SI magazine issue 5 by Spectrum Outsourced Solutions

Constitution a Q&A with the Cabinet Secretary

social, strategic and sustainable investment and innovation

ISSUE 4 // NOVEMBER 2013

Constitutional change and Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third sector

Constitution

Funding

Policy

a Q&A with Iain Gray MSP

We talk to the IOFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s John Brady

We examine the Lobbying Bill

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SI magazine November 2013

IN THIS ISSUE Page 10

Page 18

www.simagazine.co.uk SI magazine is a quarterly digital publication designed to bring together original content which affects business within the third sector at a strategic level such as grant and loan funding, partnerships, social enterprise and efficiencies.

2 News 6

Lead story Preparing for constitutional change

Published by Spectrum Solutions Publisher Andy Crielly publisher@simagazine.co.uk Registered office Spectrum Outsourced Solutions Ltd, Catchpell House, Carpet Lane, Edinburgh, EH6 6SP Editor Jen Dunn jen@simagazine.co.uk Editorial steering panel Social Enterprise Scotland, Scottish Community Foundation, SCFDG, ACOSVO, Scottish Financial Enterprise, Inspiring Scotland. Advertising Lesley Fraser lesley@simagazine.co.uk Graphic design LBD Design and Print www.lbd.uk.net The views expressed in SI magazine are those of invited contributors and not necessarily those of Spectrum Solutions. Spectrum Solutions does not endorse any goods or services advertised or any claims or representations made in any advertisement in SI magagazine, and accepts no liability to any person for loss or damage suffered asa consequence of their responding to, or reliance on, any claim or representation made in advertisements appearing in SI magazine. By responding or placing reliance, readers accept that they do so at their own risk.

10 Political Q&A John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable growth Iain Gray MSP

17 Recruitment 18 Funding We talk to john Brady of the Institute of Fundraisers

21 Shining Lights 22 Social Enterprise We find out more about the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber Going Forth with the Forth Valley Chamber

30 Policy The lobbying bill Lobbying in Westminster Lobbying in Holyrood

33 Leading by example Jen Dunn talks to David Scott

38 Balancing the books Legal Finance Risk management

44 the SI magazine Awards 2013 SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

PUBLISHED BY: ÂŠ2012 Spectrum Solutions. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden without the written consent of the publisher.

Welcome!

SI NEWS

Winter isn’t so much coming, as well upon us. Which means that it is awards season. We’re proud to announce the inaugural SI magazine awards, and you can find more about the runners and riders in our feature on the same. But, this isn’t this issue’s main focus; instead, we’re bringing you the latest from the referendum debate. The chances are that you’re undecided, in which case we hope our interviews with John Swinney and Iain Gray, as well as our feature on the referendum, will provide some answers. We’ve also got interviews with David Scott from GTG Training and Sea Shepherds, and with John Brady, the Chair of the Institute of Fundraisers in Scotland, features on how social enterprises are supported in both the Borders and Forth Valley, and we’ve been speaking to lots of people to find out how the lobbying regulation bills, being considered by governments in both Edinburgh and London, could affect your organisation. We’ve also got our usual news roundup. So, it might be cold outside, but fire up the central heating as much as you can afford to, and please enjoy reading what is the biggest and most exciting SI mag is yet!

Community Empowerment The Government recently launched its consultation on the Community Empowerment Bill. The Community Empowerment Bill is of key importance to the Third Sector as it is likely to allow town and city based social enterprises and charities greater powers to claim properties which are currently empty, and thus make urban community asset transfers more common.. This Bill will also provide a greater onus on local authorities to provide sufficient allotments to meet local demand, strengthens community planning and provide more transparency around Common Good Funds. COSLA President, Cllr David O’Neill, welcomed the consultation saying: “COSLA welcomes the extension of the duty of Community Planning to encompass the whole of the public sector, which we believe will improve how partners work together locally and deliver better outcomes for our communities. “We are also delighted to see the Scottish Government being explicit in its commitment to local democracy. “To this end, COSLA will be arguing that the European Charter for Local Self-Government, mentioned in the consultation, should be enacted as part of the Bill, thus guaranteeing the political, administrative and financial independence of local authorities.” The consultation is ongoing until 24th January, and more details can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/5740 SI Magazine recently asked John Swinney and Iain Gray about how they envisaged the Community Empowerment Act could best assist the Third Sector – their responses are featured on the interviews on page 10 and page 14.

SI magazine November 2013

Social Enterprise Scotland Awards Social Enterprise Scotland recently held its annual awards ceremony. Social Enterprise Scotland has announced the winners of the annual Social Enterprise Awards Scotland today.

Town centre regeneration plan launched The Scottish Government have recently announced a Town Centre Action Plan, which aims to regenerate town centres across Scotland. The scheme includes a number of measures, including “Fresh Start, a rates relief for businesses which utilise property worth less than £65,000, a £2m Town Centre Housing Fund to reduce the number of empty residential properties, a competition to encourage new entrepreneurial ideas, new powers for local authorities to develop Town Centre Investment Zones, and £120,000 to consult on and develop new community led initiatives in town centres. Derek Mackay, the Minister for Planning and Local Government, visited Kilmarnock to launch the scheme. He said, “The Scottish Government is determined that our town centres should be vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people and visitors alike want to spend their time and money.”

Social Enterprise of the Year has been awarded to Link Group Ltd will encourage and support action across the wider public, private and community sectors.

Trustees Week “Trustees’ Week” ran from 4th – 10th November. This celebrated the role of trustees in the Third Sector. It is a UK wide event, but several Scottish based organisations and public bodies, including OSCR, were involved in promoting the work of trustees and sharing best practice. OSCR estimate that there are over 180,000 charity trustees in Scotland, almost all of them unpaid volunteers, making a massive contribution to the life of our country and the welfare of people both here and abroad. To coincide with trustee week, OSCR have recently launched a blog dedicated to the work of trustees, which will be updated all year round, which can be found at http:// trusteesweek.blogspot.co.uk/. OSCR have also published case studies and guidance on good practice for trustees on their website.

The start-up category of One To Watch was awarded to Fun Factory, and new category, Social Enterprise Market Builder, was awarded to North Lanarkshire Council for their work in supporting social enterprise. Innovation for Product or Service was awarded to Simply Play, Education & Training Social Enterprise to Calman Trust, and Education & Training Social Enterprise (Schools) to Big Kids Enterprises (Armadale Primary School). Fraser Kelly, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “Social enterprises across Scotland are dealing positively with the impacts of welfare reform, preventing social problems, creating jobs, building communities through regeneration and helping the most vulnerable. “These awards recognise the forwardthinking dynamism that is social enterprise in Scotland – businesses that exist purely to deliver on social and environmental aims. A huge congratulations to all the winners and to all those who entered the awards this year.”

“They should be accessible places which invite business start-up and inspire innovative ideas from all walks of the community. We welcomed the independent review earlier this year and the crucial role it will play in the regeneration of high streets across Scotland. “ “In response to this we are today publishing an Action Plan which 3

SI NEWS Welfare Reform Conference SI Magazine partners Spectrum Events recently held a conference on Welfare Reform in Edinburgh, with speakers including Margaret Burgess MSP, the Minister for Housing and Welfare, Nigel Kershaw from the Big Issue Foundation, Margaret Lynch from Citizens Advice Scotland, and workshop presenters from the Child Poverty Action Group, the Robertson Trust, Carduus, Children in Scotland, Citizens Advice Direct and NG Homes.

New Benefits Calculator launched to help people in financial need In response to the largest shakeup of the UK benefits system, Turn2us has launched a new free online Benefits Calculator (benefits. turn2us.org.uk). With nine out of ten people worried about the benefit changes, according to research by Turn2us, and personal finances being increasingly stretched, the new Benefits Calculator is a vital tool to help more people access financial support they may be entitled to. Despite 13 million people living in poverty in the UK, including 4 million children, awareness of the financial support available is low. The new Benefits Calculator is the first in a series of enhancements Turn2us is making to its services to improve the support offered to people in financial need. Alison Taylor, Director of Turn2us said: “Anyone can experience a sudden drop in income, with job loss, illness and family breakdown all placing a major strain on household finances. As the benefits system is changing, many people are confused 4

about what support they are entitled to and who they can turn to for help. Our new, free Benefits Calculator enables people to find out what help they are entitled to and how to make a claim.” In addition to the new Benefits Calculator, the Turn2us website – www.turn2us.org.uk – includes a free Grants Search database and up to date information about benefits and managing money for people from all backgrounds to help maximise their income.

