Digital Inclusion in Social Care: What Providers Can Actually Do
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Digital Inclusion in Social Care: What Providers Can Actually Do
For many people who draw on care and support, the digital world remains out of reach. Whether due to disability, poverty, lack of confidence, or poor connectivity, digital exclusion risks widening inequality — especially in supported living, domiciliary care, and residential services.
Digital inclusion isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a rights issue. And as more services go online, social care providers have a growing responsibility to support access — safely, ethically, and in line with person-centred values.
🔍 Why It Matters
Digital access is increasingly essential for:
- Booking GP appointments and managing prescriptions
- Maintaining relationships through messaging and video calls
- Accessing entertainment, learning, and hobbies
- Expressing views and participating in service feedback
- Applying for jobs, housing, or benefits
Without proactive support, people with disabilities or care needs risk being excluded from essential parts of daily life.
✅ What Providers Can Do
- Provide accessible devices: Tablets, smart speakers, and adapted interfaces
- Ensure secure Wi-Fi: Especially in supported living and care homes
- Offer digital skills support: Step-by-step coaching, social stories, or group sessions
- Use tech in service delivery: For example, virtual appointments or remote family engagement
- Review inclusion in care plans: Make digital goals part of independence planning
Staff should be trained to support safe and meaningful use of technology — not just give access and walk away.
📋 What CQC and Commissioners Expect
CQC’s new assessment framework emphasises personalisation, communication, and involvement. Digital inclusion can support all three — but only if embedded thoughtfully.
Commissioners are also looking at how providers tackle digital exclusion through social value commitments and innovation.
👉 View our Social Value Method Statements for pre-written examples you can adapt.
Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.