Mapping data for digital inclusion activity 

Starting a new Digital Champions project means thinking about which groups are most likely to need support to build their Essential Digital Skills and digital participation.  

For some organisations this mapping will involve looking at internal data and information about which customers are using services digitally and who may require support. 

For other public organisations such as local authorities or NHS Trusts, or organisations like social housing providers working in a variety of different geographical areas, a more detailed look at data on which particular demographic groups are less likely to use the internet is useful. Looking at the data enables the project to target activity for particular groups of people or particular localities. 

Our Partner Projects 

Citizens Online is a One Digital partner organisation who emphasise the importance of detailed evidence as part of their Switch approach to digital inclusion. Their Mapping Data for Digital Inclusion Activity Report uses examples from Citizens Online’s Brighton and Hove project to describe: 

• Data sources relevant to mapping digital exclusion; 
• Software requirements and the basics of mapping data; 
• How data can be used to assist the delivery development, monitoring and evaluation of projects. 

Get Digital heatmap 

Tech Partnership’s Get Digital heatmap shows the likelihood of digital exclusion across the UK at Local Authority Level. 

The heatmap displays which parts of the UK are most and least likely to be digitally excluded via a colour scale. The map also compares ‘digital indicators’ with ‘social indicators,’ such as average income and education level, therefore giving a comparative picture of digital and social exclusion.