Teaching Staff Trust Shortlisted for National Charity Award

We are delighted to announce that Teaching Staff Trust has been shortlisted for Commercial Collaboration of the Year at the ACO Annual Awards 2026 for our partnership with Lightning Reach. The award recognises successful collaborations with commercial organisations that deliver lasting value for beneficiaries.

Organised by the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO), the annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the charity sector, recognising organisations that provide financial and wellbeing support and improve outcomes for the people they serve.

Our partnership with Lightning Reach has helped make it easier for people working in education to access financial support when they need it most. By streamlining applications and improving access to support, the collaboration has enabled Teaching Staff Trust to reach more beneficiaries and respond more effectively to growing demand.

Commenting on the shortlist, Chief Executive Lindsey Berthoud said:

"The Lightning Reach team are always interested in ways to improve how we serve our community and administer our processes, empowering a very small charity to respond to 700+ applications a year and growing.

TST was there at the start and has helped the platform develop for other partners over the years. We will continue to seek ways to optimise use of Lightning Reach for our beneficiaries and make the most of the amazing partner network."

The winners will be announced at the ACO Annual Conference in London on 17 September 2026. We are proud to be recognised alongside other inspiring organisations and wish all shortlisted nominees the very best of luck.

For details of the awards shortlist, visit the ACO website.