Wikimedia UK and the Royal Society host workshop on information literacy and future health emergencies

As part of Wikimedia UK’s work in the area of information literacy, in late 2023 we partnered with the BBC and the Royal Society to plan, programme and host a two day invitation-only workshop with high level policy makers, broadcasters, academics, practitioners and other stakeholders working in the field of information literacy.

The topic was ‘Building resilience to future emergencies and disinformation through adult media literacy’, and the aim was to develop a set of recommendations for policy makers and organisations working in related fields. Wikimedia UK brought our extensive network within information literacy and worked closely with the Royal Society to shape the agenda, while also acting as hosts and facilitators for the event which our Chief Executive, Lucy Crompton-Reid, chaired alongside the BBC’s Ros Atkins.

We are delighted to share the summary note from the workshop here.

Building adult community resilience to disinformation during health emergencies through information literacyDownload

Trans + History Week Edit-a-thon

By Gemma Coleman | Wikimedia UK Wales Programme Coordinator

On 9th May 2025, Wikimedia UK proudly collaborated with WMLGBT+ and the National Library of Wales on a Trans + History Week Edit-a-thon hosted by Cardiff Central Library. The aim was to celebrate the contributions of Trans people here in Wales by improving the coverage of notable Trans people and events on different Wikipedia projects.

We had a range of editors attend, from those very new to Wikipedia who wanted support building their Wiki skills, to more experienced editors wanting some advice on articles they were currently working on. One attendee, Keira, said:

“This was the first time I’d met other Wikipedia editors, and everyone was so friendly and lovely! I learnt a lot, and it’s got me excited to contribute more!”

Bilingual editing

The editathon was facilitated and attended by both Welsh and English speakers so we were able to work together on articles on both Wicipedia and English Wikipedia and some editors also updated Wikidata too. 

The mix of language abilities mean some less confident Welsh speakers were able to tackle some smaller edits in Welsh that they wouldn’t have felt confident making on their own. Having other Welsh speakers on hand meant they could easily check spelling, grammar and the best way to translate terms, improving their own Welsh skills and ensuring the quality of the language used on Wicipedia.  

Gender and historical figures

Whilst we munched on welshcakes and tea, we talked about our experiences editing Wiki. A contributor shared an article draft about an individual whose gender identity lacks historical consensus, yet this complexity was only briefly addressed.  The editor believed this lack of consensus deserved greater emphasis based on the source material but had found that even small attempts to incorporate this nuance were quickly being undone by other editors. 

We talked about challenges in clearly and fairly recording gender identity of historical figures. We also talked about different ways editors could work well with other wiki editors to create unbiased articles that fairly represent the prominence of opposing points of view as per Wikipedia’s Neutral Point of View policy.

What we achieved

Over the afternoon, 5 brand new articles were created (3 in Welsh and 2 in English) and another 3 articles were improved to ensure the lead images and pronouns used throughout reflected the subject’s most recently expressed self-identification, as per Wikipedia’s Manual of Style:/Biography guidelines. Some attendees also then went on to join a related online editathon run by WMLGBT+ starting that evening.

Want to join in?

If you couldn’t join us but would have loved to, there are lots of ways you can still get involved.

Useful resources

Wikimedia UK Statement: Online Safety Act

Potential legal challenge of the UK Online Safety Act Categorisation Regulations by the Wikimedia Foundation


Wikimedia UK is not a party to this claim as we are not the legal hosts of Wikipedia.

Wikimedia UK is an independent charity based in the UK. As the national chapter for the global Wikimedia movement, we are committed to open knowledge and free access to information. Wikimedia Foundation is a key funder of our work. We also receive project-based funding from other organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Big Lottery Fund and Swire Charitable Trust in the UK, as well as donations from individuals. 

As an independent educational charity, Wikimedia UK has been an active advocate for public interest projects like Wikipedia to be exempt from the UK Online Safety Act. We have participated in a wide number of consultations, debates, discussions with ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, educationalists, child rights organisations, the regulator and those working to promote free expression to express our concerns about the Online Safety Act and its implications for access to information in the UK. We have clearly articulated our view that Wikipedia should not be subject to the most onerous requirements of the UK’s regulatory framework for online safety, which has been designed principally for profit-making, algorithmically driven social media platforms. 

