Torchbox
LightNews LightNews
banner
torchbox.com
Torchbox
@torchbox.com
1.3K followers 610 following 130 posts
We're an employee owned digital agency working with amazing not-for-profit and public sector organisations in the UK and around the world. Founding developers of Wagtail CMS.

www.torchbox.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
torchbox.com
Lisa and Amina are at @ukcharitycamp.bsky.social today, and we’re really pleased to be back as a sponsor this year.

It’s one of our favourite events in the calendar, sharing challenges, swapping ideas and learning from others in the sector.

We’ll share highlights from the day in an upcoming blog.
Lisa Ballam and Amina Iqbal are sitting together at a round table in a bright conference room. Lisa is holding a mug and smiling at the camera, and Amina is smiling beside her. Both are wearing event name badges. Behind them, other attendees are chatting and settling in at tables, with blue and white walls and large overhead lights in the room.
November 13, 2025 at 10:54 AM
torchbox.com
Low-code promises faster AI builds, but does it deliver?

We rebuilt an AI system we’d originally developed for Breast Cancer Now using Django and Python in Microsoft’s ecosystem to find out.

Here’s what we learned: torchbox.com/news/low-cod...

#LowCodeAI #AI #AIForGood
Blog header graphic with the title ‘Low-Code AI: When Microsoft’s Ecosystem is (and isn’t) the answer’. Subheading reads ‘Blog | 5 min read’. Below are circular photos of three authors — Olly Willans, Mitch Cabuloy and Emily Topp-Mugglestone — with the Torchbox logo in the top-right corner on a dark background.
November 11, 2025 at 2:24 PM
torchbox.com
We’ve added a carbon.txt file to our website that will make it easier to share information about our sustainability and hosting.

In today's blog, Chris explains why that matters, and how open standards like this can help build a more transparent and sustainable web.

torchbox.com/news/adding-...
Torchbox blog header graphic with a dark background and the Torchbox logo in the top right. The title reads “Why we’ve added carbon.txt to Torchbox.com.” Below it, the text says “Blog, 2 min read.” At the bottom, there’s a photo of Chris Lawton with the caption “Chris Lawton, Senior Engineer” against a green wave background.
November 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
torchbox.com
🚨 Microsoft’s Ads for Social Impact programme is ending this December.

In our latest blog, Tanya shares what this means for charities, key dates to know, and how to plan ahead for 2026.

Read more: torchbox.com/charity/blog...

#Microsoft #AdsForSocialImpact #CharitySector
Banner graphic for a Torchbox Charity blog post titled ‘Microsoft to end its Ads for Social Impact programme – what next for nonprofits?’ by Tanya Ellis-Puk, Senior Paid Media Executive. The design features a dark background with pink curved shapes at the bottom and the Torchbox Charity logo in the top right corner.
November 3, 2025 at 2:58 PM
torchbox.com
We’re looking for a Design Innovation Lead to join our Public Sector team.

Please tag and share with your network - applications close Wednesday 5th November. 📆

Find all the details here: torchbox.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoa...

#PublicSector #PublicSectorInnovation #DesignInnovation
A purple graphic featuring a white megaphone icon above the text: “We’re hiring! Design Innovation Lead (Public Sector).” The Torchbox logo appears at the bottom.
October 28, 2025 at 9:42 AM
torchbox.com
Just a few weeks to go until UK Charity Camp, and there are still tickets up for grabs!

📆 Thursday 13th November, Birmingham.

Get your free ticket: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ukcharityc...

@ukcharitycamp.bsky.social
A large group of people at UK Charity Camp pose for a photo in a bright conference room. They’re smiling and standing or sitting in front of a wall covered in colourful sticky notes. Some people wear UK Charity Camp T-shirts, and tables with notebooks, mugs, and pens are visible in the foreground.
October 24, 2025 at 8:03 AM
torchbox.com
AI is rapidly changing how people find information online.

In our latest blog, Jess and Marnie share five ways charities can stay visible - from using paid to support organic activity, to focusing on content AI can’t replicate, like services and products.

Read more: torchbox.com/charity/blog...
A Torchbox Charity graphic with the title “Five ways charities can remain visible in the changing digital landscape”. It includes profile photos of Marnie Winter-Burke and Jess Mackereth, the blog authors, and text noting it’s a 4-minute read.
October 23, 2025 at 2:27 PM
torchbox.com
We’re delighted to share the launch of the new @worldwildlife.org website!

