Debt Free Advice has been recognised with the ‘Best Use of Technology’ award at this year’s Collections & Vulnerability Awards, held on 15 October 2025 at The Monastery in Manchester.
The award celebrates the service’s pioneering use of digital innovation to improve access to free, high-quality debt advice across the UK. Debt Free Advice impressed judges with its Video Advice Kiosks and MoneyPennie AI — two key innovations transforming how people get help with money worries.
The Video Advice Kiosks, already in use across community venues and pilot locations including prisons, enable people to speak directly with qualified advisors via secure video link — removing barriers for those who may not have internet access or feel uncomfortable seeking help online. Meanwhile, MoneyPennie AI, an in-house innovation, supports advisors in real time by providing accurate, discreet guidance drawn from trusted advice resources such as the CPAG Debt Advice Handbook.
Matt Dronfield, Managing Director of Debt Free Advice, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised for our use of technology to make debt advice more accessible, responsive and effective. These innovations are helping us reach people who might otherwise go without support — whether that’s through our community-based kiosks or by giving our advisors the tools they need to deliver faster, smarter advice. This award is testament to the creativity and commitment of our entire team at Toynbee Hall, and to the importance of using technology for good.”
This latest achievement builds on Debt Free Advice’s ongoing commitment to innovation, following its recognition at the Third Sector Awards 2024, where it won Best Service Delivery Innovation for its Video Advice Kiosk project.
As more people face financial difficulty, Debt Free Advice remains focused on using technology to ensure everyone can access the support they need, wherever and whenever they need it.