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This article reports the findings of research into the extent and impact of restricted access by specific groups of staff to ICT-based communications in UK further and higher education institutions. The research found that the lack of hardware and network infrastructure posed less of a barrier than lack of ICT skills, lack of motivation either to use computers or to gain ICT skills, and line manager resistance to staff using computers or accessing ICT training in work time. Job function was the factor most associated with lack of access, with cleaning, catering and estates staff least likely to have access. However, there were also many examples of good practice to extend staff access, particularly with regard to ICT training. The research concludes that one of the main concerns for institutions is to 'win the hearts and minds' of non-desk staff and their managers. The development of an institutional communication strategy is identified as being of critical importance.