Welcome our new Chair, Sophie Flemig
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Sophie Flemig as the new Chair of DataKind UK. Sophie brings a wealth of experience in social innovation, leadership, and data-driven impact. In this blog post, she shares more about her journey and what excites her about joining the DataKind UK community.
“My hope is that every charity leader and team we work with feels empowered and confident to use data in ways that strengthen their mission and, most importantly, allow them to serve their communities better.”
Hello, I’m Sophie, and I’m delighted to join DataKind UK as Chair.
My career has been all about solving complex problems and creating social impact. I started out at a digital start-up, and flirted with management consulting and academia before moving into leadership roles in the public and social sectors. As Chief Executive of Scottish charity Cattanach, I focused on tackling inequality in childhood through frontline and strategic grant-making. In my current role as Chief Executive at Elevate Great, I aim to foster a new social contract, using data and innovation to accelerate breakthrough ideas that shift us towards prevention and allow everyone to thrive, irrespective of background.
Across these roles, data has always been central. What excites me most is how it can shine a light on things we often miss: hidden patterns, unexpected connections, and the lived experiences of people who are often overlooked. Most importantly, data isn’t just numbers; it’s a way to understand people better, challenge assumptions, and build solutions that genuinely work.
What drew you to the DataKind UK board role?
DataKind UK is one of the few organisations that truly bridges the worlds of data science and social good at scale. I’ve gone as far as remodelling my organisation to include data science as a key function, so I know what I am talking about! The DataKind UK community is extraordinary—hundreds of brilliant volunteers giving their time and skills, working alongside third sector organisations to tackle urgent issues.
I really wanted to be part of that movement. Too often, the third sector is left behind when it comes to the potential of data and technology. DataKind UK levels the playing field, ensuring that smaller organisations with limited resources can still harness data to make a difference. That feels incredibly powerful — and necessary. I’m lucky that my organisation (Elevate Great) has its own data science function; in hindsight, I wish I had had access to data science at this calibre as a grant-maker already. DataKind UK would have improved my work and made the impact of the organisations we funded more powerful. I hope I can inspire former colleagues to learn from my experience and insights.
What are you excited about achieving here?
As Chair, I’m excited about three things in particular. First, supporting DataKind UK to deepen its partnerships with third sector organisations, especially network organisations, such as funders and membership organisations. I’d love to see them work their multiplier effect so more organisations can unlock the potential of their data.
Second, positioning DataKind UK in the global DataKind network - there is so much we can learn from each other, and DataKind UK is in a great position to share and connect. And third, raising DataKind UK’s voice in the wider conversation on AI and data for good. At a time when these debates are shaping the future, it’s vital that third sector organisations have a seat at the table.
Ultimately, my hope is that every charity leader and team we work with feels empowered and confident to use data in ways that strengthen their mission and, most importantly, allow them to serve their communities better.
And outside of work, what else are you passionate about?
With two young children, I am spending a lot of time seeing the world through their eyes, which is very exciting - from sports to weekend outings and exploring the Scottish countryside. I’m deeply passionate about resolving issues around the mental load, in other words, how we can work on ‘lived’ gender equality.
As a lapsed cross-fitter I enjoy weightlifting, and doing silly things like jumping up and down boxes at the gym. To my husband’s chagrin, we also have a stationary bike at home for good measure. If I have time, reading and knitting are keen favourites, though I tend to work on five books at once, and similarly, have had both a summer jumper and winter cardigan as works in progress for far too long.
I’m thrilled to join DataKind UK at this exciting moment and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.