We share Wikimedia Foundation’s concerns about the recently announced categorisation thresholds for the Online Safety Act, and their implications for Wikipedia.

You can read the Wikimedia Foundation’s blog post on their legal challenge here. Media enquiries can be directed to press@wikimedia.org at the Wikimedia Foundation.

Train the trainer 2025 – Expressions of interest now open

Are you a passionate Wikipedia editor? Would you like to learn how you can share your passion for Wikipedia editing (and contributing to other free open knowledge Wikimedia projects) by running Wikipedia editing events to train new editors and communities? If so, our next Train the Trainer (TtT) course is taking place July to August 2025 and will equip you with the skills and resources needed to deliver successful Wiki editing events to support the UK wiki community. We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in taking part. 

About the TtT course

Our flagship TtT course trains volunteers who are keen to deliver Wikipedia editing events. Volunteer trainers play a key role in the delivery of Wikimedia UK programmes and contribute to Wikimedia projects being free from systemic and systematic bias and recognised as a vital source of reliable knowledge and information.

They support other editors to be part of Wikimedia projects creating a welcoming and supportive environment to facilitate contribution to open knowledge projects. They train new and existing editors and communities across the country, in-person, online or in hybrid sessions. Trainers deliver events fielded to them by Wikimedia UK and build relationships within their own communities to deliver Wiki editing events.

Wikimedia UK Train the Trainer session

The TtT training will equip candidate trainers with the skills, experience and resources to deliver a standard ‘Introduction to Wikipedia’ edit-a-thon and other Wiki editing events. In advance of the in-person sessions in August, participants will complete a four week WikiLearn course, starting 14th July, with a commitment of approx 1-2 hours per week. There will also be the opportunity to have access to the experience and knowledge of accredited trainers who have been delivering Wikimedia editing events. 

Get involved

Expressions of interest are welcomed from all. However, we are actively seeking and would particularly welcome applicants from Black, South Asian and minority groups; women; and members of the LGBT+ community. We are also keen to hear from trainers from Wales and Central England.

The in-person training will take place in Birmingham. We encourage people to participate in-person, however hybrid is also possible. We have a budget to cover travel and accommodation costs, and will provide lunch and refreshments.

Attendance at all events and completion of the Wiki learn course are essential. 

Course content and key dates

  • 14th July onwards – Four week WikiLearn self led course.
  • Thursday 14th August 2025 /18:00-20:30/online: Introductory Session.
  • Saturday 16th August 2025 /10:00-16:00/in-person: Train the Trainer Day 1.
  • Sunday 17th August 2025 /10:00-16:00/in-person: Train the Trainer Day 2 – Practice skills and meeting existing community of trainers.

What you could expect from us

  • Full training and support to deliver a standard ‘Introduction to Wikipedia’ edit-a-thon and similar events.
  • Access to event materials.
  • Ongoing support and mentorship.
  • Volunteer expenses where appropriate.
  • Job references upon request.

What we would expect from you

  • Familiarity with and a desire to increase your knowledge of the Wikimedia Projects, particularly Wikipedia.
  • Full attendance at the training course.
  • To complete the online self led course (1-2 hours per week).
  • To lead training for a minimum of 2 events per year. This would be a mixture of third party events which we would field to you, and those you would organise yourself. Please note that we do receive requests for training to be delivered within office hours.
  • To be responsive to communication from Wikimedia UK staff and fellow volunteers and Event Organisers, including in advance of the event.
  • To complete basic reporting, including returning sign up information.
  • To represent Wikimedia UK well during the time in which you are volunteering.
  • To adhere to our Safe Spaces policy, and the Code of Conduct.

How to apply

Places are limited to make sure that each participant gets individual attention and feedback, so please apply via the following forms to express your interest. Call for interest will close on 19th May. We will be interviewing candidates the week beginning 26th May.

If you would like to see this content in a different format, or need an alternative way to submit your application, contact rupal.karia@wikimedia.org.uk 

Candidate Trainers Application Form

Further information

The Wikimedia UK Volunteer Trainer Role description.

