Working towards digital inclusion, the UK online centre network
In the UK approximately 9.2 million people do not use or have access to computers or the internet. The UK online centres network encourages individuals and communities to get online. Especially those who live in disadvantaged social and financial circumstances. At the moment there are 3800 online centres of which more than a half are located in UK’s deprived areas. These centres are mostly situated in public buildings such as schools, libraries, housing associations and community centres. The main aim of the network is not only to teach individuals ICT skills, but also to build up communities and to generate social inclusion.
Digital inclusion is the key to economic and social success
The UK online centres network was established by the government in 1999 and started as a tool to provide public access to computers. Nowadays, it helps excluded groups to access a world of information and thus to gain more knowledge. In addition, it raises awareness about digital inclusion among the media, political decision-makers and consumers. The central office of the UK online centre is based in Sheffield and coordinates all the ‘Centre Partners’. These centres operate as own organisations or businesses and are located at public places, the heart of community building. The network is funded through the ministerial Department for Business, Innovation and Skills division (BIS) and is a division of Ufi, an organisation which coordinates several ‘learn direct centres’ to improve people’s skills for employability. The network also cooperates with private sector partners through sponsorships. Additionally, many voluntary and community based organisations are involved. In short, the UK online centre network offers:
- Community-based solutions: the centres distinguish themselves from regular community centres due to their entrepreneurial spirit and the involvement of different sectors;
- Central facilitation: the key elements of the network are support and knowledge transfer. Due to the high amount of the Centre Partners the ongoing management of the main office is crucial;
- Working in partnership: the centres try to reach digital inclusion on a large scale by creating partnerships with businesses, councils and local community groups.
Getting entire communities online
Each centre receives funding directly from the central office in Sheffield. As from April 1st 2011, the Centre Partners are responsible for creating a community of at least 50 organisations and 50 individual ‘Digital champions’. In other words, the Centre Partners function as Community Capacity Builders (CCB) and try to get entire communities online. The new project runs until March 31st 2012.
Contact
UK online centres
E-mail: ukonlinecentres@ufi.com
Tel: 0114 227 0010
Document type
Practice
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