Built on Wagtail CMS, it’s faster, more sustainable, and more accessible, supporting WWF-US’ global mission and values.

Read all about the project: torchbox.com/charity/blog...

#WWF #WWFUS #WagtailCMS
Building a greener, more accessible digital home with WWF-US
We partnered with WWF-US to rebuild their website to create a faster, more inclusive, and sustainable platform for their global conservation work.
torchbox.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by Torchbox
wagtail.org
thank you 💚 everyone for an outstanding #WagtailSpace event event last week! While we process the recordings for publication, here is a quick recap! wagtail.org/blog/wagtail...

We’re elated to see such an amazing response - with 400+ attendees, and so many being new to Wagtail (40+%!)
Wagtail Space 2025: A Stellar Journey ⭐️ | Wagtail CMS
A recap of our incredible 3-day journey
wagtail.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Torchbox
wagtail.org
Thank you ❤️ to our presenting sponsor @torchbox.com. And to our corporate sponsors Cursive, @hactar.is, @sixfeetup.com, @lincolnloop.com, and Four Digits. And community sponsors DEFNA and @djangoproject.com!

And thank you 🧡 to our amazing speakers, organizers, and volunteers who made this happen!
October 16, 2025 at 11:49 AM
torchbox.com
We’re delighted to partner with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) to rebuild their website on Wagtail CMS - helping them reach more people, mobilise support, and share urgent updates faster.

Learn more: torchbox.com/charity/work...

@medicalaidpal.bsky.social @wagtail.org
Driving digital impact worldwide with Medical Aid for Palestinians
We’re delighted to be working with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) as their new digital partner, at a time when their work has never been more crucial.
torchbox.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:53 AM
torchbox.com
We’re delighted to be part of Digital Leaders’ AI Week - a 10-day online festival of AI learning.

Find out more about our talk with Guy's and St Thomas'​ NHS Foundation Trust and how we're using AI-powered interviews to scale qualitative research, here: aiweek.digileaders.com/talks/how-ca...

#AI
AI Week 2025 - The UK's 10-day online festival of AI learning. 13-24 October 2025.
October 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM
torchbox.com
Yesterday we gathered with charity leaders at The Lighterman in King’s Cross for our latest Charity Leaders’ Breakfast, this time with a practical AI show and tell.

Read Lisa’s blog for reflections from the day: torchbox.com/charity/blog...

#AIForGood #AI #Nonprofits
Charity Leaders’ Breakfast: AI Show and Tell
Charity leaders from Mind, NSPCC, Age UK, Diabetes UK, Chatham House, Shelter and Blue Cross came together for a practical show and tell of how charities are putting AI to work today. Read Lisa's refl...
torchbox.com
October 3, 2025 at 10:50 AM
torchbox.com
There's less than a week to go until Wagtail Space! 🚀

This year, you’ll hear from:

• Trish Thomas, London Museum
• Jonathan Chittenden, Full Fact
• Annette Lewis, Six Feet Up
• Michael Trythall, Lincoln Loop

Plus loads more!

Sign up: events.zoom.us/ev/AtWesoZI_...

#Django #Python #OpenSource
“Promotional graphic for Wagtail Space 2025. Illustration of a pink rocket with a wagtail bird in the window flying through space, leaving a glowing purple trail. Text reads: ‘Wagtail Space 2025. 8–10 October. With talks on everything from building better Wagtail sites to creative uses of AI, community contributions, and digital library innovation.’”
October 2, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Reposted by Torchbox
thibaudcolas.bsky.social
Oh noes, @theorangeone.net is at it again, tricking Django at the @torchbox.com tech day 💥
Jake on stage next to a slide titled "Tricking Django"
September 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
torchbox.com
The speakers for Wagtail Space 2025 are here - and it’s a brilliant lineup!

Including:

• State of Wagtail, Thibaud Colas
• Creating connections between stories and objects using AI, Trish Thomas
• Building better Wagtail sites, Michael Trythall

See the full agenda: events.zoom.us/ev/AtWesoZI_...
“Promotional graphic for Wagtail Space 2025. A pink rocket with a wagtail bird logo launches into a starry night sky, leaving a glowing pink trail that forms the event title: ‘Wagtail Space 2025’. Below, text reads: ‘8–10 October. This year’s programme spans AI, accessibility, design systems, success stories, and much more!’”
September 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Reposted by Torchbox
wagtail.org
We're grateful to @torchbox.com and Vince Salvino from Code Red for making it possible for us to be at DjangoConUS!
September 12, 2025 at 4:53 PM
torchbox.com
Our 2024 Impact Report is here! 🌎

Read about:

• Reducing emissions by 24%
• Progress on accessible and sustainable web practices and contributions to open source
• Continued commitment to DEI, wellbeing, and co-ownership

Plus much more!