The main conclusion to come from the day was that, while attendees and speakers generally welcomed in the intended aims of welfare reform in moving people from benefits onto work and making the benefits system more flexible, its execution was viewed as disastrous. Multiple reforms, including the bedroom tax and universal credit, being implemented at the same time, could push the most vulnerable into poverty. Some of the elements of universal credit, particularly new claimants having to apply online, could make benefits inaccessible to those most removed from the labour market. For more details on upcoming Spectrum events, visit spectrum-events.co.uk.

SI magazine November 2013

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LEAD FEATURE

A healthy constituti Between now and next year, the nation will be increasingly caught up in referendum debate. So what are the key debates for the Third Sector?

acts are chiels that winnae ding, and downae be disputed – according to Burns. Except the referendum debate has been characterised by plenty of arguing about what is a fact and what is someone else’s – usually wrongly held – opinion. We can be sure of a few things. Firstly, Scottish independence referendum will be held on 18th September next year, before which the debate will

reach a crescendo in the papers and television news. Secondly, the amendment of the Scotland Act in 2012 means that more change is on the way already; the Scottish Government are already in the process of setting up Revenue Scotland, a Scottish version of HMRC. Thirdly – and we are already stepping into the realms of conjecture – it seems highly unlikely that the

referendum, whatever the result, will mean the end of the constitutional debate. If the pro independence Yes Scotland side win, then negotiations will begin with the rest of the UK (RUK) about who gets what in terms of Trident, embassies, oil revenues, and any other jointly owned assets or debts you might think of. If the pro-Union Better Together side win, then it is rumoured that Scotland will be given more fiscal autonomy, but that Scottish MPs may lose

SI magazine November 2013

Better Together are, unsurprisingly, keen to talk up the risks independence, with their spokesperson saying, “We need the facts about the impact of separation on Scotland’s third sector and the important work they do. Whether that’s on welfare, the economy or our public services, people need honest answers not more assertion. “The third sector in Scotland benefits from the strength and security of being part of the larger UK, with the funding opportunities like the National Lottery. There is no sense in putting this at risk.” Yes Scotland, who have recently set up a Third Sector for Yes group, believe that an independent Scotland would be a land of opportunity. Stan Blackley, Director of Communities at Yes, says,

ion? voting rights over RUK matters – although much depends on who wins the next UK general election. So the 19th September may herald another round of the great national sport of arguing, rather than a resolution. But the referendum does matter intensely to the Third Sector and, just like everyone else in Scotland, industry professionals have to weigh up the risks and benefits of staying in the Union or going it alone.

“An independent Scottish government would have the full range of powers – from company law to taxation and banking – to support and grow our social enterprises. More crucially, it would have the full range of powers – from labour laws to social security and energy policy – to help build the fairer and greener Scotland that we all want to see and that Westminster has repeatedly failed to deliver.”   Stan continues, “Scotland’s Third Sector, including its social enterprises, already has a significant voice in influencing the Scottish

Parliament and Government, as well as an important role in shaping services at a local level, but so many of the powers that we need to achieve the fairer and greener society we seek remain in the hands of a remote Westminster parliament.” However, Pam Duncan, an activist and Third Sector professional firmly in the Unionist camp, is keen to point out the benefits of working together, “Within the disability sector we learn from our colleagues across the UK, sometimes from their mistakes but often from their successes – and we also share our resources. For too long the third sector has been treated as just that, third in line in the debate and third in line for the resources. That’s why our links across the broader shoulders of the UK are crucial – cutting our charities up could only cut these links not build on them – we need them and they need us, together.” Although arguments about practical and financial matters have been well covered, perhaps a lesser known discourse on social justice is the argument about social justice and independence is beginning to emerge. Partly driven by Common Weal, the Jimmy Reid Foundation’s vision of how an independent Scotland could be a Nordic style social democracy, the Yes Scotland side of this debate is fairly clear. Duncan McLaren, former SCIAF director who is now working in

Scotland’s Third Sector, including its social enterprises, already has a significant voice in influencing the Scottish Parliament and Government, as well as an important role in shaping services at a local level, but so many of the powers that we need to achieve the fairer and greener society we seek remain in the hands of a remote Westminster parliament. Stan Blackley Director of Communities at Yes

LEAD FEATURE

academia, argues, “Scotland is overwhelmingly a communitarian country where the common good of all is placed high on the agenda even before individualistic preferences – hence the strong support for the NHS, education, and care for the elderly and vulnerable in society. Our social problems can best be tackled by those who know the problems and interact with those suffering from them – subsidiarity writ large.” Duncan is also keen to point out that an independent Scotland could campaign for social justice beyond 8

its borders, “I look forward to the small budget allocated by the Scottish Government to international aid not being increased to 0.7% of GNI but used in ways which reach the very poorest rather than the ‘middle-poor’ by forging close links with indigenous community-based organisations (CBOs) in partner countries. That requires Scottish NGOs to be more than channels for agency headquarters in England where all research, program coordination and links with CBOs are carried out. A new government approach calls for policies which are not tinged by colonialism

in insisting on the use of goods and services from the donor country, thus undermining the full effect of the aid for the local population.” However, Pam Duncan agrees that social justice commitments should go beyond the border, but that this is a reason in itself to stay within the Union, “Our charities have been at the forefront of campaigning for the equality and human rights of our people for decades, they seek to change things for the people they represent – across communities, across characteristics and across borders.”

SI magazine November 2013

Jill Wood, who works in a gender equality charity and is a voice in the pro-Yes camp, is keenly aware of the issue of indecision, “Plls show that women are more undecided than men. This is often ascribed to fear of change and apathy towards politics, however there are many systemic factors that influence women’s voting. Crucially, conventional gender roles and responsibilities determine women’s access, participation and voice in Scottish politics. In the current climate in particular, women have less time and resource to engage with this debate. It is certainly also the case that macho political culture, the aggressive tenor of the independence debate and the dominant focus on macro-economics are extremely alienating to many women, as well as men.”

It is difficult to escape the feeling that, despite arguments about the practical benefits, those with strong feelings either way are driven by ideology rather than immediate short or long term gain. Better Together concede that while Scotland could survive alone, the Union is ideologically desirable. Pam says, “Our people need us, they need us strong and unshaken. And we need them, every single one of them, in Moray, Motherwell, Madeley and Middlesbourgh.”

countries with just over 1 million people, formerly a Portuguese colony and then part of Indonesia, What infrastructure there was, the Indonesians destroyed when they invaded after the Portuguese left. The country is still dirt poor with a high illiteracy rate and severe malnutrition among children, especially during the ‘hunger period’ in the rainy season. Yet when I asked them if they would alter their ‘yes’ vote in their referendum, they laughed like drains. I hope Scots have the same courage and foresight as the Timorese.”

Although the vast majority of people in the Yes camp believe that independence will leave most people in Scotland better off, and with a more equal and happier society, they also tend to believe that independence is desirable beyond that. Duncan says, “I spent some time recently conducting some research in East Timor. The country is one of the world’s newest

If you’re confused, or torn between both the practical arguments and the ideological concepts, then you’re not alone. In polls which give respondents a choice between support for independence, support for the union and being undecided, the percentage of undecided tends to hover between 25 – 30%, depending on who has commissioned the poll and the timing.

