We work for a better, stronger, more inclusive democracy…

…with informed advocacy

We use our research, data and experience to speak truth to the authorities and institutions who influence our lives, and guide them to do better.

🔽 Discover how we make change at the top

…around the world

Thanks to our events, support networks and knowledge-sharing, 100s of organisations globally are deploying code for good in their countries.

🔽 How we work internationally

…through people power

At mySociety, we create and run digital services that break down barriers to democratic participation, equipping people to take action and drive meaningful change.

🔽 How people are using our tools for good

We drive top-level change

We show government and institutions where improvements can be made, with:

Data

The latest: See our WhoFundsThem project, which casts new light on MPs’ second jobs and donations.

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Research

The latest: We’ll be asking people living in Wales about their experiences contacting their Senedd representatives.

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Evidence

The latest: We put our research findings in front of government, via inquiries and in parliamentary committees.

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“I am contributing to support our cause.
I say ‘our’, because it is mine as well now.
I own it because it promotes democracy for me, my children,  community and the people in general.”

Donate to help us do more of this work

Our code empowers people around the world

Not only do we run citizen-empowering websites in the UK: we share the codebases and support people running pro-democracy projects around the globe with our Communities of Practice. As a result, many millions of people can access information through sites based on WhatDoTheyKnow’s Alaveteli codebase, and report street issues via FixMyStreet-style sites. We’ve also given support pro-democracy sites in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Image by Aude-Andre Saturnio. A young man holds two inflatable life rings near the sea.

Cross-border journalism

The Lost in Europe project got to the truth about missing child migrants, using several Alaveteli sites.

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Image by Tinou Bao - balconies on a tower block in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

No more backhanders

A Malaysian site based on the FixMyStreet codebase is fighting corruption around funds for housing.

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An overhead shot of Tehran and the surrounding mountains, by Daniyal62

A chance to be heard

Iranian citizens had a channel for democratic expression thanks to our work with partners.

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We find solutions, together

Our annual TICTeC conference provides a unique opportunity for people working on and around projects like ours to meet and learn from each other. In this way, new partnerships and alliances are formed, and pro-democracy tech becomes more robust and effective.  

Between that annual opportunity to meet face to face, our online seminars and Knowledge Hub ensure the connections continue to give value.

Maria Vittoria Ramos at TICTeC

Spreading inspiration

After hearing how the Climate Scorecards project is holding local councils to account at TICTeC, Fiquem Sabendo plan to build Climate Auditors, a similar site for Brazil.

GG from WeVis Thailand

Making connections

WeVis Thailand encountered Latin American organisation Directorio Legislativo at TICTeC. They’re now working together on tools to detect cross-border corruption.

Knowledge-sharing

Knowledge-sharing

Through our Communities of Practice, scores of organisations have learned from one another on topics ranging from data visualisation to media coverage.

The changes we’ve brought

Since our beginnings in 2003, mySociety’s work has been instrumental in bringing many changes to the UK — and beyond. Here are just a few of the ways we’ve made things better.

TheyWorkForYou makes Parliament easier to understand, and democracy more accessible for all.

We helped get the law changed around MPs’ expenses – and we’re still pushing for better declarations.  

Councils and their residents can see national and local progress towards Net Zero for the first time, thanks to the data we publish.

MPs understood the power of two-way communication via email, when we launched WriteToThem back in 2004.

FixMyStreet has empowered millions of people to get issues in their own neighbourhoods resolved.

We helped build parliamentary websites in several African nations, massively increasing citizens’ access to democracy.

WhatDoTheyKnow has helped make FOI an everyday concept, showing anyone how to put in a request.

Our open source code makes it easy for organisations like us, in countries around the world, to provide similar services.

Millions of people use our services every year, and for many of them it is the first time they have engaged with democracy.

Felled trees in Plymouth city centre

“We filled councillors’ inboxes with passionate messages”

When Plymouth’s much-loved city centre trees were due to be cut down, residents used WriteToThem to let the council know their feelings. For many, it was the first time they’d ever contacted a representative…

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Image by Markus Spiske - a wheelchair sign against a background of trees

“I make pavements more accessible for wheelchair users”

Pedestrian routes can be inaccessible for people in wheelchairs — what seems like a small impediment to some can make a pavement impassable for others. Alistair uses FixMyStreet to get these barriers removed.

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Vapur trails against a blue sky. Image by Paul Berry

“I uncover shady lobbying from water companies and airlines”

Investigative journalist Lucas Amin uses WhatDoTheyKnow to uncover intensive lobbying around climate controls from the companies that stand to benefit. This vital information has made front page headlines.

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A white person's hand holding a freshly pulled beetroot. Image by Rasa Kasparaviciene

“We're pushing for sustainable food at the local level”

Using data from CAPE, our Climate Action Plan Explorer, campaign group Sustain visit UK councils to suggest more sustainable practices across all areas of food production, procurement and provision.

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A toiddler seen from behind, walking across stepping stones. Image by Jelleke Vanooteghem

“I got the law changed around nursery provision in Scotland”

Not every child is ready for school at the same time — which is fine, if you can afford additional nursery fees. This campaign used FOI to ensure those who need it have nursery covered for another year.

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Kennington Park Post Office by Mark Percy

“I uncovered vital information about the Post Office scandal”

The information Eleanor obtained through Freedom of Information requests on WhatDoTheyKnow helped bring the Horizon scandal to light, and bring justice for Sub-Postmasters.

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We’re still working hard to bring more positive change

We’ll keep on developing our services to ensure everyone is informed, connected and empowered to shape the future of their communities and the world around them.
Your donations help us keep our tools going, as well as helping to fund outreach to the people that need them most. Will you help us do more?