Community Sandbox Sessions

By Dr. Sara Thomas – Programme Manager, Wikimedia UK

Do you have an idea for a Wiki-learning session?  Have you found something that you’d like to share with other Wikimedians, or an idea that you’d like to try out?  And would you like some help from Wikimedia UK in sharing it? 

In response to feedback from the community around having opportunities to improve Wiki-skills, and connecting with other community members, and as part of the overall training package for 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new strand of event programming, called Community Sandbox Sessions.

We’re looking to programme up to 6 virtual events over the next year, which would be open to all members of the UK community, and supported by Wikimedia UK.  We’re asking community members to propose sessions that you’d like to lead.

Session suggestions

The type or format of any event is open; but we’d like to encourage proposals which go beyond the traditional Wikipedia editathon – for example: 

  • Here’s a cool Wikidata tool I’ve found, let’s try it out
  • Wikisource transcribe-a-thon
  • A talk on how to run backstage pass events
  • Here’s how I got this article to Featured Article status
  • Let’s add images from this collection to Wikipedia
  • A mobile meeting where we take pictures of our local area for Wikimedia Commons
  • Minoritised language work – eg: adding Wikidata labels
  • Building a worklist & finding reliable sources for future events

Dates and times

Events can take place throughout the year, and can also be on an evening or weekend.  Suggested duration is an hour, but longer (or shorter!) events could be considered.  We’re suggesting that these events are online in the first instance, to reach the widest possible audience, and all events should of course be run in line with the Wikimedia UK Safe Space policy.  

Support WMUK can offer 

  • Advice on refining your format
  • Setting up of Event Registration 
  • Event promotion through UK listings & mailing lists
  • Hosting on the WMUK Zoom account / Google Meet
  • Friendly space support from a WMUK staff member (or volunteer) during the event 

This is very much an experiment, and we hope that the format will allow community members to share knowledge and skills, and get to know other UK Wikimedians, as well as test out new ideas!  If you’d be interested in running a session, please submit a proposal here.

Deadline

The initial deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday 20th May. 

If you have any questions, please contact sara.thomas@wikimedia.org.uk.

Join Wikimedia UK – Chair of the Board of Trustees

We are currently seeking a new dynamic and visionary Chair of our Board of Trustees to lead our organisation into its next chapter. We are grateful to our outgoing Chair, Monisha Shah, for her impactful tenure over the past four years. She leaves the charity well-positioned with strong finances, a robust five-year strategic plan, motivated staff and secure core funding.

Ideal candidate

The ideal candidate for this role will bring significant leadership experience within the public or nonprofit sectors, coupled with a strong understanding of charity governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to inclusivity, open knowledge, and the values of Wikimedia UK are essential. Experience in areas such as cultural heritage, education, or climate is desirable.

About the role

The Chair will shape our strategic direction, ensuring effective governance and representing Wikimedia UK externally. Key responsibilities include chairing quarterly board meetings and the AGM and acting as the main liaison with the Chief Executive. 

Time commitment

The expected commitment is at least a day per month, mostly online but with some in-person engagements in London. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The initial appointment will be for two-years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.

How to apply

For more information including how to apply, download the recruitment pack here.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is Sunday 18th May 2025.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a forward-thinking charity. As Chair, you will work alongside a dedicated Board and talented staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of millions across the U.K. and beyond

Monisha Shah to Step Down as Chair of the Wikimedia UK Board of Trustees

We will soon be honouring Monisha Shah’s impactful tenure as she steps down from her role as Chair of our Board of Trustees at the end of June 2025. We deeply appreciate her support, insight and expertise over the past four years. Monisha’s leadership throughout her time with us has been instrumental in guiding Wikimedia UK through a period of strategic growth, increased community engagement, and strengthened governance.

A message from Monisha Shah

“Wikimedia UK is an outstanding example of how fantastic people – trustees, staff colleagues, volunteers – working together with integrity and commitment can ensure that a small charity has a huge impact. The work that it does is important, now more than ever. It has been my privilege to chair WMUK  and to support its core missions. I will miss working with this talented group of people who stand firmly for knowledge equity and information literacy and this distinguished Board who have the courage and commitment to stand alongside them. I wish Wikimedia UK all the best in its future endeavours”.