In summary, the practical arguments are easy to understand – the opportunity to live in a country where the Third Sector will almost certainly have a more continuously powerful voice than it does in the Union, versus the risk and disruption to current funding sources. The social justice arguments hinge around Scotland being more equal within itself, and also that it could punch beyond its weight in world terms; but this could mean an RUK that goes backwards in both respects. There are currently many questions around what independence would mean, although the Scottish Government’s White Paper, which will be published th on 26 November, should give a clearer idea of what lies ahead. So, what sort of country would you like to live in? You have less than a year to decide, although even after the referendum, whatever happens, constitutional arguments are going to be with us for many years to come. 9

Q&A

The man from the Government John Swinney barely needs an introduction; as the Finance Secretary, he is a massively important figure to the Third Sector and Scotland as a whole. Jen Dunn finds out more about the Government’s commitments to the Third Sector and how it envisages the future of charities and social enterprises... What helps is the Scottish Government giving to social enterprises at the moment, particularly to become more financially sustainable, and how can Third Sector organisations access government support? The Third Sector has a major role in Scotland’s future especially during a period of economic austerity. We recognise the pressures faced by the sector at a time when it also has a key role to play in helping drive forward public sector reform and prevention. 10

The Scottish Government will continue to invest in supporting the third sector and that is why over 2013/14 to 2014/15 we will invest a further £49m in enhancing the capability and sustainability of the sector. We are supporting the third sector to be key partners in the three change funds to support prevention, which totals over £500m over the Spending Review Period. Last month I announced the establishment of the Enterprise

Ready Fund, which will distribute £6m during 2013 – 2015 to help maintain, develop and grow Scotland’s enterprising third sector. The fund awards up to £250,000 to support the long term development objectives of new, emerging and established enterprising third sector organisations. It opened to applications in September and Foundation Scotland will begin to distribute grants at the end of this year. Organisations can apply for funding via the Just Enterprise portal

SI magazine November 2013

or by logging-on to the Foundation Scotland website. Just Enterprise is a business support programme, financed by Scottish Government, which aims to support growth in revenue and employment in the enterprising third sector in Scotland. It supports social enterprises and social entrepreneurs across Scotland and so far, over 3000 recipients have benefited across three service areas, start-up, business support and leadership. What work are you doing with colleagues to ensure the Community Renewal and Empowerment Bill, the Welfare Reform Bill and the Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Bill encourages, supports and best utilises the social enterprise sector in Scotland? Community planning The Scottish Government and COSLA are absolutely committed to making community planning work for communities and for Scotland. This is outlined in the ‘Agreement on Joint Working on Community Planning and Resourcing’ published in September 2013. The effective delivery of Single Outcome Agreements involves the provision of resources to and by, third sector organisations. The Community Planning Partnerships will draw on the huge commitment of all those, including volunteers, who work to improve communities. The Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill aims to support and empower communities to achieve their own goals and aspirations by working in partnership with local service providers, including the public, private and third sector. The Bill will help communities have their voices heard about the things that matter to them and deliver improved benefits for their local areas. (NB – the consultation on the Bill will be launched in early November 2013.) We can realise significant benefits through joint planning and integrated

budgeting around the needs of local people, for example, the new arrangements for health and social care provision. Our vision for public services is focused on supporting local partners to work together around priority outcomes and on delivery through partnership.

more to support those affected. Our current funding along with proposals in our draft Budget, will result in an investment of at least £44 million over the period 2013/14 to 2015/16 and this will help to limit the damaging effects of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.

With reductions in our financial resources and fewer people in the public sector, we face an unprecedented challenge to deliver improved outcomes, while creating and maintaining strong and financially sustainable public services, on which people can depend. To achieve this we must form strong partnerships with the third sector to work together and learn from each other and build on our assets to create the services that the people of Scotland deserve.

We’ve acted swiftly with our local government partners, to commit a total of £40 million in 2013/14 to make sure that around 560,000 people in Scotland who were receiving Council Tax Benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10 per cent cut in successor arrangement funding. Over 2014/15, we will roll forward our contribution of £23 million and local government have confirmed that they will again contribute £17 million. We’ve provided an extra £9.2 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund, giving a total of £33 million, which will allow us to award an additional 5,600 Community Care Grants, along with an additional 100,000 Crisis Grants, for those groups who need it most. In 2014/15, we’ll maintain this funding so that we have the capacity to support some 200,000 people.

Welfare Reform The Scottish Government wants a welfare system that is simpler, makes work pay, lifts people out of poverty and reflects our values to ensure fair and decent support for all. Westminster’s programme of welfare cuts is taking money out of the Scottish economy, adding to the burden on our public services and hitting household budgets. Third sector organisations are feeling the effects, as the demand for services increase as more and more people turn to them for advice and support. These reforms are not of our making and the Scottish Government does not have the powers or resources to fully mitigate their impact. However, where we can, we’re taking direct action and investing

We’ve provided Scottish councils with an extra £20m for Discretionary Housing Payments to mitigate the impacts of the UK’s ‘bedroom tax’, in 2013/14 and up to £20m again in 2014/15, which is the maximum permitted under the legal limit set by the UK Government and the only power we have to provide cash to the tenants affected by this unfair policy. And we are providing an additional

Q&A £7.9 million for advice and support services across 2012/13 and 2014/15. Also, more broadly, a number of activities across our spending plans are also contributing to mitigating the impacts of welfare reform. For example we are investing £2.5 million to build capacity and resilience of communities and third sector organisations, helping them respond to the worst effects of welfare reform. Revenue Scotland and Tax The Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Bill provides for the establishment of Revenue Scotland as the tax authority responsible for the collection and management of devolved taxes in Scotland, and will put in place a framework for the administration of devolved taxes that is modern, efficient and convenient for Scottish taxpayers. Are there any other developments or schemes being planned by the Government which would support social enterprises and the Third Sector? There are already shining examples of pioneering work being done by the third sector in prevention: supporting people with care needs to live in their own homes and communities; early intervention to support children and young people; and supporting adults at risk. These are three of the key pillars of our drive for preventative spend. In the Draft Budget we announced that we would maintain all existing change fund commitments in 2014/15 and, from 2015/16, each individual fund will evolve to further strengthen our approach to tackling inequalities and to mainstream prevention practice across public services. Funding of £100 million will be allocated via Health Boards in 2015/16 to further drive the shift towards prevention. This will be a partnership resource accessible to local authorities, working with Health Boards, the third sector and 12

others, to support investment in health and social care services as new arrangements for integration are implemented. Like most other areas of Scottish society, the social enterprise sector is assessing the possible gains and risks of independence, and many social enterprise professionals are undecided. What do you think the benefits of independence would be, and how are the Government planning to engage with the sector on the issue of the constitution? The third sector plays an important part in our society; it is critical to a successful Scotland, and it is important that the third sector engages in the constitutional debate in appropriate ways. I was pleased to see that OSCR has made clear that third sector organisations can actively promote that debate. Many charities and social enterprises will want to consider the possible implications of the referendum and it is appropriate for some of them to make their voices heard during the process. Campaigning is a legitimate way for many charities and social enterprises to achieve what they were set up for, to further their purposes. We need an ambitious third sector, showing strong leadership and collaboration, and one that is able to play a key partnership role in making a reality of our shared ambitions. In an independent Scotland, we will build on the support this government has consistently given to strengthen the third sector and ensure it continues to play its part in contributing to the economy, delivering public services and supporting vibrant and confident communities. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure the sector continues to flourish and play its full and crucial part tackling poverty, mitigating the UK Government’s changes to the welfare system and improving social care. We will publish our White Paper

There are already shining examples of pioneering work being done by the third sector in prevention: supporting people with care needs to live in their own homes and communities; early intervention to support children and young people; and supporting adults at risk. John Swinney MSP Cabinet Secretary

on 26th November setting out more of the detail of our vision for independence, and answering the questions people have already been asking us. In a year’s time, the people of Scotland will choose whether to become an independent country. It is a precious thing for any country to be able to decide its own future through a democratic vote, following a free debate- and thatplaces a responsibility on each and every one of us. Does the government perceive that there are any key strategic areas where more social enterprises and voluntary organisations are needed? The third sector is right at the heart of transforming lives and public service reform in Scotland: building the capacity and confidence of people and communities to take control of decisions about what goes on in their local areas and helping to mitigate some of the worst effects of welfare reforms on vulnerable people. As key partners in service planning and delivery and through the huge commitment of volunteers right across the country, they work directly with individuals and communities to coproduce solutions and approaches to build independence and well-being.

SI magazine November 2013

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Q&A

A finance minister in waiting? Iain Gray is the Finance Spokesperson for Scottish Labour. He speaks to Jen Dunn to set out how the Labour Party would do things differently to help the Third Sector. Pre-politics, Iain Gray worked as a teacher and for Oxfam, and has a strong commitment to social justice. In other words, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone that most people in the Third Sector can readily identify with. He is also not 14

unlike John Swinney, in that he once lost his party leadership over election results, but has become more popular with both the public and the party faithful following a move to a front bench finance brief.

But, moving on from that, the immediate priority of Scottish Labour must be to set out its stall for the referendum and the next round of electionsâ&#x20AC;Ś.

