Digital access is not just a convenience – it is the foundation of modern life. Yet, millions across the UK remain disconnected, unable to access education, employment, healthcare, and essential services. One in seven adults and one in five children lack the devices, skills, or connectivity required to participate fully in today’s digital world. At the same time, over eight million households struggle to afford basic communication services, reinforcing deep inequalities and isolating those most in need.
To drive systemic change, the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has launched the Community Circle – a nationwide coalition of charities, non-profits, and community organisations committed to dismantling digital barriers and ensuring that no one is left behind.
A unified effort to bridge the digital divide
By bringing together organisations dedicated to digital inclusion, the Community Circle creates a powerful space to exchange expertise, shape policy, and deliver real-world solutions. This initiative strengthens support systems, positioning digital access as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, underscored the necessity of collective action: “No single organisation can eliminate digital exclusion alone. The Community Circle empowers charities and community groups to collaborate, amplify impact, and drive meaningful change. By uniting our efforts, we can influence policy, remove obstacles, and create tangible opportunities for those affected.”
How the Community Circle works
The Community Circle serves as a platform for organisations to:
- Share best practices to expand and enhance digital inclusion efforts.
- Gain key insights into national and local digital challenges and opportunities.
- Influence policy by contributing to government consultations and shaping discussions.
- Engage in issue-driven dialogues that address barriers and drive impactful solutions.
- Collaborate on innovative strategies to accelerate progress and maximise reach.
Who can join?
The Community Circle is open to organisations committed to ending digital exclusion, including:
- Registered charities, non-profits, and non-profit CICs.
- Volunteer-led initiatives dedicated to removing digital barriers.
- Organisations of all sizes, from grassroots groups to national charities.
Each organisation may designate up to two lead representatives, with flexibility to delegate attendance at meetings.
Driving impact through collaboration
The Community Circle convenes quarterly online meetings, ensuring broad accessibility for organisations across the UK. These sessions focus on identifying urgent challenges, shaping policy discussions, and implementing actionable solutions. As part of the Community Circle, members will:
- Share research, insights, and case studies to inform collective action.
- Represent their communities’ needs and advocate for change.
- Access and distribute DPA resources to strengthen their initiatives.
Membership is free for registered charities, non-profits, and non-profit CICs. Profit-making CICs can contribute a nominal annual fee to support the Community Circle’s initiatives.
Join the movement
Digital access is fundamental to opportunity, equality, and progress. Organisations committed to removing digital barriers now have a platform to collaborate, advocate, and create lasting change. The Community Circle is where collective action transforms vision into reality.