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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 28/09/2026

Fancy a (virtual) coffee with some fellow nonprofit data folk? Nonprofit Datafolk Club: Randomised coffee trial - 12 Nov. We've been trialling this event format, to encourage networking and connection amongst this fabulous community. FINAL trial event Thu 12 Nov, 1-2pm (GMT) FREE buff.ly/qjYqg4K

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 25/09/2026

AI - The good, the bad and the ugly. That's the theme for our October Nonprofit Datafolk Club workshop. It always makes for an interesting discussion when we together to talk about AI. Especially when you ask about people's fears and concerns - there are lots of them. buff.ly/8AOPlUN

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 23/09/2026

Developing a data strategy can feel like a daunting task. But, with a bit of outside help and a clear picture of where they stood, Farleigh Hospice was able to build a shared organisational understanding of data and plan for improvement. Here's how we worked with them to get there: buff.ly/gRmr4l5

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 21/09/2026

How do you build data culture? Well, together, of course. As we prepare to close bookings for our next Building Data Culture course (there're only a couple of seats left, despite expanding capacity - so act now if you want to join), let's revisit what our associate Jay Dev wrote: buff.ly/qSIHg98

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 17/09/2026

What's your experience of AI in the nonprofit sector? We'll be revisiting this with our Nonprofit Datafolk Club on 8 October, so it's worth a recap on what was said when we discussed the topic this time last year. Read about people's hopes and fears, and add your own in the comments. buff.ly/ZH8nKEz

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 15/09/2026

Our autumn events are available to book now. Catch up on that and other news in our newsletter, including: - Developing a data strategy for Farleigh Hospice - AI in nonprofits - How to build data culture - NEW! Nonprofit Datafolk Club events - Final places for Building Data Culture buff.ly/gXCPofS

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 07/09/2026

Data culture: Shaping it can be messy, but when done right, it can be a thing of beauty. There's only a few places left on our next Building Data Culture course. With sign-ups from the nonprofit, public and commercial sectors already, it's shaping up to be a really interesting and diverse group.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 03/09/2026

'Data maturity' feels big and hard to pin down, but it's essential for organisations to tackle. That's why we've been working for nearly a decade on defining and measuring it. Our first data maturity framework was published back in 2017 and it's been honed and finessed since.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 21/08/2026

Our next Building Data Culture course is nearly full. Early birds sold out before the deadline and now there are only a few standard price places left. If you've been considering joining, now's the time. Here's what Glen Winterbourne, who joined our pilot cohort, said about the course:

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 12/08/2026

We’ve been reviewing our training course feedback and that’s what an attendee of our first Building Data Culture course said after the course. In fact, almost all the attendees said they appreciated coming away with so many practical ideas that could be tried out immediately in their organisation.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 12/08/2026

“It’s not just theory - already after the first session I was able to adapt an activity we did and use it in my organisation to start the conversation of what data culture means to us.”

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 07/08/2026

Improving impact measurement isn't a once-and-done thing, it's a long-term strategic endeavour (much like improving data maturity). Our work with Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW) to lay the groundwork spanned almost three years.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 05/08/2026

A few years ago we noticed a clear pattern in users of our Data Maturity Assessment. The weakest area is always skills. We set out to do something about it with our training course offering.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 03/08/2026

"'Data maturity' is vague and hard to define". No - it's not. Our first data maturity framework was published back in 2017 and it's been honed and finessed since. It's been borrowed by many (including the Government Data Quality Hub for the Government Data Maturity Model).

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 30/07/2026

Unpopular opinion: No AI wonder tool will fix a lack of data skills and leadership in your organisation, much less a poor data culture.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 28/07/2026

Our July newsletter - time to catch up! In this issue: - Advice: Build your data maturity before your AI tool - The 5 stages of data maturity - Feedback from our training courses - Case study: Improving impact measurement - Other interesting news - Upcoming courses Online here: buff.ly/a2hAcJ1

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 19/06/2026

Building data maturity involves stopping, taking a cold hard look at the organisation's needs, and addressing weaknesses in data uses, analysis, leadership, culture, tools and skills, as well as the data itself.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 19/06/2026