SI magazine November 2013

What would Scottish Labour do differently to support social enterprises and the Third Sector? Scottish Labour values the role of those who work within the third sector and recognises the pressures they face during times of financial constraints. We are committed to developing opportunities for investment in the third sector and as we continue to develop our programme (and manifesto) for the coming years will be working with our third sector colleagues to prioritise the issues that matter. How would you go about making the Third Sector more financially sustainable? There’s clearly a role for Government and local authorities in providing funding for third sector bodies and that has to be continually reviewed as part of budget planning. Funding should be agreed over a three year period – we still see too many one year settlements which leave voluntary sector bodies unable to plan properly for the medium term. We would also wish to maintain funding for social enterprise, both grant and loan, and develop it as finances allow. The Procurement Reform Bill provides an opportunity for the public sector to be more equal and fair in how public contracts are awarded. Ensuring there is a level playing field and that the third sector can access public sector contracts through aspects of the Bill is a priority for Scottish Labour that we are continually working towards. This includes including community benefit clauses, promoting the living wage and the debundling of contracts so that smaller operators can bid for parts of larger contracts. Labour sees the living wage as particularly important, with, amongst other benefits, the opportunity to prevent voluntary sector service providers trying to do the right thing by their staff being undercut by private sector providers paying the minimum wage.

How are you planning to work with the Third Sector to promote their interests in this year’s legislative programme? Whenever any new legislation comes through committees it is our job as members to scrutinise the detail of the bills and make sure they are fair and representative across all sectors of society. Labour MSPs are very aware that they should be listening to the views, based in frontline experience, of the Third sector, and trying to respond to them. If that is not happening, then then the relevant organisations should let us know! We will be arguing for greater recognition of the third Sector in the new structures in Health and Social Care and in the Community Empowerment Bill. There is no doubt that CPPs have not worked as we wished them to do, and they have not given a voice to voluntary or community organisations. This is a chance to put that right. As I have said above the procurement bill, as far as we are concerned, fails to address the important issues of community benefit and living wage. We will be doing all we can to put that right. Particularly given that the UK Coalition Government has made many decisions that are unpopular with charities and social enterprises, how can you sell the benefits of the remaining in the Union to the sector? I think it’s important to remember that many charities work across the UK. Indeed at the time of devolution’s introduction I worked

for Oxfam, and was involved in internal discussions, and across the Scottish Third sector about how to adapt to the new constitutional settlement. Most organisations, including Oxfam, took the chance to provide a greater degree of autonomy for their Scottish arms, and those who did have been able to make the most of the opportunities to influence policy and legislation in Scotland. As a result I think Holyrood has over the years proven more responsive to the needs, views and experience of the sector than used to be the case pre-devolution. Yet organisations like Oxfam in Scotland continue to be able to influence the UK and international agenda too, as well as retaining access to larger sources of funding such as DFID. To my mind that is exactly the best of both worlds, as the Better Together argument would say. As for the popularity of government policies, it is true that the UK coalition have made decisions which are unpopular with charities, but the SNP Scottish Government have also “disappeared £1 bn worth of anti-poverty work, and prosecuted a council tax freeze which has led to signficiant cuts to the voluntary sector in every local authority area in Scotland. Recent reports by independent commentators make very clear that an independent Scotland could well face significant additional cuts to public spending to balance the budget. That would only be worse if we elected a government committed to diverting public

There’s clearly a role for Government and local authorities in providing funding for third sector bodies and that has to be continually reviewed as part of budget planning. Iain Gray Finance Spokesperson for Scottish Labour

SI magazine November 2013

Q&A money into an oil fund and cutting corporation tax. More fundamentally though, Labour has always been about bringing people together to share risk and opportunity, and that is why we believe we are “Better Together”. The third sector too is about bringing people together in a stronger collective effort. Do you think that there are any key strategic areas where more social enterprises and voluntary organisations are needed? Housing is clearly one area where social enterprises work well. Given the housing crisis that Scotland is facing, with the lowest level of social housing being built since just after the second world was I think there

is the potential for a a greater role for social enterprises. Health and social care needs will only increase, and the majority of all social care is now delivered by the “independent” sector. So we will need more not for profit providers in the future, and have to support the sector to see that happen. With the banking industry still struggling, and the increasing role of predatory payday loan companies, the whole area of finance and credit unions is needed more than ever. While it has grown slowly, far too few Scots benefit from the services they can offer and the government has not supported CUs as much as we would wish to see. You became the chair of Hibs Community Foundation over

the summer – how is your new role progressing and how are you planning to develop the Foundation? As a lifelong Hibs supporter I was delighted to take on this role a couple of months ago, especially as the Foundation promotes work in a number of areas close to my heart. The foundation has expanded the range of activities it supports since it was founded five years ago, ranging from community football coaching to IT and employability courses for young people and fitness courses for the over fifties. Our partnership with Edinburgh College took a big leap forward with the establishment of a Hospitality Academy this year in addition to on-going courses delivered in our learning centre at Easter Road. We are looking now to deepen our engagement in these activities, reaching out to more participants and linking projects together more, for example community coaching and homework clubs or getting the parents and grandparents of “greenshoots” youngsters involved themselves in our Fit Fans work.

Housing is clearly one area where social enterprises work well. Given the housing crisis that Scotland is facing, with the lowest level of social housing being built since just after the second world was I think there is the potential for a a greater role for social enterprises. Iain Gray Finance Spokesperson for Scottish Labour

GREAT JOBS. JUST FOR CHARITIES. JUST IN SCOTLAND. What if recruitment could be like online dating? Stop kissing frogs: minimise inappropriate applications We all know someone who has met their significant other through online dating, it’s becoming the norm. It occurred to us at Charity Careers Scotland that finding the perfect person for your charity’s vacancy is much the same. So how can we stop kissing so many frogs and find our prince? Many charities are inundated with inappropriate applications which take time and effort to filter through. By advertising your vacancy with us you can be assured that you will reach a very specific audience of individuals who are actively seeking a career within the third sector. The voluntary sector’s greatest asset is its staff. At Charity Careers Scotland we recognise that having the desire to work for a charity is the fundamental driver behind great voluntary sector recruitment. That’s why we only recruit for charities in Scotland, here’s a selection of our current roles:

CURRENT VACANCIES FUNDRAISER – COMMUNITY AND EVENTS

PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGER

Organisation: MND Scotland Salary: £22,297 – £27,252 Location: Glasgow Closing date: 16th December 2013

Organisation: New Lanark Salary: Circa £35,000 to £45,000 Location: New Lanark Closing date: 15th December 2013

Do you have excellent community fundraising and / or customer service experience? A proven successful track record of planning and managing profitable fundraising or other events? MND Scotland could be looking for you.

New Lanark World Heritage Site is looking to appoint its first Property and Facilities Manager. The beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village is nestled in the spectacular south Lanarkshire valley close to the Falls of Clyde.

DIRECT MARKETING MANAGER

SENIOR MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Organisation: Quarriers Salary: £28,064 - £33,022 Location: Bridge of Weir Closing date: 10th December 2013 This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop their career within a national charity. The role focuses heavily on developing individual giving at Quarriers and will play an integral role in maximising fundraising opportunities.

Organisation: Marie Curie Cancer Care Salary: £24,000 - £27,000 Location: Edinburgh Closing date: 15th December 2013 This is an outstanding opportunity to implement and develop an integrated PR & marketing plan for Scotland.

www.charitycareersscotland.co.uk

FUNDING

Raising the game Many Third Sector organisations know exactly what services and help they want to provide their particular client group, but discover that finding funding streams is tough.

e ask John Brady, the Chair of the Institute of Fundraising in Scotland, about how the IoF can help your organisation, how constitutional change can affect charities and what the current trends in fundraising are. John Brady has worked his way up through the fundraising ranks. He started working as a voluntary sector fundraiser in the late 1990s, and 18

is now Chief Executive of OneKind, which was formerly known as Advocates for Animals. Although the Institute of Fundraising in Scotland has two members of staff, an administrative officer and a manager – the latter was advertised recently and the new recruit is yet to be announced – the committee operate the organisation on a voluntary basis. However, the volunteers mostly head up the fundraising teams at

some of the best known Third Sector organisations in Scotland, and are drawn from across the sector; the committee is made up of professionals who currently work for Scottish Opera, Sciaf, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and several other top organisations. What does the IOF do? “We’re a very practical organisation, although we also champion best practice in the sector, as this

SI magazine November 2013

Many of our members had to rethink their financial strategy during the recession, and this is a good time to look again at what an organisation’s strengths and opportunities are. John Brady, Chair of the Institute of Fundraising in Scotland

brings indirect benefits. The codes of practice we produce include information on legal essentials, to save fundraisers having to double check the law. However, they also include best practice which goes beyond that, and set out the sort of transparency that the public might reasonably expect.” “The IoF also offers help with more basic things. We give advice to charities who are starting up. We also run a two day conference every year, which is not about listening to a succession of speakers, but is very much hands on, with practical tuition and workshops on strategy and techniques, and also how to inspire fundraisers. “We also do one day training on specific areas, like how to raise money from corporates or trusts. If fundraisers can’t commit to a full day of training, we also have five minute films on our website that anyone can view – they cover subjects like codes of practice, techniques and strategy. They’re no substitute for training but they are very good.” “Finally, we have more intensive courses which are aimed at career fundraisers; currently, we offer a diploma and are developing an advanced diploma.”

