UK online centres

Join the UK online centres network

Currently one in five adults still don't use computers and the internet. It's often those facing the toughest times who have the most to gain from what technology has to offer, and as the internet rapidly becomes a tool for everyday life, those without the access, skills or the motivation to use it are increasingly being left behind. UK online centres help these people by giving them the opportunity and support they need to get started online.

Why should my centre become a member UK online centre?

By becoming a UK online centre your centre will be demonstrating its commitment to creating digital equality in your community. You'll also become part of the national UK online centres network which is firmly established as part of the solution to support the key government agendas of informal learning and digital inclusion. You'll gain lots of benefits from being part of a national network, including access to free courses, marketing materials and training, opportunities to apply for funding as well as having a more influential voice to lobby government and to take part in the debate about digital inclusion.

What criteria do I need to meet to become a UK online centre?

All UK online centres must offer their users free (or very low cost) access to computers and the internet along with help and support to enable people to use them. UK online centres define help and support as being able to: help someone who has never been online to get started with the internet.

To meet the help and support criteria, your centre must be able to provide help and support onsite (at your centre). This help and support could be in a group or one-to-one session provided by staff, volunteers or by a partner organisation. Basic help and support available must include helping learners to register on www.myguide.gov.uk and to use myguide courses, providing help and support if they get stuck

How do I become a member UK online centre?

• Please make sure you read and understand the UK online centres members' terms and conditions. (Click here)
• Complete the UK online centres Expression of interest form (EOI) top right of this page

By submitting your EOI for membership you are confirming that your centre will meet the criteria above, that you have the authority to register your centre, and that you will be the UK online centres primary contact. Further details on the primary contact role can be found in the UK online centres terms and conditions.

As a UK online centre what benefits will I get?

If your centre is accepted as a member UK online centre you will:

• Have access to, and support to use, an expanding range of free online courses and Skills checkpoints at www.myguide.gov.uk
• Have the chance to bid for UK online centres' funding
• Receive a free UK online centres marketing pack plus have the chance to take part in high profile national marketing campaigns
• Have your centre details added to the UK online centres search facility allowing new customers to find your centre via our free phone number 0800 77 1234 and on www.ukonlinecentres.com
• Be able to apply for a £1,000 staff or volunteer training grant each year as well as free training webinars
• Receive support via our free centre support line (08000 921129) and have access to a dedicated Regional Manager
• Receive Members' news - a free weekly e-newsletter detailing the latest network and sector news
• Have a more influential voice at a national level to lobby government, and the chance to contribute to key national consultations about digital inclusion.

As a UK online centre what will I have to do?

If your centre is accepted as a member UK online centre it will need to deliver these activities:

1. Your centre must offer your users:

   • Free (or very low cost) access to computers and the internet
   • Help and support in your centre to enable people to use them.
   • The chance to register on www.myguide.gov.uk and encouragement to use the courses on myguide

2. Keep in touch with and take part in UK online centres activity by:

   • Ensuring your staff and volunteers know how to handle UK online centres enquiries
   • Ensure that myguide.gov.uk and other UK online centre websites are accessible from your PCs
   • Taking part in our national marketing campaigns and displaying UK online centres materials in and around your centre
   • Keeping your centre details up to date so we can keep our 0800 number and website centre search facilities accurate.

Apply now

Simply read the UK online centres terms and conditions and complete the Expression of interest form now. If you have any problems please email ukonlinecentres@ufi.com