Tackling social exclusion through new technologies
On 1 November 2005, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) published a report (Inclusion through innovation: tackling social exclusion through new technologies) which shows examples of how modern technology, particlularly mobile phones, can improve public service take-up, reconnect the isolated and provide a lifeline for those groups on the margins.
The report sets out a number of proposals and actions for government including:
- develop information sharing about excluded groups, while building protocols and safeguarding privacy;
- expand access to ICT facilities in hostels for the homeless and that community centres in deprived areas be wired with broadband services.
- setting up an independent unit to consolidate and promote the most efficient and effective practices using technology which are otherwise seldom evaluated.
This report is the second in the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU)'s ‘Improving Services, Improving Lives’ series which sets out to make sure that reformed public services work better for the people who need them most. Background papers are also published on the website www.socialexclusion.gov.uk:
- Analysis of consultation responses - Reports on a wide ranging consultation exercise across the public, private and third sectors.
- Qualitative research report - Findings from seven focus groups with socially excluded people about their experience and perceptions of ICT.
- An international study of technology initiatives to enhance social inclusion - A study which examines excellent international comparative examples of effective use of ICT to address social exclusion worldwide.
- Innovative examples - a collection of good practice examples drawn from across the UK and the world.
- Information and social exclusion mapping - Examines the range of information available electronically that is of central relevance to developing a social exclusion strategy in a local authority area.
- Business case tool - an excel spreadsheet which provides a template for organisations to evaluate the business case and cost/benefits for ICT enabled social exclusion themes.
- Data sharing for neighbourhood renewal commissioned by the ODPM's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit. www.neighbourhood.gov.uk. This research which looks at how at the local level information is shared.
The full report can be viewed on the SEU website.
