Digital exclusion

There are circumstances where it is not possible or practical to meet in person for a period of time. For example, due to social distancing legislation or during summer holidays. Providing online activities creates opportunities for members to continue to contribute their skills to the party during these times. Using technology can help prevent decisions being made by a small number of people and is more inclusive for underrepresented groups such as women.

On the other hand, if the party is holding a face to face event, it is also good practice to enable remote, digital participation at the meeting. This can make your in-person event more accessible to people who cannot attend, for example because of caring roles or because the venue is not fully accessible. Online participation should be meaningful and enable attendees to actively participate in the event. For example, parties should consider enabling remote debate contributions and online voting rather than just streaming a conference or meeting online.

Under the 2010 Equality Act, political parties have a duty to make reasonable adjustments at any event which is open to the public. This includes any digital event. What is considered reasonable will depend on the size and capacity of your group and the type of activities you are doing but accessibility at online events should be a priority for organisations. It is important that parties are working to go beyond the basics of accessibility requirements and are aiming to achieve best practice. Some things you should consider include:

• Ensuring there are no communication barriers to attending. For example, having a BSL interpreter available or closed captions on the screen.
• Clearly stating what accessibility measures are included as standard in your event promotion or invitations
• Asking attendees if they have any additional accessibility requirements when they register for online activities.
• Filming events so people can access them at a different time if they are not able to attend live.
• Having adequate breaks in online meetings.

If you are holding online activities you should also be aware that certain groups, for example minority ethnic members and women are less likely to have the disposable income to buy tech or fast internet connections. Parties could consider subsidising internet or tech costs or providing tech grants to activists, particularly those who have indicated they are interested in becoming candidates or are running campaigns.

More information about reasonable adjustments and best practice in facilitating inclusive online meetings can be found below in the inclusive online meetings sections of this module or the ‘Events Activities and Elections’ module guidance of the Equal Representation toolkit.

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