Insights from the Charity Digital Report: ‘Digital inclusion in the UK charity sector’
Penny Chamberlain, Research and Data Analyst
In an increasingly digital world, many UK charities are facing significant challenges in providing digital services.
The recent Charity Digital report, ‘Digital Inclusion in the UK Charity Sector’, sheds light on the barriers charities encounter and highlights the increasing need for improved digital access and skills.
This blog unpacks key insights from the report and discusses Charity Digital’s future directions for enhancing digital inclusion in the charity sector.
Key Findings
Barriers to Digital Services
The report identifies cost as the primary barrier to delivering or improving digital services, with nearly 70% of respondents citing it as a significant challenge. Additionally, 57% of charities reported a lack of digital skills among beneficiaries, while 41% noted a lack of digital skills internally.
This indicates a pressing need for targeted training and resources to empower both staff and beneficiaries in navigating digital tools effectively.
Access to Technology
The inability to reach beneficiaries digitally was also highlighted in the report, with 41% of charities acknowledging this as a barrier.
Furthermore, access to the right hardware and software remains a challenge, as 37% of respondents reported a lack of appropriate devices, which presented challenges with delivering and/or improving existing digital services.
Digital Strategy and Leadership
Despite the recognition that digital inclusion is important, Charity Digital revealed that 37% of charities do not have a digital strategy. Among those with a strategy, only half included plans for reaching beneficiaries, and just 47% focused on upskilling staff and volunteers.
While charity leaders are concerned about digital inclusion—86% of department heads and 100% of C-Suite respondents expressed concern—there is a disconnect in translating this concern into actionable strategies.
Collaboration for Change
Charity Digital advocates for collaboration across sectors to tackle digital exclusion effectively. Charities are encouraged to partner with libraries, technology companies, and other organisations to share their resources and expertise.
This collaborative approach can help address barriers such as cost and accessibility, enhancing the reach and impact of digital services.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the report emphasises the need for charities to prioritise digital skills development and accessibility. With 56% of charities struggling to reach beneficiaries due to problems with digital technology, there is a clear call to action for charities to invest in training and resources that empower both staff and beneficiaries.
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Thank you for reading, you can find the full Charity Digital report by clicking the button below.
Read the reportCharity Digital are also hosting a webinar on 22 October 2024 to talk about the report, which you can sign up for below.
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