Five national award nominations for Toynbee Hall and its Debt Free Advice partnership

Toynbee Hall and the Debt Free Advice partnership have been shortlisted for five national charity awards, recognising our approach to tackling poverty and financial insecurity through advice, community programmes, research, innovation and partnership.  

The nominations span two of the charity sector’s most respected awards programmes – the Charity Times Awards 2026 and the Third Sector Awards 2026 – marking another landmark year for Toynbee Hall. 

Founded in 1884, Toynbee Hall combines practical support with long-term change.  

Last year, the charity supported more than 16,000 people directly, while a further 13,000 Londoners received regulated debt advice through the Debt Free Advice partnership. Together, this work secured more than £51 million in financial gains.  

Alongside its advice services, Toynbee Hall supported more than 1,500 older people through community programmes, engaged 272 children in structured play and creative activities, and trained peer researchers whose lived experience is helping shape national policy. 

At the Charity Times Awards 2026, Toynbee Hall has been shortlisted for: 

• Charity of the Year (£1m–£10m) – recognising the organisation’s impact in tackling poverty and inequality. 

• Best Use of Technology – recognising its use of technology and AI to improve access to advice. 

• Charity Collaboration of the Year – recognising the Debt Free Advice partnership, which brings together 18 charities to deliver high-quality debt advice across London. 

• Supporting Leader of the Year – recognising Matt Dronfield’s leadership of Advice Services and Debt Free Advice, including his leadership of the organisation during a period of planned absence. 

The Debt Free Advice partnership has also been shortlisted at the Third Sector Awards 2026 for Frontline Team of the Year, recognising the work of more than 100 advisers working across 18 charities delivering life-changing debt advice to Londoners every day. 

Alice Gac, Chair of Trustees at Toynbee Hall, said: 

“To receive five national award nominations across two of the charity sector’s most respected awards programmes is a tremendous achievement. Together, these nominations recognise Toynbee Hall’s commitment to tackling poverty and inequality through practical support, partnership, innovation and leadership. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate everyone across Toynbee Hall and the Debt Free Advice partnership whose expertise and hard work have made this possible.” 

The winners of the Charity Times Awards and Third Sector Awards will be announced in September.