Activate Bradford District and Craven Shortlisted for Award

Local Partnership Recognised for Data-Driven Support to Voluntary Sector

The Activate Bradford District & Craven (ABDC) Partnership has been shortlisted for the Management Today Best Public or Third Sector Transformation Award. The nomination highlights the partnership’s innovative use of data to support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the region.

Data-Led Approach to Supporting VCSE Organisations

The ABDC Partnership has implemented a system that uses MyCake resilience ratings to assess the financial health of VCSE organisations. This approach enables the partnership to identify organisations at risk and prioritise support more effectively. By analysing data, the team can intervene earlier, aiming to prevent organisational collapse and maintain essential services.

In its first year, the partnership:

• Assessed 83 priority organisations
• Completed detailed diagnostics for 43 organisations
• Provided intensive consultancy to 16 organisations
• Stabilised five organisations at risk of collapse

This intervention helped protect over £2 million in health contracts and ensured continuity of services in disadvantaged communities.

Expansion and Regional Influence

In the 2025/26 period, the programme expanded significantly, assessing 1,700 organisations. Using data-led diagnostics, the partnership narrowed down the focus to 79 organisations requiring urgent support. This reflects improved efficiency and more evidence-based decision-making in allocating resources.

The ABDC model is now influencing wider regional strategies. Wakefield and Leeds have adopted similar approaches through shared tools and training, facilitating knowledge exchange across West Yorkshire.

Funding and Partnership

The work of the ABDC Partnership is funded by Bradford Council and the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership. The partnership itself comprises several infrastructure support organisations including CNet, Community Action Bradford and District, Participate Projects, and the VCS Alliance. Their collective aim is to strengthen the VCSE sector, particularly organisations delivering health and social care services.

Management Today Awards

The Management Today Awards recognise innovation, leadership, and transformation within UK organisations. Winners of the Best Public or Third Sector Transformation Award will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for the end of November.

For more information about the Activate Bradford District & Craven Partnership, visit the VCS Alliance website.