We’re delighted to share that Five Talents has been named a Finalist at the British Data Awards 2026 – a recognition that reflects not just our work, but the communities we partner with and learn from every day.
The British Data Awards celebrate organisations across the UK that are using data in innovative and impactful ways: from start-ups and charities to major corporates and public sector bodies. With a record 462 entries submitted this year, competition was incredibly strong, making this recognition particularly meaningful for a small charity like ours.
At Five Talents, we don’t use data simply for measurement, but to understand change and respond more effectively. As we continue to digitise our monitoring, evaluation and learning, we’re seeing first-hand how better data can strengthen our impact.
As Hannah Wichmann, Five Talents Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Specialist shares:
“We believe transformation starts with knowledge. That’s why we are digitising much of our monitoring, evaluation and learning. As a small charity, working in remote rural communities in Africa, moving from paper to digital tools has allowed us to collect data more efficiently and view close to real-time insights. By reimagining how we measure change, we’re not only tracking transformation; we’re helping to deepen and accelerate it.”
This shift has been especially important in the contexts we work in — often remote, under-resourced communities where timely insights can make a real difference. By improving how we collect and use data, we’re better able to support savings groups, track progress, and adapt our programmes to meet people’s needs.
The awards span a wide range of categories, including Data for Good Initiative of the Year and Not For Profit of the Year, as well as recognitions for individuals and teams shaping the future of data.
Finalists are selected by a panel of leading figures from across industry, academia and the public sector — including representatives from organisations such as Marks & Spencer, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the British Red Cross and the Department of Health & Social Care.
Commenting on this year’s shortlist, judge Jason Johnson said:
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. The level of innovation, ambition and real-world impact across the entries has been incredibly impressive. I’m excited to celebrate these achievements together in May.”
Winners will be announced on 20 May 2026 at The Brewery in London.
For us, this recognition is not just about what we’ve achieved so far, but about what’s still to come, as we continue to learn, adapt and work alongside communities to see lasting transformation.