Digital Exclusion - Understanding The Challenge

Increase Understanding.

In 2020 Solar Flare Services were engaged to undertake desktop research to understand the extent of Digital Exclusion in Dumfries & Galloway. The subsequent report led to funding to undertake regional Primary Research in 2022. Solar Flare were part of this project team.

How We Helped?

Initially, we carried out an extensive desktop review of public domain information at regional, national and UK level into Digital Exclusion – causes, demographics and patterns. The knowledge and experience we gained was used to inform the business case for funding and shape the Primary Research carried out in 2022.

The Challenges.

The desktop research identified an absence of region-specific data relating to Digital Exclusion. The desktop study findings supported the business case for Primary Research to be undertaken. To undertake the research significant stakeholder engagement was required, which we informed and supported

Executive Summary

Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) wanted to better understand the extent of Digital Exclusion pre and post Covid, commissioning a desktop study and then Primary Research. This has ultimately led to a multi-agency working group developing action plans to address Digital Exclusion within the region, and further detailed analysis of the findings being completed. Solar Flare Services were engaged by the CEO to work with TSDG.

Results

A desktop study completed in 2020.

• Primary Research completed and published in 2022 (see here).
• 140,000+ primary data points created for future further analysis.
• A multi-agency action plan developed to tackle Digital Exclusion.
• Further funding secured for additional data analysis.

“ Solar Flare Services has provided high quality consultancy and input to the TSDG led research project: Digital Exclusion in Dumfries and Galloway. The services provided are always informed, professional and insightful and have enabled the project to move forward at pace.”

CEO, Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway