BREAKTHROUGH IS A PIONEERING SOCIAL IMPACT ACCELERATOR, POWERING GRASSROOTS GROUPS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO DRIVE TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

From helping launch and build Change.org UK to working with Grenfell families, we’ve seen what grassroots groups can achieve when they bring together ACTIVISM and IMPACT – combining the cutting edge online mobilisation with the best of offline organising, lobbying, strategy and creative communications.

Funded by partners, including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and John Ellerman Foundation, we offer grassroots groups working on the most important problems of our time, access to the right support, the winning strategy and the world-class network they need to have impact.

OUR PEOPLE

We are experienced campaigners with an unrivalled understanding of people-powered movements, policy and politics. We know what it takes to make change happen.

Jerome Neil, Campaigns Manager

Jerome has worked on campaigns at every level championing people with direct experience of injustice. In local government, he fought the corner of looked-after children and care leavers, and in the third sector worked with the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit to tackle exclusions and youth violence. Jerome has supported underprivileged people at every turn, helping to establish a publication that carved out space for black and brown voices, and spearheading the campaign strategy of a Rohingya diaspora organisation that took the Myanmar military to the International Court of Justice.

Katherine Sladden, Co-founder and Executive Director

Katherine has been at the forefront of some of the most high profile people powered campaigns in the UK. As founding Campaigns Director at Change.org UK Katherine advised 100s of winning campaigns from putting a woman on a banknote to changing the law for 16 year olds in police custody – growing the site to be the largest activism platform in the UK. Katherine has worked with and advised leading international organisations and global activists alike, including the ONE Campaign, Virgin Unite, survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell Tower fire and Nobel prize nominee Jaha Dukureh.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Coventry, Chair

John is VP of Corporate Affairs at crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Prior to GoFundMe John was Managing Director of Global Communications at Change.org, where he helped launch the petition platforms UK operation before leading its European and global comms teams.

Edward Daffarn

Edward is a community campaigner. He was a survivor of the Grenfell Tower fire and before the fire was co-author of the Grenfell Action Blog documenting how residents on the Lancaster West Estate were being treated. Since the fire he has been a part of Grenfell United, a campaign group set up by survivors and bereaved families to campaign for justice and change to ensure a fire like Grenfell can never happen again. The group has led campaigns to make homes across the country safer and to put more power in the hands of social housing residents.

Cindy Sweeney

Cindy is UK Head of Corporate Governance and Company Secretariat at Zurich Insurance. Cindy is a qualified solicitor and corporate governance specialist with extensive company secretarial experience.

ADVISORS

Michael Sheen

Michael is an actor and activist from Port Talbot. He set up the End High Cost Credit Alliance to take on high-interest credit providers, he led and won a petition to stop the Welsh Government housing homeless teenagers in unsuitable accommodation and in 2019 he brought the Homeless World Cup to Wales.

Yasmin Waljee OBE

Yasmin is a leading international human rights lawyer. Yasmin has advised on compensation for victims of crime including the July 7 bombing victims, the right to life, and regularly works on public policy issues including the campaign to secure compensation of British victims of terrorism abroad.

Doug Thomson

Doug has a thirty-year career in philanthropy. He has led and advised on major fundraising campaigns in the higher education and non-profit sectors, including as Director of the University of Nottingham’s successful £242m Impact Campaign. Since 2009 he has worked with a portfolio of professional and pro bono clients, including a longstanding association with social mobility charity the Sutton Trust. 

PARTNERS

BREAKTHROUGH PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY

Welcome to Breakthrough (Impact Accelerator Ltd) privacy and cookies policy.

Breakthrough respects your right to privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains who we are, how we collect, share and use personal information about you, and how you can exercise your privacy rights. It applies to all individuals who access our website at
www.breakthroughimpact.org (“Website”) or engage our services (“Services”). We recommend that you read this Privacy Notice in full to ensure you are fully
informed.

1. What personal information does Breakthrough collect when you visit our Website or engage our Services and why?

1.1. We collect personal information that you provide voluntarily through our Website, for example when completing online forms to contact us with an idea or brief you would like us to assist with. The information we collect about you may include some or all of the following:

1.1.1. name;

1.1.2. company or organisation;

1.1.3. contact information, including email address and telephone number(s);

1.1.4. demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests;

1.1.5. information pertinent to fulfilling our Services to you; and

1.1.6. any other personal information that you voluntarily choose to provide to us.

