Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI)

Key messages

• Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) is a composite index combining multiple indicators of digital exclusion risk
• the tool supports identification of places and groups most likely to lack access, skills or connectivity
• it is intended to inform targeting of devices, data and digital skills support
• the index can be used by integrated care systems and local authorities
• publishing metrics enables transparency and accountability in digital inclusion work.

Policy implications

• digital inclusion investment can be targeted more effectively using place-based risk data
• routine publication of digital exclusion metrics supports equitable resource allocation
• Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and local authorities can integrate DERI into needs’ assessment and planning
• data-led approaches may help align digital strategies with wider inequality priorities.

Gaps

• the index does not directly measure health or social care outcomes
• risk indicators rely on available public data, which may lag behind change
• further work is needed to link exclusion risk to service use and outcomes.

Commentary
The Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) provides a practical way to make digital exclusion visible at place level. By combining multiple indicators into a single framework, it enables decision-makers to move beyond assumptions and identify where exclusion is most likely to affect access to services.

In the context of technology-enabled care, this kind of tool supports more deliberate targeting of support. Rather than distributing resources evenly or reactively, DERI allows local systems to prioritise areas where lack of access, skills or connectivity is most acute.

The emphasis on publishing metrics is particularly important. Making digital exclusion risk transparent creates a basis for accountability and supports alignment between digital strategies and wider work on inequality across health and social care.

Overall, DERI shows how data infrastructure can underpin more equitable use of technology in care. Its value lies not in replacing local knowledge, but in strengthening the evidence base for place-based action on digital inclusion.