A message from Lucy-Crompton-Reid – Wikimedia UK Chief Executive

“It has been a real privilege to work closely with Monisha over the past four years, and to learn from her significant experience in charity governance and organisational leadership. I have greatly valued Monisha’s professional but pragmatic approach, her unswerving commitment to the charity and her personal warmth and humour. I wish her all the very best in her future endeavours”. 

Looking Ahead: Recruitment for a New Chair

We have started the process of recruiting for a new Chair. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for guiding our organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and representing Wikimedia UK to our community and stakeholders. We are seeking an inspiring leader with a passion for open knowledge and experience in charity governance.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 18 May 2025.

More info and how to apply

Celebrating Monisha’s Tenure 

During her time, Monisha has been a champion of Wikimedia UK’s mission, helping to:

  • Strengthen organisational governance and financial resilience
  • Expand strategic partnerships and community initiatives
  • Increase visibility and impact of Wikimedia projects across the UK
  • Support a diverse and inclusive organisational culture

We sincerely thank Monisha for her dedication, vision, and leadership. Her contributions have laid a strong foundation for Wikimedia UK’s future success. We look forward to welcoming a new Chair to lead our organisation into its next chapter soon.

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is a registered charity dedicated to supporting Wikimedia projects and promoting open knowledge and information literacy. Our mission is to enable people in the UK to engage with open knowledge and access reliable information in order to develop their understanding of the world, and make informed decisions about issues that affect them. We work in partnership with organisations from the cultural and education sectors and beyond to unlock content, remove barriers to knowledge, develop new ways of engaging with the public and enable learners to benefit fully from the educational potential of the Wikimedia projects.

Stay Connected

For updates on the board transition or to learn more about our work, please contact us at info@wikimedia.org.uk.

In grateful honour of Mr Christopher Price Hinton

Wikimedia UK is grateful for the support and contributions of individuals who believe in our mission to enable people in the UK to engage with open knowledge and access reliable information in order to develop their understanding of the world, and make informed decisions about issues that affect them.

Celebrating a legacy of generosity and impact

We are proud to celebrate and honour the legacy of Mr Christopher Price Hinton who left Wikimedia UK a substantial gift in his will. His generous donation will ensure that our important work continues and that we are able to expand our impact.

On behalf of Wikimedia UK, we are thankful for Mr Hinton’s incredible act of kindness and for believing in our work. We also extend our deepest gratitude to his estate for ensuring that his gift reached us. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who benefit from our programmes and in the continuous efforts of our staff and volunteers who work very hard everyday to advance our mission.

Inspired by Mr Hinton’s generosity? You too can help make a difference! Here’s more information on how you can support Wikimedia UK through a gift in your will.

Croeso i Gemma Coleman, Cydgysylltydd Rhaglen Cymru (ac Ieithoedd)

(See below for English)

Gan Gemma Coleman (hi/nhw) Cydgysylltydd Rhaglen Cymru (ac Ieithoedd)

Rwy’n hwylusydd a hyfforddwr gyda ffocws seiliedig yn y gymuned ar greu newidiadau cymdeithasol. Fy mhrofiad yn gynnwys gwaith i roi diwedd i drais yn erbyn menywod ac ymatebai i’r argyfwng hinsawdd. 

Rwy wedi gweithio mewn amrywiaeth o elusennau a sefydliadau sector cyhoeddus Cymreig dros y 13 blwyddyn ddiwethaf. Rwy wedi gweithio gyda nifer o grwpiau gwahanol yn gynnwys pobl hyn, menywod digartref a gweithredwyr cymunedol. Roedd fy rôl ddiweddaraf oedd rheoli gwirfoddolwyr i ddarparu amrywiaeth o weithgareddau llesiant yn y gymuned i osgoi unigrwydd a salwch yn ardaloedd difreintiedig.

Rwy’n gyffrous iawn i daclo’r rôl Cydgysylltydd Rhaglen Cymru i sicrhau gall pawb ffeindio a rhannu gwybodaeth drwy Gymraeg, Saesneg neu’r unrhyw un o’r ieithoedd eraill sy’n cael ei defnyddio yng Nghymru a’r DU.