1.2. If we ask you to provide any other personal information not described in paragraph 1.1 above, the personal information that you are asked to provide, and the reasons why you are asked to provide it, will be made clear to you at the point that you are asked to provide your personal information.

1.3. Collecting the information referred to in paragraph 1.1 enables us to facilitate the provision of our Services to you and process any identification and background information as part of our administration and marketing processes and to fulfil any other legal or regulatory requirements to which we may be subject.

1.4. When you visit our Website, we may collect certain personal information automatically from your device. Specifically the information we collect automatically may include information like your IP address, device type, unique device identification number, browser-type, broad geographic location (e.g. country or city-level location) and other technical information. We may also collect information about how your device has interacted with our Website, including the pages accessed and links clicked.

1.5. Collecting the information referred to in paragraph 1.4 enables us to better understand the visitors who come to our Website, where they come from, and what content on our Website is of interest to them. We use this information for our internal analytics purposes and to improve the quality and relevance of our Website to our visitors. Some of this information may be collected using cookies and similar tracking technology, as explained further in paragraph 12.

1.6. We do not knowingly collect data relating to children nor do we collect any information about criminal convictions and offences.

2. How your personal data is collected

2.1. We use different methods to collect data from and about you including through:

2.1.1. direct interactions where you may give us your identity and contact details by filling in forms or by corresponding with us by post, phone, email or otherwise. This includes personal data you provide when you contact us about our Services, subscribe to our newsletter or marketing emails;

2.1.2. automated technologies or interactions, as you interact with our Website we will automatically collect technical data about your equipment, browsing actions and patterns. We collect this personal data by using cookies, and other similar technologies. Please see paragraph 12 for further information; and

2.1.3. publicly available sources whereby we will receive technical data analytics from providers such as Google.

3. How we use your personal data

3.1. Our legal basis for collecting and using the personal information described above will depend on the personal information concerned and the specific context in which we collect it.

3.2. However, we will normally collect personal information from you only where we have your consent to do so, where we need the personal information to perform our Services, or where the processing is in our legitimate interests and not overridden by your data protection interests or fundamental rights and freedoms. In some cases, we may also have a legal obligation to process personal information about you, or may need to process personal information in order to exercise, establish or defend legal claims.

3.3. If we ask you to provide personal information to comply with a legal requirement or to perform a contract with you, we will make this clear at the relevant time and advise you whether the provision of your personal information is mandatory or not (as well as the possible consequences, if any, if you do not provide your personal information).

4. Third-party marketing

4.1. We will get your express opt-in consent before we share your personal data with any third party for marketing purposes.

5. Opting out

5.1. You can ask us to stop sending you marketing messages at any time by contacting us at any time.

5.2. Where you opt out of receiving these marketing messages, this will not apply to personal data provided to us as a result of our Services provided to you.

6. Change of purpose

6.1. We will only use your personal data for the purposes for which we collected it, unless we reasonably consider that we need to use it for another reason and that reason is compatible with the original purpose. If you wish to get an explanation as to how the processing for the new purpose is compatible with the original purpose, please contact us.

6.2. If we need to use your personal data for an unrelated purpose, we will notify you and we will explain the legal basis which allows us to do so.

6.3. Please note that we may process your personal data without your knowledge or consent, in compliance with the above rules, where this is required or permitted by law.

7. Disclosures of your personal data

7.1. We will not share any of your personal data with any third parties for any purposes.

7.2. If we sell, transfer, or merge parts of our business or assets, your personal data may be transferred to a third party. Any new owner of our business may continue to use your personal data in the same way that we have used it, as specified in this policy.

7.3. In some limited circumstances, we may be legally required to share certain personal data, which might include yours, if we are involved in legal proceedings or complying with legal obligations, a court order, or the instructions of a government authority.

8. International transfers

We do not transfer your personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

9. Data security

9.1. We have put in place appropriate security measures to prevent your personal data from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorised way, altered or disclosed. In addition, we limit access to your personal data to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need to know. They will only process your personal data on our instructions and they are subject to a duty of confidentiality.

9.2. We have put in place procedures to deal with any suspected personal data breach and will notify you and any applicable regulator of a breach where we are legally required to do so.

10. How long will you use my personal data for?

10.1. We will only retain your personal data for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, tax, accounting or reporting requirements. We may retain your personal data for a longer period in the event of a complaint or if we reasonably believe there is a prospect of litigation in respect to our relationship with you.

10.2. To determine the appropriate retention period for personal data, we consider the amount, nature and sensitivity of the personal data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorised use or disclosure of your personal data, the purposes for which we process your personal data and whether we can achieve those purposes through other means, and the applicable legal, regulatory, tax, accounting or other requirements.

