We identified that there are gaps in entry level digital tools and platforms that act as a barrier for smaller charities to utilise both their own and other external datasets fully.

Tools we've worked on over the period include:

• Datawrapper - requesting addition of individual London borough maps with associated wards so groups can easily create a heat spot map with their data. Subsequent ward boundary changes and names have been updated too.

• Community Lens - we fed into the user research for this mapping tool which allows groups to paste a set of postcodes and create a point map overlaying the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. We've funded a recent update and will be working with DataKind UK to bring in the new IMD data due to be published in October 2025.

• Autogeomapper - we funded the development of this sister tool which enables groups to paste post code data which is then mapped across to Boroughs and Wards and visualised on a map as a downloadable table format.

• VCSE dashboards - a main focus of round 2 of the programme, we co-designed two platforms enabling groups to more easily explore data about the VCSE sector in London drawing on open data sets such as the Charity Commission and 360Giving.

• Office for National Statistics - we fed into consultations about Census 2021 outputs and once published, supported groups to use the Create a custom dataset tool (developing additional guidance including how to use Pivot Tables and Charts in Excel).

• Database APIs - an outcome from our AIDE User Group, we worked with the AIDE CRM provider to develop an API to enable data to connect with external tools e.g. Power BI. We are in discussions with another system provider who's recently made an API available, about offering Power BI support to their clients.

• Local Insight platform - we funded a subscription so that we could offer group and one to one sessions for small charities to explore data from a huge range of sources to support funding bids and service development. We have participated in OCSI's Local Insight user groups feeding in ideas for new features as a result.

• Data Maturity Assessment - we worked with Data Orchard to pilot a cohort approach to use of their assessment too. This is somthing they've further developed and now make available for others to use.