Os chi’n cytuno mae hwn yn bwysig, mae croeso mawr i chi i gysylltwch fi i drafod sut allwn weithio gyda’i gilydd: cymru@wikimedia.org.uk.

(gweler uchod ar gyfer y Gymraeg)

By Gemma Coleman (she/they) Wales (and languages) Programme Coordinator

I’m a facilitator and trainer with a focus on community based approaches to creating the changes we want to see. My experience includes work around ending violence against women and girls and responding to the climate crisis. 

I’ve worked in a range of Welsh statutory and charity settings for the last 13 years working with a variety of groups including older people, women experiencing homelessness and community activists. My most recent role was coordinating volunteers to provide a range of community based wellbeing activities to tackle social isolation and poor health outcomes in some of the most deprived areas of Cardiff.

I’m excited to take on the role of Wales (and languages) Programme Coordinator to help ensure people can access and share their knowledge in Welsh, English or any of the multitude of languages spoken in Wales and the UK today. 

If you think that’s important too, let’s connect! Contact me at wales@wikimedia.org.uk.

Digital Heritage in Action: The Heritage Lab, Wikimedia UK, and the future of GLAM Collaboration

By Dr. Lucy Hinnie

The Heritage Lab and Wikimedia UK are pleased to announce a new collaboration in 2025, involving research fellows from across the UK GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) sector. The Heritage Lab is a digital platform focused on ‘sharing stories and resources from museums around the world, with a focus on South Asian art, history and culture’.

Funded by Wikimedia UK, The Heritage Lab and Wikimedia UK will bring together UK GLAMs with India-based collections together with emerging South Asian scholars.

We invite researchers and curators from the UK and India to apply for short fellowships to develop multimedia stories with fresh perspectives on collections, with a focus on under-represented histories. Expected outputs include short essays, digital storytelling workshops and facilitating Wikimedia contributions. Please note that any GLAMs involved should be based in the UK, while 50% of the fellows cohort will also be UK-based.

What are we looking for?

  • Early stage researchers or curators based at GLAM institutions with an interest in digital storytelling, underrepresented histories and South Asian culture.
  • A time commitment of around 2-4 hours a week for six months
  • A willingness to undertake a maximum of three short essay output
  • No prior Wiki experience is required or expected

What are we offering?

  • A series of digital storytelling workshops and Wiki editing events over the course of the fellowship
  • Full support and training from digital experts such as Wikimedia UK
  • A payment of £300 per essay, up to three essays (minimum 1200 word after edits*) per scholar
  • Fortnightly research support sessions
  • Connection to a wide network of like-minded GLAM professionals throughout the UK

Selection

Applications will be reviewed by The Heritage Lab and Wikimedia UK.

Timeframe

The project is expected to run from late March to the end of August 2025

Get involved

Please complete this form to express your interest in becoming a fellow.

Requirements:

  • Interested in Wikimedia UK’s mission, The Heritage Lab & its projects 
  • Passionate about India’s voice in the world & believe in a transparent work ethic
  • Have demonstrated experience in research and creative skills such as writing / illustration / audio-video production or other multimedia skills. 
  • Comfortable working digitally (attending online meet-ups, shared documents etc).
  • Proactive and comfortable working individually or within a group.

Nice to have: 

  • Multilingual skills : English, Hindi and other Indian languages
  • Experience in creating arts/ culture / history based learning material 
  • Experience with community organising or facilitating collaborations
  • Experience in hosting workshops or learning sessions for larger groups

Team

The project team is led by Medhavi Gandhi, founder of the Heritage Lab, and supported by Dr Lucy Hinnie, from Wikimedia UK. Medhavi is the founder of The Heritage Lab, working at the intersection of public engagement with cultural heritage, social development and education since 2009. She has worked with a wide range of Indian organisations as well as global partners. Lucy has experience as the Wikimedian in Residence at the University of Leeds and the British Library, a Digital Research Fellow at the GLAM-E Lab, and a Digital Skills Wikimedian for the highly successful Connected Heritage Project (2021-23).

Get in touch

If you have any questions regarding availability or requirements for this fellowship, please email programmes@wikimedia.org.uk.

Medhavi can be contacted at medhavi@theheritagelab.in while Lucy is reachable via: lucy.hinnie@wikimedia.org.uk