11. Your legal rights

11.1. You have the following rights under data protection laws in relation to your personal data:

11.1.1. the right to access, correct, update or request deletion of your personal information;

11.1.2. you can object to the processing of your personal information, ask us to restrict processing of your personal information or request portability of your personal information;

11.1.3. you have the right to opt-out of marketing communications we send you at any time. You can exercise this right by clicking on the “unsubscribe” or “opt-out” link in the marketing emails we send you or please email us;

11.1.4. if we have collected and process your personal information with your consent, then you can withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawing your consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing we conducted prior to your withdrawal, nor will it affect processing of your personal information conducted in reliance on lawful processing grounds other than consent; and

11.1.5. you have the right to complain to a data protection authority about our collection and use of your personal information.

11.2. We will respond to all legitimate requests received from individuals wishing to exercise their data protection rights in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

12. Cookies

12.1. In this clause the following terms shall have the following meanings

12.1.1. “Cookie” means a small text file placed on your computer or device by our Website when you visit certain parts of our Website; and

12.1.2. “Cookie Law” means the relevant parts of the Privacy and Electronic
Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.

12.2. Our Website may place and access certain first-party Cookies on your computer or device. First-party Cookies are those placed directly by us and are used only by us. We use Cookies to facilitate and improve your experience of our Website and to provide and improve our Website. We have carefully chosen these Cookies and have taken steps to ensure that your privacy and personal data is protected and respected at all times.

12.3. All Cookies used by and on our Website are used in accordance with current Cookie Law.

12.4. First-party Cookies by Squarespace may be placed on your computer or device.

12.5. Before Cookies are placed on your computer or device, you will be shown a pop up requesting your consent to set those Cookies. By giving your consent to the placing of Cookies you are enabling us to provide the best possible experience and service to you. You may, if you wish, deny consent to the placing of Cookies; however certain features of our Website may not function fully or as intended.

12.6. Certain features of our Website depend on Cookies to function. Cookie Law deems these Cookies to be “strictly necessary”. Your consent will not be sought to place these Cookies, but it is still important that you are aware of them. You may still block these Cookies by changing your internet browser’s settings as detailed below, but please be aware that our Website may not work properly if you do so. We have taken great care to ensure that your privacy is not at risk by allowing them.

12.7. Our Website uses analytics services provided by Google Analytics. Website analytics refers to a set of tools used to collect and analyse anonymous usage information. You do not have to allow us to use these Cookies, however whilst our use of them does not pose any risk to your privacy or your safe use of the Website, it does enable us to continually improve the Website making it a better and more useful experience for you.

12.8. In addition to the controls that we provide, you can choose to enable or disable Cookies in your internet browser. Most internet browsers also enable you to choose whether you wish to disable all Cookies or only third-party Cookies. By default, most internet browsers accept Cookies, but this can be changed. For further details, please consult the help menu in your internet browser or the documentation that came with your device.

12.9. You can choose to delete Cookies on your computer or device at any time, however you may lose any information that enables you to access our Website more quickly and efficiently including, but not limited to, login and personalisation settings.

12.10. It is recommended that you keep your internet browser and operating system up-to-date and that you consult the help and guidance provided by the developer of your internet browser and manufacturer of your computer or device if you are unsure about adjusting your privacy settings.

13. Contact details

13.1. If you have any questions about this privacy and cookies policy or our privacy practices,
please contact us as follows:

13.1.1. Full name of legal entity: Impact Accelerator Ltd

13.1.2. Email address: info@breakthroughimpact.org

13.1.3. Postal address: People’s Mission Hall X+Why, 20-30 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1EW

13.2. You have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues (www.ico.org.uk). We would, however, appreciate the chance to deal with your concerns before you approach the ICO so please contact us in the first instance.

13.3. Please note we keep our privacy policy under regular review.

13.4. It is important that the personal data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if your personal data changes during your relationship with us.

13.5. The Website may include links to third-party websites, plug-ins and applications. Clicking on those links or enabling those connections may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third-party websites and are not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our Website, we encourage you to read the privacy policy of every website you visit.

BREAKTHROUGH
NETWORK

We connect groups on our programme to experts from the Breakthrough Network for advice, expertise and connections. We’re grateful to the Network for their support for changemakers.
The Connect Group is a strategic communications consultancy supporting people to navigate politics, policy making and the media.
Link for Change build connections between public interest journalists, lawyers and campaigners to achieve change for those directly impacted by injustice.

