A community for digital leads across UK civil society
The Digital Leads Network (DLN) brings together more than 450 people who are leading, shaping or supporting digital work in charities, social enterprises and community organisations across the UK. It’s a space to connect with peers, share learning, talk honestly about challenges, and strengthen confidence and skills across the sector.
At a glance:
- 450+ members across the UK
- Free to join
- Quarterly meetups & quarterly Digital Coffee Hours
- AI Peer Group
- Member directory, resource hub & newsletter
- Opportunities to shape the future of the network
Who’s it for?
Anyone in a not-for-profit who plays a key role in digital - whether your job title includes ‘digital’ or not. Members come from organisations of all sizes and causes, from senior leaders to hands-on practitioners.
If you’re working to make digital better in your organisation, you’re welcome to join the network.
What do we offer?
Learn
- Quarterly network meetups on specific digital topics.
- AI Peer Group exploring opportunities, risks and real use cases.
Connect
- Digital Coffee Hour: relaxed, informal peer support
- Dedicated LinkedIn Group
Access
- Member directory, resource hub & regular newsletter
- Opportunities to join wider sector events and research
Why join?
- Build confidence in your digital leadership
- Get practical examples, tools and inspiration
- Connect with peers solving similar challenges
- Help shape digital practice across the sector
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative movement
With the support of our partners at IVAR, the learning from the AI Peer Group feeds into the development of Open and Trusting use of AI in grantmaking.
Membership
We’re refreshing the network for 2026, so new sign-ups are paused until early 2026.
If you’d like to join, simply express your interest and we’ll contact you when membership reopens.
Member stories
- Solving problems with No-Code: Liam’s Story
- Using data and AI for social good: Insights from Magid, Director of Data & Insights at Catch22
- Empowering charities in the digital age: Lessons from The Brilliant Club and Deloitte Digital Connect
- Navigating Digital Transformation: A Conversation with Dan Farmer, Head of Digital Transformation at the Soil Association
What members say
“I really benefited from being able to share our experience with others and make connections with those doing work in a similar space. The opportunity to learn alongside others really helps supercharge my thinking in this space and if I can help someone else not re-invent the wheel that's also good. The focus on different stakeholders from leaders to those delivering and experiencing the services we provide was very beneficial in considering AI from both strategic and delivery sides.” - Alice Kershaw, Head of Digital Transformation, The Wildlife Trusts
"Networks like the DLN are fantastic for connecting with peers, gaining new ideas and finding inspiration. It’s really valuable to have people outside your organisation who speak the same language and face similar challenges. Being part of such networks reaffirms your own experiences and keeps you energised." - Dan Farmer, Head of Digital Transformation, Soil Association
“It was great to hear the use cases, and to see how others are using AI. It was also lovely to meet others in the sector and to chat about the common challenges we are facing.” - Rachael Nicholas, Head of Membership and Engagement, The Careers Research and Advisory Centre
If you have any questions, please contact David Scurr, Programme and Partnerships Lead.