In fact only 5% of over 1,000 organisations that used our Data Maturity Assessment over the last five years have reached that level of data maturity.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 15/06/2026

A quick reminder that the deadline to catch early bird prices for our next Data for Leaders course is tomorrow – 16 June.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 10/06/2026

"How can I lead on data even if I'm not necessarily in the leadership team?" We've been following the first open cohort of our Building Data Culture course and this is what many of the cohort were asking at the first session.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 08/06/2026

This week's Nonprofit Datafolk Club workshop is on Gender Inequality. We can't fight it if we don't talk about it. ALL of us. If you believe we should tackle gender inequality - and you have an inkling data can help - join us. Thu 11 Jun, 1-2pm FREE buff.ly/KZGqcsQ

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 25/05/2026

Gender inequality: How's your organisation doing (really)? In June our Nonprofit Datafolk Club will be discussing how organisations are doing on gender equality and how data can support progress. Tackling gender inequality is a job for all of us, so we'd love to see a big, diverse group take part👇

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 20/05/2026

How do you build data culture? Shaping data culture can be messy work. But it's also great fun and, ultimately, one of the most rewarding things you can do to make sure your organisation gets better at data. Our associate Jay has shared some key advice on building data culture: buff.ly/IPEBS0o

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 18/05/2026

It's nearly time! We're finalists at the British Data Awards - shortlisted for Best Data for Good Consulting Initiative of the Year. The ceremony announcing the final winners is this Wednesday - 20 May - wish us luck! buff.ly/zk4txba

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 14/05/2026

What makes for good data culture? Our Nonprofit Datafolk Club got together to discuss this in March. It's fair to say the group had lots of frustrations when it comes to data culture. But also lots of pointers for others to take away. Read a summary of their discussion here: buff.ly/ofWwP5a

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 13/05/2026

Yes, it feels like AI is in everything, everywhere, all at once 👀 But what do charity CEOs, specifically, say about AI? Our Co-CEO Sian wrote for ACEVO on what CEOs in the ACEVO community said they feel about AI. Read the blog here: buff.ly/tG12bDC

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 12/05/2026

The May newsletter is out! In this issue: - Our Nonprofit Datafolk Club's experiences of data culture - How to build data culture - Building Data Culture & Data for Leaders training courses - New free events - Other news to inform and amuse our fellow data folk Catch up now: buff.ly/0l8wIpI

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 28/04/2026

Shaping data culture is one of the most effective things you can do to improve the impact data has in your organisation. Yes, it's hard. But it is possible, with the right techniques and a strong vision of where you want to get to. That's what we teach in our new Building Data Culture course.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 21/04/2026

The organisations we see doing well with data ALWAYS have strong data cultures. If you’ve ever experienced the struggle of getting teams to take shared responsibility for data, to stop working in silos and to drop the fear of embracing data, this course is for you. Still time to book buff.ly/Mf7Eu9x

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 20/03/2026

How do you identify your audience for data storytelling and what kind of prior knowledge would you assume they have? What makes a good data story/visualisation? What are some brilliant examples of data-driven stories? Our Nonprofit Datafolk Club got together recently to discuss: buff.ly/f63zwbM

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 19/03/2026

We’ve been named a Finalist at the British Data Awards 2026 🤩 The British Data Awards is an annual quest to discover and celebrate data success stories in the UK. We're told a record 462 nominations were submitted this year, so we’re especially delighted to be chosen as a Finalist.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 17/03/2026

“I've found that understanding the impact of data-driven decisions along with practical frameworks and ideas on how to implement change has really helped to support new initiatives and processes in our organisation.” - Sarah Clarke, Head of Membership & Insight, CharityComms

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 17/03/2026

Last few weeks to catch old training course prices. The April Data for Leaders course is the last chance to catch lower prices. When we scheduled courses for the next financial year, we made the difficult decision to increase prices to cover our costs. buff.ly/6xB2klh

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 16/03/2026

If you're a leader looking to improve how your organisation 'does' data, where do you start? Our research reveals some important insights into what drives data maturity. This article distills down some of the key things the research tells us about what leaders need to focus on: buff.ly/tXAvVsK

