Our Values, Story & Team

About Our Company

Who We Are

Our Story

Data Developments began as a small, family-owned business with a big vision: to support charities and churches in comprehensive, forward-thinking, and meaningful ways.

Understanding the challenges third sector workers face — from managing finances and donations to carrying out administrative tasks — our founders set out to make a real difference.

As a result, for over 40 years, we’ve been working alongside organisations like yours, offering not only brand new technology but also guidance, expertise, and ongoing support.

We’ve built a reputation for being more than just a solutions provider — we’re a partner for your mission.

Get In Touch

Our Mission

Make the kind of impact you’ve been striving for. We believe in the power of what you do, which is why our mission is simple: to provide third-sector organisations with the tools they need to focus on their communities — instead of the paperwork.

We understand the challenges third-sector organisations face, and we’ve developed software, services, and training to help you overcome them.

Whether it’s managing donations, maintaining memberships, or lightening the load of bookkeeping, our team is here to streamline your operations, reduce stress, and help you connect with more people in your community.

Save time and achieve more with Data Developments.

Get In Touch

A family company with over 40 years of experience.

Stephen Ibbs helped set up Data Developments in 1985 and in 1992 Stephen’s son (also called Stephen) joined the company. Having two Stephen Ibbs’ in the company created too much of a headache and so Stephen (the son) used an old family name and thus became Stephen Hendy. In 2002 Shelagh Ibbs (wife of Stephen and mother to Stephen Hendy) also joined Data Developments and since then we have welcomed more staff to the family of Data Developments and will continue to do so. In 2016 Stephen and Shelagh Ibbs retired leaving Data Developments in the safe and capable hands of Stephen Hendy and his plans for the future.

The first software developed by Data Developments was produced in 1985 in response to a vicar with a need for a membership package. This first program, Rollcall, was a great success and was quickly followed by three financial packages: Cashcall, Covenant and Donate.

Interest in these four programs quickly grew and other staff joined the company and when Windows was launched, and the programs were completely re-written for this new operating system.

Work expanded as a wide range of customers, including Goodyear Tyre Company, Wolverhampton Race Course, and Refuges for abused women and homeless men in the midlands commissioned work. In 1996 following much discussion it was decided that Data Developments would focus on working exclusively with Churches and Charities.

In 2000 new Gift Aid legislation provided a need to produce a new package, one that combined the strengths of both Covenant and Donate with new ideas and compliance to the new regulations – this software package was called Gift. With the advent of online claiming in April 2013 Data Developments were one of the first companies to be approved by the HMRC to submit claims online.

As legislation has changed we have continued to work with statutory organisations to ensure that all of our software complies with new regulations and provides approved forms such as the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA).

From the Beginning

Our History

The Talent Behind the Work

Meet Our Team

Stephen

Data Developments’ managing director. Stephen boasts significant experience with faith-based or charity roles and how they’re run, contributing vital insight for our various products and services. Stephen is also very passionate about fitness, aiming to stay fit in order to keep up with his three children.

Paula

A senior member of the Data Developments Team. A self-proclaimed perfectionist who likes learning new skills, Paula is involved in many of the various services our company provides, including support, bookkeeping, training, social media management, and penning our monthly email newsletters. In her spare time, Paula enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, reading and spending time with her family.

Rosie

Data Developments’ company administrator. Organised and efficient, Rosie’s sense of humour keeps the atmosphere in the office light-hearted and fun, including when it comes to keeping the office chocolate drawer well stocked. In her spare time, Rosie enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and exploring new places.

Carrie

A customer support advisor and a senior member of our customer service team. When not helping customers with their accounts, Carrie can either be found lost in a good book or planning plot twists for her next tabletop game.

Emily

A bookkeeper who has a keen interest in creative writing, reading, gaming and anime. Possessing a passion for the English Language, numbers and proofreading, Emily always ensures her work is accurate and meets set deadlines, whether it’s with her bookkeeping or her contributions to the monthly newsletter and the company’s blog.

Annmarie

A customer support advisor who likes meeting new people and visiting new places. A fun-loving, curious and adventurous person who is passionate about helping others, Annmarie is always excited to support our customers with their queries and aim to make their day a little brighter.

Adam

A customer support specialist. Possessing strong communication, listening and empathy skills, Adam always strives to help solve our customers’ problems through professional and satisfying customer service. In his spare time, Adam enjoys rocking out at gigs, playing video games and travelling.

Abigail

A graduate software developer who has a background in physics and enjoys problem solving, especially if it involves learning something new. In her spare time, Abigail plays the oboe and saxophone, attends yoga classes and occasionally goes running.

Jasraj

A full-stack software developer with a creative passion for animation and graphic design. When not in the office, Jasraj can either be found working on personal projects (including building his own game), watching a good fantasy movie, or enjoying a little online gaming.

Maisie

A Digital Marketing Degree apprentice who loves all things social media and content creation! She's passionate about making a positive impact and now brings that enthusiasm to sharing our mission online. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog and doing puzzle books.

Sarah

Sarah is one of our bookkeepers and has a passion for helping others. She has worked in various business sectors including retail, recreation, and financial services and enjoys spending her free time with her dog and going to concerts.

Phoebe

One of our newest directors, Phoebe represents a new generation of leadership. She is passionate about helping churches and charities reduce admin times so that they can focus on their missions. In her spare time she enjoys keeping fit and is currently busy decorating her new house.

Sue

A bookkeeper and independent examiner, Sue brings her bright and cheerful personality to all her work. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog.

Why Choose Us?

What’s Different with Data Developments Software?

Because of the unique nature of church and charity work and the way in which our programs will be used we don’t follow ‘normal’ software company limitations for example with our licensing.

Industry-Specific Expertise

We develop secure, reliable software that meets both industry best practices and compliance requirements — helping your organisation stay protected and on track for success.

Practical Training

We offer hands-on, easy-to-follow training so you and your team feel completely confident using our tools — whether in person or through our on-demand modules.

Custom Solutions

We know that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach won’t work. That’s why our software and services are customised to suit your individual needs — meaning you can work smarter, not harder.

A Listening Ear

We always ensure our tools evolve with your needs, and your feedback shapes every solution we create. From customer surveys to direct conversations, we’re here to listen and help you stay ahead of whatever comes next.

Open Days

We host regular open days to showcase our solutions and allow you to experience them firsthand. Come along, ask questions, and discover more about our full suite of services and solutions. See upcoming open days.

Transparent Communication

With us, you’ll always know where you stand. From setup and training to the ongoing support we provide — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.