Matt Harvey on Why Data Sharing Matters Jun 25, 2025

I was recently honoured to speak alongside the team at Lightning Reach on a topic that’s close to my heart: how data sharing is transforming the way we support people in need. At its core, it’s about the power of partnership—what happens when trusted organisations come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to doing things better.

At YES, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class support. In 2024/25 alone, we reached over 21,800 households, and we’re on track to help even more this year. But one of our biggest challenges remains: how do we find the people who need us most?

There’s still a stigma around asking for help. In the UK, we can be understandably cautious—“Fuel vouchers from YES? What’s the catch?” That’s where partnership working becomes a game-changer. It builds trust by making support feel relevant, timely, and real.

Why Partnerships Work

Our collaboration with Lightning Reach is a perfect example. It works because it’s built on shared values and clear criteria. We only accept referrals where the individual has actively sought support and meets the eligibility for what YES offers—whether that’s help with fuel poverty, energy efficiency advice, or guidance on low-carbon technologies.

One story we shared during the webinar really brought this to life: a household in crisis was identified through Lightning Reach’s platform and referred directly to YES. Because the data was accurate, timely, and shared with consent, we were able to act fast—providing emergency fuel vouchers and longer-term energy advice. It’s a powerful reminder that when data is shared responsibly, we can cut through complexity and reach people at the moment they need it most.

The Bigger Picture

Partnerships like these don’t just solve immediate problems—they help us tackle the wider issues of poverty and vulnerability. A well-timed intervention can create breathing room, restore dignity, and give people the headspace to take the next step. And when we can offer warm, hand-held referrals to other trusted organisations, we help build momentum. That momentum can be the start of real, lasting change.

At YES, we believe that collaboratin is the key to smarter support. And we’re proud to be working with partners who share that vision

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