Supporting London Councils: A New Layer for Network-Based Digital Inclusion

Across London, councils are increasingly delivering digital inclusion through networks of local organisations.

This model is both practical and effective. It enables councils to:

• Reach communities more directly
• Work with trusted local partners
• Scale delivery through volunteers and Digital Champions
• Spend time on pressing Borough issues

But as this approach has matured, a consistent challenge has emerged:

How do councils understand what is happening across their network—in real time?

The Challenge of Network-Based Delivery

When delivery is distributed across multiple organisations, visibility becomes complex.

Councils often rely on:

• Periodic reports
• End-of-programme evaluations
• Fragmented data from different partners

While useful, these approaches are:

• Retrospective
• Inconsistent across organisations
• Limited in supporting real-time decision-making

This creates a gap between:
What is planned at a strategic level
What is actually happening on the ground

Introducing a New Support Layer

The IFB Live Measurement Digital Inclusion Toolkit has been developed to address this gap.

Rather than replacing existing programmes or networks, it acts as a:

Real-time insight layer across council-led digital inclusion ecosystems

What This Means in Practice

For London councils and their partners, the toolkit enables:

1. Live Insight Across Networks

Understand what is happening across multiple organisations during delivery—not just after.

2. Stronger Coordination

Bridge the gap between:

• Council strategy
• Community delivery

3. Support for Frontline Delivery

Equip:

• Volunteers
• Students
• Digital Champions

With simple tools that help them adapt in real time.

4. Consistent, Usable Data

Move towards:

• Shared understanding across partners
• Comparable insights across programmes

Designed to Strengthen, Not Replace

The toolkit is intentionally designed to complement existing infrastructure, including:

• Good Things Foundation networks
• Digital Unite models
• Local borough partnerships and VCS ecosystems

It does not introduce another layer of reporting.

Instead, it provides:
Practical insight during delivery
Value for those doing the work
Better visibility for those coordinating it

From Reporting to Real-Time Understanding

As councils continue to adopt network-based delivery models, the next step is clear:

Move from retrospective reporting
To real-time, evidence-led action

This shift enables:

• Faster response to challenges
• Improved outcomes for residents
• Greater confidence in programme effectiveness

Current Phase and Opportunities

The toolkit is currently in beta, with early engagement from community organisations and sector partners.

We are now exploring opportunities to work with:

• London borough councils
• Network coordinators
• Voluntary and community sector partners

To pilot and refine its application across real-world delivery environments.

Work With IFB Gaming

If you are part of a council, delivery network, or community organisation interested in strengthening digital inclusion through real-time insight, we would welcome a conversation.

Digital inclusion is no longer just about access.

It is about understanding what works—while it is happening—and improving it in the moment.

That is the shift this toolkit is designed to support.