Two in three charities are struggling to roll out digital support due to a lack of technology skills among service users, volunteers and their workers, a survey has found.

The survey of more than 200 charity representatives also found that more than half are struggling to reach service users due to problems involving digital technology.

Four in five are concerned about digital exclusion, with managers and trustees among the most concerned, according to the survey, which has been carried out by charity technology platform Charity Digital.

One respondent said “a third of our members don’t have email or use PCs or any other technology”.

The survey also found that more than a third are struggling to reach volunteers due to digital exclusion issues.

Cost is another barrier for charities to deliver digital services, cited by just under seven in ten respondents.

“There is no point in promoting digital inclusion if the devices and Wi-Fi access costs are prohibitive to the beneficiaries we support,” said another respondent.

“When we run online services, we make sure we provide devices and data packs to beneficiaries and include them in the grant proposal to funders.”

Software and hardware costs from tech firms are also a barrier.

“We haven’t been able to access some software which we would like to use due to cost,” said one respondent

“We also have trouble with getting good enough laptops for the staff team due to high costs.”

Among those surveyed better training, collaboration on tech issues among charities and help with digital strategy were cited as key ways to improve charities ability to provide digital support to communities.

One called for charities to “partner with likeminded others that are supporting digital inclusion initiatives”.

Another wants technology providers to “ensure updates are accessible to everyone, not just those with the latest equipment”.

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