What we do.

Our approach:
Tackling the system.

Our approach is informed by primary + secondary research revealing the wider systemic forces that affect a person’s degree of digital poverty. These are factors beyond the commonly cited determinants such as motivation, skill + knowledge level.

In order to understand the root enablers + inhibitors, we have developed a working model that builds on Dahlgren + Whitehead’s “Determinants of Health” (1991). The Determinants of Health is used by health professional worldwide to understand + act on the systemic causes of poor health outcomes, rather than just their symptoms.

Using + developing this model will inform DPA’s wider strategy + initiatives, enabling the partners to address the systemic causes of digital poverty + create long-term sustainable impact. For example, in assessing a family’s level of digital poverty, it is essential to understand + recognise the wider system, factors such as where a family lives, the stability of their accommodation, the conditions of their local environment, their financial stability, education level, + the health of their family + social relationships as well as wider policy areas such as credit regulations, connectivity standards, VAT policy etc.

Using this framework, we are enabling the B2B community based on a holistic approach across the ecosystem. For example, we aim to join the dots with the 1500 NHS social prescriber’s network to prescribe access + utility of digital services to improve mental health. Inviting UK Finance to represent the banking sector, to review policy + practice for credit, Treasury to review VAT on hardware for young people, funders to embed digital eligibility criteria by default + the housing federation to align channel family motivational messaging with tested messaging.