How can housing associations bridge the digital divide and ensure that no tenant is left behind?
In this episode, we dive deep into the urgent issue of digital exclusion and what housing professionals can do about it.
Nick Horne, Chief Executive of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Chair of the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership, joins us to explore the importance of digital access in tenant wellbeing.
With extensive experience leading digital inclusion initiatives, Nick shares valuable insights on the challenges social housing providers face and the steps they can take to implement effective changes.
We unpack how digital exclusion disproportionately affects social housing tenants and why it should be a priority alongside net zero and housing supply. Nick also walks us through his 12-point guide for tackling digital exclusion, offering practical steps for housing associations looking to embed digital inclusion into their strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
● What digital exclusion really means.
● 4 key reasons housing associations need to take action.
● Why the digital divide gap is only going to get wider.
● Key lessons from Greater Manchester’s digital inclusion pilot, and why uptake was lower than expected.
● Why not having a smartphone doesn’t mean someone is excluded.
● Two surprising reasons that hold people back from technology.
● How partnerships with internet service providers are helping tenants get online.
● Why digital access should be embedded in every transformation strategy.
Nick’s insights shed light on a hidden challenge in the housing sector, one that impacts tenants’ financial security, job opportunities, and access to essential services. If you’re a housing professional looking to future-proof your organisation and better support your tenants, this episode is a must-listen.
LEARN MORE
- Good Things Foundation: Living Standard for a digital age-
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/policy-and-research/research-and-evidence/research-2025/mdls-animation - Wythenshawe Community Housing Group – https://www.wchg.org.uk/
- Andersen James – https://www.andersenjames.com/
CONNECT
- Nick Horne on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickhornesolutions/
- James Leighton on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/
LISTEN