The Risks of Ignoring Digital Inclusion in Social Care

July 21, 2025

Digital inclusion isn’t just about giving people access to technology — it’s about enabling participation, reducing isolation, and improving outcomes for those who draw on care and support services.

Yet many providers still overlook it, seeing it as someone else’s responsibility or an optional extra.

The risks of ignoring digital inclusion:

Negative impact on outcomes: People without digital access face greater health inequalities, isolation, and barriers to opportunities.
Reputational damage: Commissioners and regulators increasingly expect proactive action on digital inclusion. Falling behind can undermine your credibility.
Weaker tender responses: Failing to address digital inclusion risks losing marks in quality questions linked to outcomes, safeguarding, and person-centred care.
Compliance risks: CQC looks at how services promote inclusion, dignity, and independence — digital exclusion undermines these principles.

Embedding digital inclusion isn’t complicated, but it does take commitment. Think about:

Ensuring people you support have access to devices and internet connectivity
Supporting digital skills training through partnerships or in-house initiatives
Addressing accessibility needs through assistive technology
Including digital inclusion in care planning and reviews

By taking action, you improve lives — and strengthen your service’s position with commissioners, CQC, and future tenders.

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.