysis, combined with research and stakeholder engagement to build a detailed picture of digital inclusion across Tees Valley.
A digital exclusion score was created to identify areas of risk and develop profiles of residents who could be facing this.
An interactive dashboard was created to compare existing support against the need for services. Over 90 organisations and individuals were engaged through interviews, surveys, workshops and focus groups.
Our research identified that there was strong local provision of digital inclusion support in the region, it being delivered through many trusted, however, much of the coverage was uneven, with fragmented referral routes and funding pressures.
FarrPoint translated the evidence into a practical roadmap for TVCA that contained actions that could improve coordination, strengthen trusted local delivery, developed shared data and insights to support more sustainable funding and commissioning.
The project produced a clear evidence base for TVCA to use to help target investment, close gaps and build a coordinated approach to addressing digital exclusion in the region.
Following the project, FarrPoint have been further commissioned by TVCA to help with developing costed recommendations.
Get in touch with FarrPoint if you’d like to discuss our findings for TVCA or to better understand digital inclusion in your area.
Connectivity is important. It drives business and society, bringing communities and commerce together. That's why we use our insight and experience to connect people and business.
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