JOIN US


We’re building a network of people who believe in the power and potential of grassroots groups and community leaders to drive transformational change.

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
SOCIAL IMPACT ACCELERATOR

TRANSFORMING THE IMPACT
OF GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGNING

BREAKTHROUGH is a pioneering social impact accelerator that brings grassroots groups and community leaders the right support, the winning strategy and the world-class network they need to drive transformational change.

we do

ACTIVISM

AND

IMPACT

OUR APPROACH

We seek out and identify high potential grassroots groups focused on some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time – we connect them to the right support, help them develop and execute a winning strategy and connect them to the world-class network they need to drive transformative change.

The BREAKTHROUGH Experience is unique:

1
We’ve developed a pioneering 5 stage campaign pathway that takes groups from catalysing a campaign to driving transformation change. The right support at each stage is critical for success. We take campaigns through every one.
Catalyse – Launch – Surge – Sustain – Transform

THE RIGHT
SUPPORT

2
We craft high impact strategies, combining the ‘outside game’ of mobilising, movement building and campaigning with the ‘inside game’ of effectively influencing decision-makers. Our unique combination and experience of online mobilisation and movement building along with our understanding of how power is wielded and how decisions are made, allows us to build bespoke strategies that drive sustained, long term change.

WINNING
STRATEGY

3
We harness true, global expertise with an unparalleled network of dedicated advisors, connecting groups to global activists, top lawyers, leading creatives, top of their field communication experts, strategists and digital movement builders to give them access to best-in-class advice and the networks they need to drive change.

WORLD-CLASS
TALENT

OUR 4 PROGRAMMES

Breakthrough
Catalyst:


Designed to catalyse transformative grassroots action on a specific issue, we identify high potential groups or leaders with direct experience and help them to build a coalition for action and launch and sustain a high-impact campaign.

Breakthrough
Accelerator:


An intensive programme to take existing high potential grassroots campaigns from launch to transformational impact. Our flagship accelerator runs once a year, on thematic issues co-developed with partners.

Breakthrough
Consults:


High level strategy coaching and development for established campaigning organisations seeking to increase the impact of their work.

Breakthrough
Insights:


Workshops, training and research to upskill grassroots campaign groups and share best practice campaigning across the sector.

Breakthrough
Catalyst:


Designed to catalyse transformative grassroots action on a specific issue, we identify high potential groups or leaders with direct experience and help them to build a coalition for action and launch and sustain a high-impact campaign.

Breakthrough
Accelerator:


An intensive programme to take existing high potential grassroots campaigns from launch to transformational impact. Our flagship accelerator runs once a year, on thematic issues co-developed with partners.

Breakthrough
Consults:


High level strategy coaching and development for established campaigning organisations seeking to increase the impact of their work.

Breakthrough
Insights:


Workshops, training and research to upskill grassroots campaign groups and share best practice campaigning across the sector.

CAMPAIGNS

We are proud to work with groups led by people with direct experience of the injustice they are campaigning to change.

Campaigns we are currently supporting through our programmes cover a wide range of issues from discrimination and harassment in the workplace, social housing, workers rights in the gig economy, and supporting young people during challenging times.

NEWS

BREAKTHROUGH
MOMENTS

Campaigner Spotlight: Jo Goodman

Campaigner Spotlight: Jo Goodman

Jo Goodman is co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for ... read more

Board Recruitment – Apply now

Board Recruitment – Apply now

Breakthrough is the first of its kind UK-wide social impact ... read more

Breakthrough Accelerator 2023 – Open for Applications!

Breakthrough Accelerator 2023 – Open for Applications!

Get the coaching, tools and connections you need to create change. read more

Grenfell United launch new campaign to #DemandCharges

Grenfell United launch new campaign to #DemandCharges

Grenfell United have launched a new campaign. Grenfell United ... read more

The 5 stage campaign pathway

The 5 stage campaign pathway

At the heart of the Breakthrough experience is our pioneering 5 ... read more

Coventry Youth Activists head to London for Facebook Demonstration

Coventry Youth Activists head to London for Facebook Demonstration

Coventry Youth Activists, a group of young disabled activists ... read more

Breakthrough Accelerator Launches

Breakthrough Accelerator Launches

Applications open on 16 May for the Breakthrough accelerator - a ... read more

Join US

We’re building a network of people who believe in the power and potential of grassroots groups and community leaders to drive transformational change.

Sign up to receive exclusive emails every month, be the first to hear about new campaigns, get notified when our programmes open for applications and get insights from some of the most inspiring grassroots campaigners.