Bedford Borough Council

We want to improve how we support people to use digital services through a project focused on digital inclusion and assisted digital support.

Some people do not want to use digital services, or find there are barriers that prevent them from using them. We want to develop our understanding of why people choose not use our digital services, obstacles that might prevent someone from using our services, and learn what support is best.

Through understanding what prevents people using our digital service, we want to ensure that we are adopting technology to enable and support digital inclusion and ensure our staff can help people improve their digital skills and their confidence in using digital services. Where people cannot access a digital service independently we want to research how we, in partnership with local voluntary and community bodies, can offer assisted digital support to provide the best type of help.

Working in partnership with other local authorities and government departments will broaden the scope of enquiry and enhance understanding of this common problem. Findings from this discovery project can develop and deliver improved digital support through technology and training that puts service users first and to target resources effectively.