Summary
Findings
The Government
has set targets for public bodies to deliver services
online within five years, and is concerned that everyone
that wants access to the Internet should have it through
public or private provision. Partnerships
Online examined the practicalities for housing associations
and residents, found that progress is slow, and offers
some insights and ways forward. Drawing on exploratory
work, online forums and workshops with housing association
residents and staff, the study found:
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Housing
associations could use information and communication
technologies to deliver on three fronts: providing
online services, supporting community development,
and providing residents with learning and job opportunities.
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However,
most housing associations are doing relatively little
in this field. Research suggests this is partly
because of lack of vision, lack of skilled staff
and funding and the need for organisational culture
change. It may also be because the benefits of introducing
new technology are not evident or easily realisable.
-
Forecasts
suggest that by 2007 there will be many 'smart'
homes, public services will increasingly be online,
and other communication methods may be reduced.
Advocates of online services argue that social housing
residents could be at a disadvantage as citizens
and as consumers if they do not have access to at
least some of these features.
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Workshop
discussions suggest that residents arecurrently
concerned about costs of Internet access, are unsure
of benefits, and concerned that development of online
services may lead to cuts in traditional provision.
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If housing
associations do not take action, it seems unlikely
other solutions will readily emerge without new
partnerships. The public and non-profit sectors
are generally not performing strongly in this field.
Commercial organisations will only go for profitable
market sectors. Most residents will
find it challenging to develop ‘DIY’
solutions.
-
There
is currently no forum for these issues. The researchers
suggest the development of ‘communities of
practice’ for those housing association staff
and residents willing to explore the complex issues
in this field.
Download
more of the summary Findings as a pdf >
Main
guide as web pages>
Download
Main guide as pdf >
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For
more information about this project contact David Wilcox
david@makingthenetwork.org
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