In Memory of Helen Darbishire:
A Tribute to Former Open Data Charter Board Member and Champion of All Things Open
By Natalia Carfi, Executive Director, Open Data Charter
We learned with deep sadness about the passing of our dear colleague, Helen Darbishire, on Friday 18th October. Helen was not only founder and Executive Director of Access Info Europe, she was also a former Open Data Charter board member and a friend to many of us. Her time as Board of the Open Data Charter (till early 2021) was one of growth and innovation.
Here are some reflections from our board members on the impact of her life and work:
- “Helen was a strong clear advocate of the power of openness to fight corruption and help hold power to account, but more than that she was a friend and colleague and will be hugely missed. She was taken too soon.” — Richard Stirling, CEO, Oxford Insights
- “Helen’s incredible advocacy for transparency had effects not only throughout Europe, but worldwide. We are all the richer for her presence and her mahi, and we will miss her terribly. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy and one we will honour as we continue our work.” — aimee whitcroft, Founder and Principal, Data 4D
- “Helen was a big inspiration to my co-founders and I. Through her leadership and zeal she demonstrated that it was possible to make a difference for millions of people around the world even with a modest team and resources. She will be missed but her legacy lives on. “ — Muchiri Nyaggah, Executive Director, Local Development Research Institute (LDRI)
- “Helen was a formidable advocate for freedom of information, transparency and open data around the world. She was also kind,curious, generous and approached life with an open heart. Farewell Helen, we will miss you.” — Fabrizio Scrollini, Chairman, ILDA
- “Helen was a true champion for open data and access to information, and her influence reached far beyond borders. We at the Open Data Charter will work hard to maintain and enhance her legacy, ensuring that her vision for transparency and accountability continues to shape our work and inspire future generations.” — Patricio Lloret, Undersecretary of Public Management, Government of Ecuador
- “Helen’s pioneering work has deeply inspired me and many others. We will continue the momentum she built by advocating for greater accountability and empowering individuals to seek truth and justice, keeping her vision of the power of information alive.” — Nikesh Balami, Open Knowledge Nepal
Helen was an amazing woman, a great mentor, always giving wise advice, someone who wasn’t shy to call out things that weren’t working. Her time at the ODC Board was critical for our institution, as we navigated the revision of the Principles and the institutionalization of our structure. She will be missed. We will honour her commitment to transparency and the right to information by carrying on her legacy in our field.
We encourage you to visit Access Info Europe and learn more about the work that Helen Darbishire championed.