Read: torchbox.com/about/impact...

#ImpactReporting
Torchbox logo alongside title, Impact Report 2024. Featuring an illustration of a blue sky with windmills and a small yellow plane.
September 9, 2025 at 2:05 PM
torchbox.com
Excitement is building for Wagtail Space 2025!🚀

This year’s conference takes place online on 8–10 October, bringing together educators, publishing professionals, developers, open source enthusiasts, and leaders from around the globe for talks and networking.

Sign up: events.zoom.us/ev/AtWesoZI_...
Graphic for Wagtail Space. The background is dark blue with abstract circular patterns. Large text reads “Wagtail Space is back! October 8–9, 2025. Online.” Below, in smaller text: “A free virtual event for people who are improving the world through code and content."
August 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
torchbox.com
What should a modern charity’s digital architecture look like?

It’s a big question, but one we’ve helped many charities answer. In our latest blog, CTO Helen Warren shares the clear patterns that underpin thriving digital ecosystems.

Read: torchbox.com/charity/blog...

#Nonprofits #CharitySector
"What should a modern charity technical architecture look like?" Blog, 5 min read. Written by Helen Warren, Chief Technology Officer.
August 21, 2025 at 7:17 AM
torchbox.com
The Procurement Act 2023 came into force six months ago, aiming to simplify and modernise public procurement across the UK. But what’s changed in practice?

Ania shares insights from buyer and supplier perspectives, with tips to help organisations apply the new rules.

torchbox.com/public-secto...
"Procurement Act 2023: six months on, what’s really changed?", 6 min blog, written by Ania Obarska, Senior Bid Manager.
August 20, 2025 at 8:12 AM
torchbox.com
Thanks to everyone who joined last week’s webinar with Guy's and St Thomas'​ NHS Foundation Trust.

We shared how Sonar, our AI-powered interview tool, is helping the Trust scale qualitative research, gathering deeper insights from more staff.

Give it a watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD_b...
Using AI to Scale Qualitative Research in the Public Sector
YouTube video by Torchbox
www.youtube.com
August 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
torchbox.com
Thibaud is in Tanzania this week for DjangoCon Africa, connecting with the global community.

The event brings together developers, educators, and contributors from across the continent and beyond for three days of talks, workshops, coding, and community-building.

📸 @djcafrica.bsky.social
A group of around 15 people seated at a long wooden table in a warmly lit restaurant. Thibaud Colas is seated at the front right of the table, smiling towards the camera. Others in the group are also smiling or chatting, with drinks and glasses on the table. A large group photo taken outdoors at DjangoCon Africa. Around 80 attendees are gathered in front of a conference venue, posing with arms raised in celebration. The DjangoCon Africa and UbuCon Africa banners are visible in the background. Thibaud Colas, wearing a red checked shirt and glasses, is seated at a table working on a laptop covered in colourful stickers. His conference name badge is visible, and the DjangoCon Africa and UbuCon Africa logos are in the background.
August 14, 2025 at 8:26 AM
torchbox.com
Final call to join Wednesday's webinar with Guy's and St Thomas'​ NHS Foundation Trust, where we’ll take you behind the scenes of how AI is helping them hear from more staff and in more depth.

Find out more and sign up: torchbox.com/scale-qualit...

#HealthcareInnovation #AI
How can you scale qualitative research with AI? 13th August, 10.30 am. Online webinar.
August 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
torchbox.com
We’re excited to be heading back to UK Charity Camp as a sponsor.

Last year was brilliant - a day of learning, sharing, and connecting with people from across the sector.

Tickets are now available – find out more and book your free place: www.ukcharitycamp.com

#Charities #CharitySector
ukcharitycamp.bsky.social UKCharityCamp @ukcharitycamp.bsky.social · Jul 24
UKCharityCamp is back for 2025!

This unconference event is built around its participants, specifically folk in the UK charity sector, with a focus on all things digital. It'll take place on 13th November at the Studio in Birmingham, and you can now get your tickets here 👉 www.ukcharitycamp.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:45 AM