In 1995, IBM United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Community Development Foundation, set up the National Working Party on Social Inclusion in the Information Society (INSINC) to examine the impact of new information technology on local communities and the potential for greater social inclusion within the information society. This INSINC report is based on the belief that a socially inclusive information society is desirable, that there is a role for social policy in influencing its development, and that ensuring a socially inclusive information society will require investment, particularly in the mechanisms by which people gain access to equipment and to the information highway. The report addresses how a socially inclusive information society be brought about, what will it look like, and the implications for communities and community organizations. Findings and recommendations are discussed in the following areas: the information society; the social context; information and communication for social inclusion; access to information and communication channels; community networks, resource centers, and partnership; issues of social inclusion; and social inclusion in the information society. Appendices include a glossary, description of initiatives of IBM United Kingdom and the Community Development Foundation, and biographies of INSINC members. (AEF)