Get Online Centre

Summary

The request sought comprehensive cost, usage, and governance data for the Isle of Man's Get Online Centre, but the response only disclosed a partial document detailing the project's funding history and revised cost estimates due to pandemic delays.

Key Facts

• The Get Online Centre initiative originated from a £46,000 bid submitted in December 2019, with £44,351 granted.
• Project implementation was paused in March 2020 to repurpose the Welcome Centre as a COVID-19 contact centre.
• Plans resumed in February 2022, but rising hardware and material costs necessitated a budget review.
• The facility design was modified to comply with the Equality Act 2020 to ensure accessibility for disabled and older residents.
• The response document is incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence regarding the cost of new chairs and tables.

Data Disclosed

• £46,000
• £44,351
• 19th December 2019
• March 2020
• April 2022
• 09th May 2022
• January 2020
• February 2022

Original Request

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write to request access to information relating to the Isle of Man Government's Get Online Centre initiative, which was launched in early 2023 as a facility to support digital inclusion.

Please provide the following information for the Get Online Centre (including any predecessor or successor facilities/initiatives):

All cost information related to the establishment, operation, and closure (if applicable - it appears to be closed to the general public at the moment) of the Get Online Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, including:

a. Capital expenditure and set-up costs (e.g., fit-out, equipment, software/licences, furniture).

b. Annual operational costs (staffing, rent/utilities, maintenance, training materials, digital infrastructure).

c. Any external contracts or service provider costs.

User statistics and participation data, including but not limited to:

a. The number of individual users who accessed the Centre (monthly/annual figures) since opening.

b. Participant demographics (where available and anonymised).

c. The number and type of training sessions or services delivered.

d. Metrics on digital service uptake linked to Centre activity.

Evaluation and outcomes:

a. Any formal evaluations, metrics, or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to assess the Centre's effectiveness.

b. Results of evaluations, including evidence of outcomes and impacts on digital inclusion.

c. Any return on investment (ROI) assessments completed (financial, social or otherwise).

Governance and approval details:

a. Documentation showing how the Get Online Centre was authorised, including business cases, risk assessments, and sign-off(s) by Ministers/officials.

b. Minutes, correspondence, or briefing papers relating to Cabinet or Departmental decisions on the Centre.

c. Information on the criteria for deciding its closure (if closed) and supporting documentation.

Communications and policy context:

a. Any internal or external communications (reports, memos, presentations) relating to the rationale for establishing the Centre.

b. Guidance, strategy, or policy (e.g., digital inclusion strategy papers) referencing the role of the Centre in Government objectives.

If any of the above information is withheld or exempt, please provide the relevant exemption being applied and an explanation of why the exemption applies.

I would prefer to receive the information electronically via email where possible.