Digital Women Awards 2025 Winner: Lorna Tatham
Introducing Digital Women Award 2025 Winner
Lorna Tatham: Digital Trainer/Educator of the Year 2025
The Trainer/Educator of the Year award honours the women who light the way – turning emerging tools and tough concepts into practical know-how that empowers people and businesses to thrive online. Our 2025 finalists delivered innovative programmes, measurable impact, and a passion for inclusion that is reshaping digital learning. Congratulations to our winner, Lorna Tatham.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Lorna, the Digital IT Partner at Kent Autistic Trust, and have a passion for empowering people through technology. My role centres on enhancing staff digital skills and implementing streamlined workflows using tools like Microsoft PowerApps and Power Automate. What drives me is seeing the moment someone realises that digital tools aren’t just functional – they’re transformative. I thrive on making tech feel accessible, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning Digital Trainer/Educator of the Year at the Digital Women Awards is a deeply meaningful recognition. It validates the years of behind-the-scenes work – the workshops, the one-to-one support, the countless hours spent building apps and refining processes. But more than that, it’s a celebration of the people I’ve worked with, who’ve embraced change and grown in confidence. This award is for them as much as it is for me.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the way I’ve helped transform our organisation through digital innovation. By designing and building over 30 Power Apps, I’ve replaced outdated paper-based systems and streamlined care documentation to meet the business need. These tools have revolutionised how teams work – but what makes this achievement truly special is the journey I took with staff to get there. I provided training, ongoing support, and tailored resources to ensure each app was not only adopted but embraced. Seeing colleagues grow in confidence and digital capability has been the most rewarding part of it all.
What impact have you seen from your work?
The impact has been tangible and wide-reaching. Staff now complete tasks faster, with fewer errors and greater confidence. One standout moment was when a care team shared how a new app helped them spend more time with residents and less time on paperwork – that’s the kind of change that matters.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve had to learn, and how did you grow from it?
The biggest lesson has been learning to pace change. Digital transformation is exciting, but it can be overwhelming if not managed thoughtfully. I’ve learned to listen more, pilot ideas, and bring people along gradually. That shift from “let’s fix everything now” to “let’s build trust and momentum” has made me a better leader and collaborator.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love the outdoors – it’s where I recharge and reconnect. I’ve volunteered at forest school with my children, which led to helping out at my local country park alongside my daughter and father (and once, my son!). I also enjoy camping with my family and our dog, embracing the chance to disconnect from technology and truly connect with each other. It’s a grounding contrast to my digital work and a reminder that balance is essential.
What advice would you give to the next wave of Digital Women?
Don’t wait to be ready – start where you are. Learn by doing, ask questions, and build a network of support. Your voice and perspective are needed in tech, especially in spaces where empathy and innovation intersect. And remember: digital transformation isn’t just about systems – it’s about people. Lead with heart, and the impact will follow.
