About DataKind UK

Our mission is to transform the impact of social change organisations through data science capacity building, for the benefit of the people of the UK and other parts of the world by:

Changing attitudes

Increase understanding of and trust in data science within the social sector, by showing what's possible and how data can be used responsibly

Providing a safe space to test ideas

Working with organisations to explore what might help them, and introducing them to new approaches and tools

Supporting staff

Making sure that data experts in the social sector have access to peer support networks, and working to ensure the number of data scientists in social change organisations continues to grow

How we work

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Sustainable change

We are a capacity builder, which means we're here to help social change organisations develop their abilities to do data science, rather than supply one-off solutions. We're here to create sustainable change in the social sector.
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Responsible data use

There's a lot you can do with data, but that doesn't mean you should! We help others to understand the legal and ethical implications of using data and data science - both now and down the line.
About DataKind UK
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Volunteer powered

All our projects are staffed by pro-bono data experts. This means social change organisations get the most up-to-date skills, couched in practical experience. And it also means we can provide most of our programmes for free!

Our story

We believe that the same algorithms and techniques that companies use to boost profits can be leveraged by mission-driven organisations to improve the world, from battling hunger to advocating for child well-being and more. However, most social change organisations don’t have the budget or staff to take full advantage of this data revolution and most data scientists don't realise just how valuable their skills can be.

Since we were founded in 2013, we have worked to understand the social sector’s needs and how we can harness the power of pro bono data scientists to support the sector. We have run DataDive and DataCorps projects with more than 80 charities, and are now, by far, the most experienced provider of charity data science support in the UK. We’ve been held up as an example of best practice by government ministers and were named as one of Fast Company's 10 most innovative nonprofits in 2017.

We are a registered UK charity and are part of the global DataKind network of six chapters. We are an independently-run charity, registered in England & Wales (No. 1154213) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (No. 08462148).

Learn about what we do
Meet our staff and volunteers
About DataKind UK

Our Values

To achieve our mission of transforming the impact of the social sector through data science, we need to be sensitive to the needs of the sector, produce high quality work, and be kind and open with each other as we do so. These are just a few of our community's values - read on below to learn more.

Approachable

We are approachable and welcoming, whether you’re a nonprofit, a data scientist, or just someone interested in learning more

Sensitive

We are sensitive to the fact that we are not just dealing with numbers, but that we are dealing with human lives

Transparent

We are completely transparent in what we do - and in how we think about the world

Committed to excellence

People rely on our abilities and those of our volunteers, so we are committed to excellence, and continuously learn and improve

Inclusive

We are an inclusive community, being aware and open to difference and proactively seek out diversity of viewpoints, skill sets and backgrounds

Carbon conscious

We operate with the planet in mind, minimising our carbon footprint whenever possible