Social value case study: Home Office, Capgemini and Digital Unite
Updated 24 March 2026
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Context
The Home Office, working with Capgemini PLC and Digital Unite, is supporting the delivery of the Let’s Get Digital Durham (LGDD) programme as part of its wider social value commitments. The programme responds to high levels of digital exclusion in County Durham, where many residents face barriers to accessing online services as public services continue to move towards digital delivery.
The initiative focuses on building local digital capability to help ensure people are not left behind as services continue to move online, supporting the Home Office commitment to tackling economic inequality and promoting equal opportunities.
LGDD was developed through Capgemini’s social value work with the Home Office and is an integral part of the DevOps central contract, supporting critical engineering projects across Home Office platforms and services since December 2023.
Actions taken
Capgemini worked in partnership with Digital Unite to design and deliver a community‑based digital inclusion programme across County Durham. This included launching LGDD through an Inspire training event to raise awareness of digital exclusion and build local confidence to act.
A train‑the‑trainer model was delivered through Digital Unite’s Digital Champions Network, equipping local staff and volunteers with the skills and tools to provide digital support.
The programme also worked with VCSE organisations to embed digital skills support within existing community services, supported by access to learning resources and ongoing project support.
Outcomes and impact
The programme has strengthened community‑led digital inclusion by building local capability to support residents facing digital exclusion.
A Digital Champions Network has been established across multiple organisations, enabling residents to receive practical support with device use, online services and staying safe online.
Digital skills have been embedded into wider community activity, including youth, family and cost‑of‑living support, helping ensure digital inclusion is delivered as part of routine community services. The programme has also received national recognition through a Dynamite Awards nomination.
Challenges and solutions
Some organisations initially faced capacity challenges and difficulties engaging individuals experiencing digital exclusion. These were addressed through Inspire training to position digital inclusion as a shared community priority, expanding capacity through volunteers, and embedding digital skills within organisations already supporting digitally excluded groups. This approach helped improve engagement and integrate digital inclusion into existing community networks.
Future plans
The programme will continue to expand through 2026, with additional local organisations joining the next phase of delivery. This will further embed digital inclusion capability across County Durham and strengthen long‑term support for communities most at risk of digital exclusion.