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Digital Exclusion in the North East

Commissioned by the North East LEP’s Skills Advisory Panel (SAP), the report highlights the impact digital exclusion in the North East is having on people’s ability to access education, skills and employment.

Education and skills Research
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Digital exclusion, where people lack digital skills, connectivity and accessibility, has been recognised as a problem for several years. However, the problem has been exacerbated by Covid-19, where access to the internet and digital devices has been vital for accessing goods and services and maintaining social contact.

With increasing aspects of life taking place online, a strategic regional approach to tackling digital exclusion is required to reverse the increasing digital divide.

In March 2021 the North East LEP and its Skills Advisory Panel (SAP) commissioned New Skills Consulting (NSC) to undertake research into the nature and extent of digital exclusion in the North East, focusing primarily on the economic and skills-related impacts of digital exclusion. The following key research tasks have been undertaken to inform the report: literature and data review; mapping and gapping of current solutions and interventions; strategic consultations and an online survey.

The research highlighted priority actions for tackling the economic and skills impacts of digital inclusion, some directly actionable regionally, and others which will require lobbying and influencing with Government and other stakeholders.

Research into the nature and extent of digital exclusion in the North East

In today’s world digital skills are becoming increasingly important. They can connect people to education and training, better jobs, social interaction, and public services, as well as providing access to cheaper products and services online.

Digital exclusion, where people lack digital skills, connectivity and accessibility, has been recognised as a problem for several years. However, the problem has been exacerbated by Covid-19, where access to the internet and digital devices has been vital for accessing goods and services and maintaining social contact.

With increasing aspects of life taking place online, a strategic regional approach to tackling digital exclusion is required to reverse the increasing digital divide.

Download the report below.

Download the executive summary

Skills Director Michelle Rainbow talks about Digital Exclusion in the North East LEP area

A new report published by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) has highlighted the impact digital exclusion in the North East LEP area is having on people’s ability to access education, skills and employment.

Using data from the Office for National Statistics, the report shows more than 200,000 people in the North East LEP area have either never used the internet, or have not used it in the last three months. It also reinforces existing findings that show people from disadvantaged backgrounds are most affected by digital exclusion.

Michelle Rainbow, Skills Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "Whilst we know digital exclusion is a problem in the North East, the coronavirus pandemic has really exacerbated the issue and highlighted why we must address it now."

Read the blog post