Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI)

The Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) tool, for England, Wales and Scotland, was developed in alignment with a similar tool used by Salford Council in response to local authorities finding digital exclusion a significant challenge for residents and communities during the pandemic.

Local authorities found they were unable to understand the scale of the challenge locally, and the absence of a single consistent view or understanding of digital exclusion as a facet of broader social inequalities. Through a collaboration with other Combined Authorities and Local Authorities nationally, the tool was developed to benefit local authorities in providing detailed insight into where digital inclusion initiatives are needed most.

The DERI tool was first developed by the GMCA Research Team in response to local authorities finding digital exclusion a significant challenge for residents and communities during the pandemic. Local authorities found they were unable to understand the scale of the challenge of digital exclusion locally and struggled with the absence of a single consistent view or understanding of digital exclusion as a facet of broader social inequalities.

The tool was launched in October 2021 and in 2022 was named joint overall winners, at the Geography in Government Awards alongside the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the Advancing Policy Development category.

Access the DERI tool (external link)