IoF Scotland recently completed a report on how the Third Sector views the prospect of constitutional change, which included a survey of the organisation’s members. What were the main findings? “The big message from the survey we did on the constitution is that there are a lot of “don’t knows”, although this is likely to change by the time we repeat the survey next year. The IoF is neutral on the issue of independence, but we are here to help the sector plan for change. “We need to explore both the blue sky thinking of what opportunities there could be for improving the process of fundraising both under the status quo and independence, and what the risks are for both scenarios – this includes possible changes to Gift Aid and other legislation that affects fundraising. As part of the process we held a question time with Ruth Wishart, and there was a fantastic buzz surrounding the event.”

Our advice is for organisations not to ignore the referendum, but to use it as an opportunity to review and renew fundraising strategy. Many of our members had to rethink their financial strategy during the recession, and this is a good time to look again at what an organisation’s strengths and opportunities are.” What new trends are emerging in fundraising? “It’s not a brand new idea, but current focus is on retention and stewardship; organisations need to look after their donors and make sure that they find out and react to what is important to them. Donor care, communication and asking them what they want in terms of an impact from their funding are essential, as well as explaining to donors how their funds are being spent. Developing a better relationship with donors can be interesting, although sometimes there can be so much pressure on organisations to do good work that providing more time for donors can be challenging.”

FUNDING If your organisation isn’t high profile then it is highly unlikely to be chosen by a major supermarket as their charity of the year, but you might get funding from organisations like the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, or one of the Big Lottery Fund’s small grants schemes. John Brady, Chair of the Institute of Fundraising in Scotland

How do you think social media has had an impact on funding? “It can be a very useful tool, and it provides platforms that give a lot of people the ability to fundraise through events. It makes it easier for busy people to fundraise and is also very popular with young people; although, having said that, there are also many older people who use the internet for fundraising.” “However, like any tool, it needs to be used well. Just like posting one mailing to a target won’t work, neither will one post on Facebook, or leaving a sponsorship form on a desk and not talking to anyone about it. We’re in a multi-platform age, and it is important to pick the method of communication that is most appropriate for the sector you’re trying to target. Social media is important for fundraising, but I don’t believe that direct mailing will die out either; this principle is also true for campaigning organisations, who have learned to use the internet and old fashioned techniques.” 20

What advice would you give to an organisation that is struggling with fundraising? “I’d recommend a back to basic approach – look at what you do, and who you do it for, and go from there.” “Organisations need to be realistic about what core support they provide. They should also review past successes in applying to trusts and corporates. These sources get approached constantly and you should do your homework and try to find people that have some sort of relationship with your organisation; the best advocates are those that are passionate about what you do. Ask your trustees and management if they have any good contacts, and ask them to ask their contacts too.” “Another tip is to strike a balance between being realistic and being ambitious, and looking at your overall strategic approach. If your organisation isn’t high profile then it is highly unlikely to be chosen by a major supermarket as their charity of

the year, but you might get funding from organisations like the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, or one of the Big Lottery Fund’s small grants schemes. “Finally, charities can also consider commercial selling and trading – but they should keep an eye on their risks and investments, and avoid considering activities that are too far from their core mission. The IoF focuses on fundraising, but many of our members also trade – charity shops are the traditional way to raise funds through commercial activities, but there are others.”

SI magazine November 2013

LEADING LIGHTS Great leadership is crucial to the development of charities of all sizes At Bruce Tait Associates we’ve been helping Scottish charities recruit senior level staff for over seven years. When you’ve found the perfect person it’s great to be able to tell the world all about it. So we’re proud to bring you “Leading Lights”. This is your chance to tell the world about your new senior management appointments, introduce them to the limelight and make it just that little bit easier for them to shine in their new role. To be included in Leading Lights in future editions please email jen@simagazine.co.uk or If you’re looking for a change or a new challenge visit www.brucetaitassociates.net

NEW APPOINTMENTS Mafe Marwick

Charlotte Bray

Ian Marr

Mafe recently joined Myeloma UK as Chief Operating Officer. Before this, Mafe worked for THINK Consulting Solutions.

Charlotte Bray has recently moved into a new role as the Appeal Manager at St John’s Church in Edinburgh.

Her previous experience includes twenty five years in the voluntary sector, including a decade working as Director of Fundraising and Communications at Children 1ST. During this time Mafe also chaired the Institute of Fundraising Scotland for over two years.

Charlotte has previously worked as a fundraiser for Campbill Blair Drummond and Project Scotland. She moved to Scotland after falling in love with Edinburgh, and her first job here was at Edinburgh Zoo.

Ian Marr recently moved to take up the position of Chief Executive at Aberdeen YMCA. He says, “I am really enjoying the new challenge in Aberdeen, there is so much potential and opportunity in this area.”

Mafe moved into the third sector through roles with Community Service Volunteers, after beginning her career working as a language teacher in her native Argentia and Scotland. Although Mafe enjoyed the variety of consultancy, she relishes being a leading figure in Myeloma UK, an organisation she admires enormously.

Charlotte says, “I’ve always admired St. John’s positive reputation, especially as a platform for social justice. As Appeal Manager I’ll be raising funding for our £3.5m development. We’ve already got £2m and I have two years to raise the rest. “ Charlotte loves writing and has a column called “Tea and Cake” with TFN.

Ian previously worked for YMCA Scotland and as Chief Executive of Perth and District YMCA. He has been instrumental in developing thinking in Scotland on the potential of Social Impact Investment to deliver services. In particular Ian had been developing the Social Impact Investment Partnership structure, which is useful to any Third Sector organisation to ensure the provision of high quality and cost effective services at a time of shrinking budgets. Ian adds, “There is a lot of talk about Social Impact Investments potential, now we need one or two brave groups of people to start making it happen on the ground.”

www.brucetaitassociates.net

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber When you think of the Borders, the chances are you think of rugby, fierce inter-village rivalry, traditional industries like weaving and glassware, bannocks, and history. But the Borders are also home to some very innovative social enterprise support and practices.

But what who are the projects that work with the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber, and what do they do?

In practice, the Social Enterprise provides advice, contacts, training, and regular news updates to members, a model that other areas could learn much from.

The first project SI magazine speaks to is Bookdonors. Based in Selkirk, Bookdonors were set up in 2005 by Lawrie Hayworth and Rona Strathdee, originally to bring employment opportunities to part time carers. The project works through receiving large donations of second hand books, which are then sorted and sold.

argaret Simpson MBE, Director of the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber, is proud to tell SI magazine, “The Scottish Borders benefits from having the only dedicated Social Enterprise Chamber in Scotland. We offer a one stop shop for social entrepreneurs.”

Since then, the project has expanded dramatically. “We sell around 4,500 thousand books a week, “says Tom Kenny, Managing Director of Bookdonors. “Charity shops receive far more books than they can sell, so we buy in bulk, sort, list and sell them. Bookdonors recently increased its turnover by 60% but to do that we had to double the volume of books that we sell.” Bookdonors have also expanded the client base of people who benefit from employment. Tom details,

SI magazine November 2013

books, to suit particular situations and environments. We also find that, particularly after Christmas when people may have received a Kindle as a present that more paperbacks are donated to charity shops.” The challenges Tom faces in expanding Bookdonors tend to be very practical ones, “Bookselling is a low margin business – although we do get some rare books, most of what we sell goes for 1p plus postage. We need to constantly work hard at monitoring and controlling our cost base, working as efficiently as we possibly can and focusing on economies of scale”

“Some of our staff have been here for years, but we also support various employment schemes; to give experience, structure and an experience of teamworking to people who have become excluded from the normal labour market for various reasons.” “We can’t always offer permanent jobs to people on employment schemes. However, we now have five people working for us full-time who came from the Community Jobs scheme, and we have four people in the same scheme starting in the near future. We also support a number of literacy projects both locally and overseas”. The environmental benefits of the project are obvious. “We reuse books to keep them out of landfill. Books that we sell might even eventually end up in a charity shop for resale again, prolonging their useful life. A low percentage of our books end up being recycled, but this also provides

an environmentally conscious way of handling those that would have previously gone into landfill.” But isn’t bookselling a little bit old-fashioned, and independent booksellers struggling? “Lawrie was a visionary when he spotted at opportunity back in 2005, at a time when Amazon was expanding into second hand sales. It’s not competition – 95% of our sales are through them,” explains Tom. So, how will a company like Bookdonors fare as e-readers become more prevalent? “Although I believe that around 50% of sales of new books may eventually be through e-readers like Kindle, over 400 million new hard copy books were bought last year. That still leaves an enormous number of second hand books that will eventually come on the market; current thinking is that even people with e-readers will still continue to buy hard copies of some

However, Tom has a very good idea of what he’d like to happen next, “Social Investment Scotland gave us a significant investment, which has helped us dramatically increase our storage space and vehicle capacity: to collect from even more charity shops and libraries and move to the next stage. We’d like to develop that further by acquiring new larger premises.” Also supported by the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber is Stable Life, a charity which offers vulnerable young people the chance to learn life skills through contact with horses and their environment, and perhaps is more directly reflective of the rural living. “Stable Life came about in 2008,” says Mags Powell, the project’s Business Development Manager. “We started from a pilot project, and have been building upwards and expanding since then. The project uses horses as a tool to engage with young people aged from ten to eighteen, who are facing personal challenges in their life, which may include mental health, self-esteem problems, low confidence, and issues with drugs and alcohol. The young people learn a sense of self, through working to establish trusting relationships with the animals, staff and other peers. 23

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

What benefits does the project bring? “The young people we see might have disengaged from other people, and may be tactile defensive” Mags explains. “They might find that the chance to cuddle a horse gives them a chance to fill a void in their lives, and allows them a tactile experience that would otherwise be missing. The horses give unconditional love and don’t care who they are or what their background is.” The horses also provide a nonjudgemental way for the young people to reflect on their lives. “The personalities of the horses can make someone think about how they tackle problems in their own life; if a horse is stubborn, then that can help to teach patience. A horse’s behaviour can also make them consider how they make people feel by their own actions.” 24

But is Stable Life successful in helping young people back into a positive experience of life? Mags says “We find that the project is highly effective as an intervention. As well as teaching life skills to our clients, it can also help them re-engage with education. Many of them have been missing school, for a wide variety of reasons – we encourage them to go back to school, even on a part-time basis. Stable Life has also acted as a catalyst for young people to enter related college courses. Stable Life supports young people to reach their potential with motivation and inspired choices for life.” The project has developed in many ways in terms of who it helps; it has evolved to meet the ever changing needs of the young people and the challenges they face in their lives. In terms of facilities, the project has recently taken a great step forward:

“We used to hire facilities at local riding schools,” says Mags. “However, this meant that we were limited in terms of time and capacity. But recently, a lease came up on a riding school, which Stable Life has taken over. This has given us great potential. Rather than having an hour or two hours to work with a young person, they can stay for as long as they need to. It also gives us the chance to offer work experience to teenagers who might struggle in conventional placements. In terms of financing, the project has received support from Children in Need, Big Lottery Fund, Leader+ and the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, as well as smaller funds like RS MacDonald Trust. But as Mags explains, having the lease on a riding school can make the project much more sustainable.

SI magazine November 2013

“This has given us massive potential in terms of generating income. We can now look at commissioning work from referring agencies. We can also generate income from livery and hires.” It’s a unique project, so what are the challenges? “One of the main problems we face is finding suitable horses. The project owns a number of horses, and also has several horses on loan. We require horses that are kind, steady, generous animals who enjoy the interaction with the young people and love cuddles.” Like many other projects, funding and capacity is also a challenge. “At the moment, we have an ever increasing demand and subsequent waiting list – it’s frustrating to think that there are people waiting out there, who are possibly in a deteriorating situation. If money was no object, we’d be able to support many more young people and their families.”

“At the moment, we have an ever increasing demand and subsequent waiting list – it’s frustrating to think that there are people waiting out there, who are possibly in a deteriorating situation. If money was no object, we’d be able to support many more young people and their families.” Mags Powell

From speaking to both projects, it’s evident that the Borders has its challenges, mostly related to the large rural area the authority covers. Mags points out that the logistics of picking up and dropping off young

people from a wide area can be quite challenging. Tom says that it can be difficult to find employment outside of traditional industries. However, some of the challenges mentioned can be overcome by the projects themselves. Tom explains that Bookdonors is “backed up by some very clever IT programs. It’s a sophisticated system that can be run from anywhere, even a rural area.” Both projects are very quick to point out the advantages of doing business in the Borders. Mags is keen to praise her hard working and friendly team, while Tom also mentions the locals as a plus point of working in the area. It’s clear that there is some great work going on in the Borders, and some excellent support for anyone who wants to set up a social enterprise. Like both projects we spoke to, Margaret tells us the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber is itself developing and expanding. “Moving forward, we want to develop a Social Enterprise Hub, which should further develop the Social Enterprise sector.”

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Social enterprises go Forth 26

SI magazine November 2013

In the summer edition of SI magazine, we ran an article on Recyke a Bike, a social enterprise near Falkirk which helps provide skills and transport through refurbishing bicycles. It turns out that there are plenty more social enterprises in the area, which are supported by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Social Entrepreneur John Bennett of Pack-IT visits the Falkirk Wheel

Forth Valley Chamber gets rave reviews from the project it supports, including from Forth Valley Social Enterprise CIC, which is currently developing a unique employability and training scheme based on rickshaws. Matt McGrandles, Founder of Forth Valley Social Enterprise CIC, says that “Their door is always open and they always respond, which is a pleasant experience in itself. Through their direct support we were put in front of the very person who was able to work with us and advise us how to secure our first funding award.”

by social enterprises are open to any member, as Michelle says, “Social enterprises who are members of the Chamber can benefit from free legal and HR advice, mentoring and a discounted fuel card, as well as accessing all of our training and networking events across the Forth Valley. Members can also attend events with key speakers at a reasonable cost. For example this year we have welcomed John Bennett, the former CEO multi-award winning social enterprise Pack-IT, and Mike Stevenson, of Thinktastic.”

Other Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce members from the Third Sector include the Creche Matters, which provides a range of childcare services, the aforementioned Recykea-Bike, as well as organisations which traditionally are thought of as charities, rather than social enterprises, including two local churches – Falkirk Old and St Modan’s, the Boys’ Brigade and a credit union. Michelle McKearnon, the Business Development Manager at the Chambers, is enthusiastic about growing its Third Sector membership further. She explains, “We are working with several very interesting projects across the region at the moment which we hope to see soon as fully fledged social enterprises, including one being set up by a very enterprising 9 year old! We have a very diverse membership as you can see, and that’s how we like it!”

However, Forth Valley Chambers will also put social enterprises and other Third Sector organisations in touch with organisations that specifically help them, as Michelle outlines, “We also work closely with organisations like the CVS, Just Enterprise and First Port to ensure we signpost our social enterprise members to the best help out there.”

