Member Article

Conference warns on ‘digital divide’

Thousands of people across the region will continue to miss out if they can’t get access to digital services.

That’s the warning from speakers at the IT in the Community conference taking place next week at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Digital exclusion is the term used to describe those without access to the internet and who may not realise the benefits that online access can bring in terms of savings, educational performance, improved health and better employment prospects, among many other things.

The issue not only relates to the economically disadvantaged and those without computers, but also to those who own one but find it confusing, preventing them from putting it to good use.

Sunderland City Council is using the event to debate how public, private and third sector organisations can work together to get people online and realise the benefits it can offer.

Andy Hudson, founder of the Broadband Computer Company who will be speaking at the conference said: “It is staggering to consider that if everyone in the UK was to use the internet, the potential total economic benefit would be in excess of £22bn and yet despite this, there is still not a truly coherent and consistent approach to getting the disengaged 21% of the population online.”

Tom Baker, Head of ICT at Sunderland City Council, said: “Building on the initiatives already taking place across the city, we want to explore how public services can be delivered in a more effective and efficient way through the use of digital technologies. The IT in the Community event will go some way in helping us achieve this, by bringing together industry experts in digital inclusion we will be able to share best practice and identify opportunities for the future.”

For more information or to book a free place at IT in the Community, please visit www.itinthecommunity.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .