We are absolutely delighted to share that iNetwork has been named Winner of the Public Sector Organisation of the Year award at the prestigious 2026 British Data Awards. This recognition is a proud moment for our partnership and reflects the collective effort, collaboration and innovation of our members and the wider public?sector community we are privileged to support.
A Win for Collaboration Across the Public Sector
Founded in 2001 and hosted by Tameside Council, iNetwork has always been rooted in partnership. Our mission is simple but powerful: to create trusted, safe spaces where public?sector organisations can come together to share challenges, exchange best practice and collaborate on solutions. From local authorities and emergency services to health, housing, transport and voluntary organisations, our strength lies in the diversity of our community and the openness with which members engage.
This award recognises more than just iNetwork as an organisation: it celebrates the collective impact of hundreds of public?sector professionals working together to improve outcomes for citizens.
Driving Impact Across Data, Digital and Security
Being recognised in this category reflects the breadth and depth of our work across key priority areas:
- Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through WARP: through the North West Warning, Advice and Reporting Point (NW WARP), and our role in the wider Northern WARP collaboration, iNetwork enables real?time intelligence sharing, threat awareness and peer support. These trusted communities are helping organisations across the North — and beyond — to better protect sensitive data and respond to an increasingly complex cyber landscape.
- Supporting Effective Information Sharing & Data Protection: our Effective Information Sharing & Security (EISS) programme continues to equip members with practical guidance, expert insight and peer learning opportunities. From governance and leadership to safeguarding personal data, we help organisations navigate evolving regulatory and security challenges with confidence.
- Enabling Responsible AI Adoption: as AI becomes more embedded in public services, iNetwork is supporting organisations to adopt these technologies safely, ethically and transparently. Through workshops, expert panels and collaborative sessions, we are ensuring innovation is aligned with public trust and strong governance.
- Shaping National Data Standards Through iStandUK: through iStandUK, an intiative that is part of the iNetwork family, we are playing a key role in shaping national data standards for local public services. Flagship work such as the SAVVI programme is enabling better interoperability, lawful data sharing and improved support for vulnerable people – helping translate policy into practical, scalable solutions.
- Empowering Transformation Through TIPS: our Transforming & Innovating Public Services (TIPS) programme continues to foster innovation, connecting practitioners and enabling organisations to modernise their use of data, digital and customer insight.
Why This Recognition Matters
Winning Public Sector Organisation of the Year is a testament to iNetwork’s leadership in cyber security, data standards, AI readiness and collaborative innovation. At its heart, this recognition reflects our commitment to:
- Building trusted communities
- Enabling safe and effective data sharing
- Strengthening cyber resilience
- Supporting ethical innovation
- Delivering better outcomes for the public
A Thank You to Our Community
This achievement belongs to our members, partners and collaborators across the UK public sector. Your willingness to share, learn and support one another is what makes iNetwork unique and what continues to drive meaningful change across services that millions of people rely on every day.
Whether celebrating this win, we remain focused on what matters most: continuing to support our members to collaborate, innovate and deliver safe, modern and effective public services. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and even more excited about what comes next.