The Chambers provides a range of services; some of the benefits gained

As you’d expect from a Chamber of Commerce, members are also very much encouraged to trade with each other – something that can be challenging for social enterprises, as Michelle explains, “Many small voluntary and charitable organisations see “real” business as scary and are afraid to make that leap into trading and sustainability.” However, Michelle is also very quick to offer advice and practical support on how the voluntary sector can become more enterprising, “They need to change how they see themselves and be able to combine 27

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

The Chamber team at the Forth Valley Business Exhibition

their hearts and their heads – their social vision with a strong business brain. A key challenge is getting the right people onto the Board; people with business experience and acumen who can take the organisation forward as a business which will sustain itself, and not have to rely on grant funding. We have managed to use our Chamber membership network to source directors for social enterprises, which has been useful for all concerned.” She continues, “To trade with the private sector, social enterprises have to offer more than just a Corporate Social Responsibility and a tug at the heartstrings. They need to be actively networking through organisations where business owners, managers and buyers interact. They need to have a high profile and a visible presence both 28

online and in person. This is how commercial businesses will find them and start listening to them. “ However, it is clear that Forth Valley see responsibility for developing good trade links between commerce and the third sector as solely relying on charities and social enterprises, “There is a perception which can still exist that social enterprises are somehow not professional or are “second-rate”. This can be a barrier to trade, often coupled with the lack of knowledge about what a social enterprise actually is and what it can be capable of. “Commercial businesses need to be aware of just what the sector can offer as business partners or suppliers – for example, Jamie Oliver’s Food Foundation is a multi-national, multi-million pound

business. But it is also a social enterprise! Here at the Chamber we are looking at some innovative ways to bring our private sector members and our social enterprise members together to share knowledge and best practice, and to look at how they can collaborate and work together.” There are, of course, opportunities for social enterprises to become more involved with the public sector too. But Michelle believes that public sector can do more to encourage social enterprises to become suppliers, “Public sector procurement is a cumbersome beast, often more suited to larger organisations which have the skills, time and money to work up large tenders. There is also the issue of public sector organisations such as local authorities creating Community Trusts or other arms- length bodies

SI magazine November 2013

“Many big corporates are now buying in to Richard Branson’s Plan B and looking to trade more ethically and with a stronger social ethos. This is the perfect time for social enterprises to be pitching for work, tendering for contracts and getting in front of their commercial counterparts to show what they can do.”. Michelle McKearnon

which then deliver “in-house”, services which previously would have gone out to small businesses. The irony is that we then have social enterprises, and indeed private small and medium enterprises being squeezed out by the very organisation which pledges to support them.” However, Michelle is keen to point out that it’s not all bad, “On a positive note, Scotland as a whole

is ahead of many countries in collaboration between public sector bodies and social enterprises and this is something to be encouraged.” So, where does Michelle see the future for social enterprises? “Many big corporates are now buying in to Richard Branson’s Plan B and looking to trade more ethically and with a stronger social ethos. This is the perfect time for social enterprises to be pitching for work, tendering for contracts and getting in front of their commercial counterparts to show what they can do.” And what’s in store around Forth Valley? Is there more scope for projects like Recycke-a-bike, which combine employability with tourism development? “Tourism is indeed a key area in the Forth Valley with opportunities in social transport, food and drink, hospitality and leisure. However, any business in any sector can be a social enterprise. Core values around ethics, sustainability and the environment can, and should, be at the heart of any business and can be applied to any sector.” It seems like Forth Valley will be at the forefront of both encouraging businesses to trade with social enterprises, and encouraging the Third Sector to become more entrepreneurial and businesslike. 29

POLICY – LOBBYING

Lobbying on lobbying Both Westminster and Holyrood are in the process of regulating lobbying and campaigning. What are the key issues for the Third Sector?

s the word suggests, lobbying is for people who can’t get into the room where decisions are made. They can attempt to influence politicians so that funding flows towards them, legislation goes their way, and their issues appear on the political agenda. Lobbying can be seen as something of a dark art. Wealthy companies and industries, which may not be acting in the public interest – for example, 30

tobacco – can use their resources to pay for dinners, drinks and days out for politicians and researchers, which give them convivial opportunities to put their point across. Former politicians who work for causes perceived as against the public interest are held under particular suspicion, as there’s an implication that they’re selling their skills, contacts and insider knowledge; an example being Mark

Oaten, the former Lib Dem MP who now works for the fur industry. There have also been instances, mostly at Westminster, where lobbyists were perceived to use personal links in unfair ways. Adam Werrity, a friend of Liam Fox’s with assorted links to companies, including in healthcare, defence and a right wing think tank, eventually caused Fox’s ministerial resignation by accompanying him on overseas trips.

SI magazine November 2013

both Westminster and Holyrood are in the process of legislating to regulate public affairs professionals. But both Parliaments need to balance the need to appear transparent with the fact that lobbying is often for good and publicly popular causes, like increasing funding to fight cancer and child protection and ending poverty. Crucially, the two sets of legislation being considered by Westminster and Holyrood are very different, as our panels (ADD DIRECTIONS AFTER LAYOUT) explain. However, the very nature of producing legislation of lobbying transparency creates some general problems. Lobbying is a varied task; it can be done by virtually any type of organisation, from a tiny charity to a large multinational. It can take the form of meetings, social media contact, telephone calls, letters from supporters, a discussion at a surgery.... the list is endless, making it more challenging to draft legislation that allows both transparency and reasonable campaigning. The vast majority of scandals around lobbying occur at Westminster. Neil Hamilton, among other MPs, was involved in the “cash for questions” scandal in the 90’s, which resulted in the Nolan Commission’s publication of recommended standards in public life. However, the near identical scandal of Patrick Mercer MP taking cash for payments earlier this year, demonstrates that they have not succeeded. Holyrood has only had one major scandal; in the early days of the Parliament, a company was caught offering access to the then Finance Minister, Jack McConnell. It is because of the reputation that these scandals have generated that

Although there is inevitability about regulation, there are plenty in the industry who resist regulation, seeing it as a time consuming distraction at best or a block on legitimate activities at worst. Some in public affairs also argue that anyone who behaves in a less than transparent way is automatically not a professional lobbyist, as Grant Thoms, who runs his own public affairs company, argues, ““Lobbying has increasingly attracted a negative image in recent years, but this has rarely been caused by professional lobbyists. Liam Fox’s “friend” was just that, a former flatmate pretending to be a lobbyist. Many retiring and failed politicians,

generals and Whitehall mandarins have attempted to turn their contacts and experience into passports to instant wealth but failed to understand they were breaking codes of conduct. So the lobbyists’ lot is not a particularly happy one, but the challenge is to improve the public’s understanding of what we do and how it can benefit democracy if there are safeguards.” “Registration in itself isn’t a problem. I already publicly declare my clients on two self-regulated registers. The difference is that the comprehensive plans for regulating lobbyists is seeking to get ahead of the game before problems arise and to create more of a level playing field in catching every organisation that seeks to influence government.” The perceived lack of inequality in both sets of legislation is problematic. At the moment, neither Westminster nor Holyrood propose to include councillors in the list of people who lobbyists must declare meetings with. Then there’s the “two tier” nature that registration could create; the SCVO submission to Neil Findlay’s call for evidence argued that organisations and lobbyists who are not on the register may find it difficult to access Parliamentarians. There is also an argument that the legislative burden is falling on the wrong people. Grant Thoms says. “One easy way to see who is lobbying whom: make public servants and elected members’ diaries open to public scrutiny. After all, we are paying their wages; don’t we have a right to know how they spend their day and who they are quaffing champagne with in the corporate hospitality suite? I jest.” 31

POLICY – LOBBYING

Westminster Coalition “Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Unions Administration Bill”.

his bill has recently been passed by the Commons and so far, has generated an angry response from Third Sector organisations across the UK, who are now focusing their efforts on having the Bill changed at the Lords. Given the outcry, you may be surprised to learn that the actual regulation of lobbyist elements of the bill is light. As Grant Thoms points out, “Westminster’s attempts to regulate lobbyists are minimalist to say the least. Frankly, I wouldn’t have to bother registering because I rarely speak to Ministers down there. Yet I do speak to constituency MPs but that isn’t covered by the Coalition’s plans.” Public affairs professionals who work for large companies which offer a portfolio of services including lobbyists won’t have to register under current plans, but those working for smaller companies which only or largely do public affairs work will have to register. 32

However, the section of the bill which has the Third Sector up in arms is the proposed legislation to govern “Non party campaigning”. This will force charities deemed to be involved in campaign activity the year before an election, to register with the Electoral Commission; which limits spending on both a nationwide and constituency level, and places a wide definition on what constitutes campaign activity. The Electoral Commission themselves have said that the Bill places “real questions around freedom of speech”, and the Bill is opposed by virtually any campaign group you’ve ever heard of, from Amnesty to the Women’s Institute. Following the recent second reading of the Bill, John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations said:

“The ability of charities and other third sector organisations to challenge government will be seriously threatened by this bureaucratic and poorly thought-out piece of legislation. “As it stands, the majority of campaigning activity by charities and other voluntary groups will still fall under the confines of this Bill, despite previous assurances that charities would be exempt. “We strongly believe that there shouldn’t be any financial or bureaucratic barriers to the work of third sector organisations in representing the most vulnerable people in our communities.” Whether or not the House of Lords listen to the concerns of the Third Sector remains to be seen; if not, then the resulting legislation is likely to be difficult to interpret and could present a real barrier to campaigning.

