Case Study
Anthony Nolan
Executive Summary
Building trust through data
FOIL partnered with Anthony Nolan, the UK's leading blood cancer charity, to rebuild trust in data through strategic foundations. We delivered a comprehensive data strategy, modernised their Databricks architecture, implemented Microsoft Purview data governance, and established quality frameworks – while training their team to own it all.
What we did
Anthony Nolan faced a common challenge: business ambition outpacing data capability. History had eroded stakeholder confidence, systems were disconnected across their complex supporter landscape – from stem cell donors to marathon fundraisers.
We started by listening. Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, we developed a six-stream data strategy focused on foundational elements: data architecture and governance. We designed and validated a modern data architecture, guiding Anthony Nolan toward Databricks as their data estate.
We ran a comprehensive Microsoft Purview proof of concept, evaluating its capabilities for their most valuable assets – donor and supporter registries. Enabling them to catalogue data, set up quality rules, and manage metadata. We worked directly with Microsoft's Fast Track team to navigate technical challenges, and gave Anthony Nolan the confidence to experiment independently.
The impact we made
A clear path, talent strategy, executive engagement
Where directors once abandoned platforms for trusted spreadsheets, they now understand why data moves and can see the history that explains it. With Purview, they gained tools to proactively manage data quality – crucial when outdated contact details or medical conditions can delay life-saving stem cell matches. They're now experimenting with governance domains, data assets, and quality rules independently.
Now, with Databricks in place and governance frameworks established, Anthony Nolan is positioned for their next chapter.
The impact we made
They have the foundations for future AI Innovation
— Governance infrastructure from strategy through to Microsoft Purview implementation, including scanning capabilities, data quality rules, classification frameworks, and cost modeling for sustainable data management
— 100% knowledge transfer approach weekly demos, instructional videos, and hands-on training ensuring everything stays permanently in Anthony Nolan's hands
— Trust restored stakeholders moved from avoiding data platforms to actively using validated, quality-assured reports while building confidence to experiment with governance tools independently