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 13/03/2026

How do you build data culture? We've long felt that culture is one of the most important factors in getting better at data. And it's also one of the hardest to crack. Our associate Jay Dev has written about tips for building data culture in your organisation: buff.ly/awepZCr

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 12/03/2026

The March newsletter is out: 🏗️ Tips on data culture 🎯 What leaders should focus on to improve data maturity 📖 Data visualisation and storytelling 🧑‍🏫 NEW data culture course 👩‍🏫 Training for leaders 🎫 Free events 💭 Other bits of news to inform and amuse our fellow data folk Catch up: buff.ly/pQBksG1

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 10/03/2026

So, in recognition of International Women's Day, we've been asking our team for the advice they would give to other women getting into data. Next up, our co-CEO Madeleine Spinks gives her honest advice for fellow women:

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 10/03/2026

What advice would you give to other women getting into data? We're a women-led social enterprise helping organisations get better at data, and a high proportion of our team are women. But, despite this, 'data' is still considered a male-dominated profession.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 06/03/2026

So, we've been asking our team for the advice they would give to other women getting into data. First up, our co-CEO Sian Basker gives her frank advice for fellow women.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 06/03/2026

What advice would you give to other women getting into data? It's International Women's Day soon. We're a women-led social enterprise helping organisations get better at data, and a high proportion of our team are women. But, despite this, 'data' is still considered a male-dominated profession.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 23/01/2026

Recently we've been taking stock and looking back at the impact we've had. Our 2024-25 Impact Report looks at how we delivered our Theory for Change in 2024-25. Sian's blog summarises what we did, the impact we had and some of our plans for the future: buff.ly/fPg50V8

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 22/01/2026

Did you miss our latest newsletter? In this issue: 💥 Our impact 📈 State of the Sector: Data Maturity 2025 👩‍💻 CRMs in nonprofits 👩‍🏫 Training for leaders 🎫 New free events (with more on our website) 💭 Other bits of news we found to inform and amuse our fellow data folk Catch up now: buff.ly/SDEYg7b

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 24/11/2025

Many of our community in Wales will be familiar with our Welsh language mapping project: Mapio Cymru. The team has recently published guidance on how to identify the name of a feature in Welsh. This has been a long time coming, after lots of consultation with interested people and organisations.

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 21/11/2025

Nonprofit Datafolk Club: Randomised Festive Fizz We know how much our community love to connect with others in the 'data in nonprofits' niche. In this online networking event we'll be converting our randomised coffee trial to a festive fizz event. 11 Dec, 1-2pm, FREE Book here: buff.ly/wxOayZ2

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 20/11/2025

It's #SocialEnterpriseDay and we're proud to be a social enterprise, part of a growing movement of businesses explicitly setting out to do good. So what is a social enterprise? The image explains how we make an impact as a social enterprise. Hats off to all the other social enterprises out there!

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 19/11/2025

A few months ago, we tearfully said goodbye to our wonderful Analytics Engineer & Product Lead, Libby Harkins, as she went on a new adventure. Luckily we're still very much in touch and she found time, alongside studying for a Master's, to blog about what she learned at Data Orchard. buff.ly/2NcrS8S

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 18/11/2025

In September, our Nonprofit Datafolk Club got together to talk about how they're using (or planning to use) AI, safe AI and worries about developments. Read our writeup of the discussion and be sure to join us on 11 December for our next online meetup! buff.ly/ePuuDdZ

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 17/11/2025

AI and its influence have been spreading like wildfire. We've been reassessing what this means for us, our products and services, our clients, and the nonprofit sector as a whole. We've shared an update on our thoughts and plans, along with our top picks of reading and resources. buff.ly/8D6rWbE

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 12/11/2025

Join us tomorrow, noon Last chance to book to see our juiciest State of The Sector report yet! This year, for the 1st time, we'll share global x-sector comparisons of changing trends, challenges and hot topics. Get early sight of the findings and bring your curiosity for the Q&A! buff.ly/F7qKNrw

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Data Orchard @dataorchard.org.uk · 06/11/2025

Make sure you're signed up - free - for first sight of all the findings. Thu 13 Nov, 12-1pm. buff.ly/Qcx99dC

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