SI magazine November 2013

Scottish Parliament Currently, Scotland is further behind Westminster in introducing its Lobbying Transparency Bill. Neil Findlay MSP consulted on a Private Member’s Bill in autumn 2013, and lodged the Bill, which proposed a central register of lobbyists, in May 2013. After this, the Scottish Government decided that they would legislate on the issue themselves, superseding the Member’s Bill. Currently, the Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee (SPPAC) is holding an inquiry into lobbying practice, and have called for evidence to support this, with a closing date of 10th January. The inquiry will consider if there is an actual or perceived problem with lobbying in Scotland, the possible characteristics of any register of lobbyists, and other steps that could be taken to improve transparency in lobbying, like improvements to codes and standards. A Scottish Government spokesperson said, “The Government welcomes

this inquiry, which reflects the consistently-held position that broad parliamentary support is necessary to underpin legislation in this area. Improving public confidence in lobbying is not a party political issue. SPPAC’s findings will be central in informing forthcoming legislation and the inquiry demonstrates that action to increase lobbying transparency is being taken in a measured and consensual fashion.”

also asking whether a statutory register of lobbyists is the means by which we can address a perceived problem with lobbying; yet a register of lobbyists was a central plank of my Bill and the Government knew that when they took the Bill over. Given their reluctance to legislate immediately, I hope that there is no dilution of my Bill and that its central aims are adhered to.

However, Neil Findlay believes that the inquiry is a delaying tactic and could ultimately lead to a weaker regulatory regime than he intended; “The Government could have legislated when they took over my members Bill. Instead, disappointingly, they have asked the Standards Committee to conduct an inquiry into lobbying and evaluate if a problem exists in Scotland, this is actually irrelevant to the aims and objectives of the Bill.

Both Neil Findlay and the Scottish Government were keen to point out that the legislation they intended, whatever form the Transparency of Lobbying Bill ultimately took, would be very different to that currently proceeding through Westminster. The Scottish Government’s are keen to emphasise that the Scottish process will feature extensive consultation with stakeholders, that “the contrast with Westminster’s divisive and hurried reforms, which the Government is carefully monitoring, could not be greater.”

Neil continues, the Committee is

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Sea Change...

SI magazine November 2013

It’s fairly normal in Scotland to interview someone who holds two or more interesting professional or voluntary roles. An interviewee who is a top businessman, animal rights activist, youth employment guru and much else besides is more rare... step forward David Scott.

lasgow born and educated at Hutcheon’s Grammar, David joined Arnold Clark Automobiles in 1999 and, following stints as in direct marketing and sales development manager roles, is currently Chief Executive of their Training Company, GTG Training. This part of the business operates 3 major training academies in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Wolverhampton, David is responsible for the operation and development of Arnold Clark’s apprenticeship programme of around 650 apprentices, 9,000 employees, as well as external sales. He supports a number of advisory groups at both Local and National Government level concerned with Youth Employment issues and is a member of the Goodison Group in Scotland. David is also very involved with civic life in Glasgow, and is involved in many business and charitable societies operating in the city, including (deep breath!) the Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants House of Glasgow and the Trades House of Glasgow, including the Trades House Mariners and Skippers Society, the Grand Antiquity Society of Glasgow, the Society of Deacons and Free Presses of Glasgow, the Trades House of Glasgow Mariners and Skippers Society, Hutcheson’s Hospital Trust, the Citizen’s Theatre, and Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust. In his spare time, David enjoys sailing on the Clyde, also volunteers with the British Diver’s Marine Life Rescue, and is a marine mammal medic and a member of the first Europan Large Whale Disentanglement Team, and has helped to save ten stranded pilot

whales at Pittenweem last year. He is also a committed vegan, and a life member of the Vegan Society. David’s background is full of political connections through the West of Scotland political scene and beyond, with family links to both Labour and the SNP, as well as the Communist and the Tories; David was politically active himself during the early 1980s, before ‘got himself a proper job and a Territorial Commission’ (now retired from the TA, he rose to the rank of Colonel, and his final appointment was as a Staff Officer at Brigade Headquarters). He says he has “friends of every political persuasion both locally, nationally and internationally” but is now apolitical. The closest he will come to wearing political colours of his own is to describe himself as a committed Glaswegian.

GTG’s submission to the Finance Committee last year raised some eyebrows, as it claimed many school leavers did not have basic employment skills. How do you think social enterprises should help to give skills to the NEET group, and should they have to? Once all the fuss died down and people actually read what we said, rather than judging us on some fairly sensationalist headlines, a much better picture of what needed to be done started to emerge. I have worked with a number of Governments over the years and I have never seen any bring as much focus to bear on youth employment issues as this one. Add to that

general cross party support for positive new initiatives and the early success of Curriculum for Excellence, I think what needs done now is for people to start focussing on job creation. This would capitalise on improving job readiness, which seems to have picked up a momentum of its own over the last few years. We could argue forever about a minority,or else we could start to focus much more on where it is going right and keep that wave building. I would much rather do the latter. As far as Government interventions are concerned, what has always been required is an administration with the nerve to make less popular decisions today which will bring positive results at a future point. When that future point is way beyond re-election time most politicians lose their nerve so I am very excited by the current crop of Scottish politicians from all parties regardless of whether they represent us at Council, Holyrood, Westminster or Brussels. I think the public/ private partnership engaging us all in Scotland’s future is rapidly becoming a great example of the way things should be done in a country that is erious about youth employment. In your experience, what makes a good private/third sector partnership? The best third sector/private sector partnerships are those based on trust, plain and simple; trust that neither party is seeking to profit through exploitation of others or each other. That doesn’t mean profit is a dirty word but it needs to be profit for purpose and that purpose needs to be open to public scrutiny if required.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

The best third sector /private sector partnerships are those based on trust, plain and simple; trust that neither party is seeking to profit through exploitation of others or each other

SI magazine November 2013

You’re in the process of starting a new organisation, BeYonder – who will this help and how will it operate? I’m backing some amazing new, young talent in the Scottish business community in a very hands-off, nonexec role to let BeYonder establish its own identity and prove success in its own right as a profit for purpose brand to support purely philanthropic engagements with school and community groups. The profit element of their business does not compete with GTG Training and the philanthropic side of the business operates within the educational curriculum in a manner which I could not achieve through GTG Training. The purpose element is satisfied by BeYonder working towards the same aim of enabling Scottish youth to make a big impact on the world stage, whether they decide to do so as employees or as the next generation of employers. I am looking forward to seeing them grow and helping wherever I can in that success as a source of advice, encouragement and connection. You’re involved with Sea Shepherd, and about to head to Japan to help stop dolphin slaughter – why? Four years ago I was only vaguely aware of Sea Shepherd, and could not have told you what they did or what they represented. Then I was approached by a friend and asked to make a donation as the, then, Deacon of the Incorporation of Tailors in Glasgow. Having made what I thought was a fairly modest donation I was invited to their AGM in London where I had the genuine privilege of meeting some of their amazing young activists, and I was hooked immediately. I am now a very active director and trustee of Sea Shepherd UK. Sea Shepherd are unique in that they actively go to sea and defend

ocean wildlife by assuming a law enforcement role as provided by the United Nations World Charter for Nature which was adopted by the United Nation’s General Assembly on November 9, 1982. Another unique aspect to Sea Shepherd is that they don’t really care about appealing to the “aww” factor. They will – and do – actively defend unknown, unsexy and non-newsworthy species like sea cucumbers in the Galapagos as willingly as they defend the more charismatic megafauna like whales and dolphins. Dolphin defense is my particular concern and I am a Sea Shepherd Cove Guardian with one tour of Taiji, Japan to my name already, over Christmas and New Year 2012/2013. My next trip to Taiji commences this autumn. Japan, in the main is a fabulous country and the Japanese people make it my second favourite country after Scotland. Last trip I experienced a warmth of welcome that is unusual elsewhere in the world, many random acts of kindness that would make even the best Glaswegian envious. But that all disappears when you enter the darkest of dark zones which is Taiji. Taiji is a town of some 3,200 souls where the majority live in relative poverty whilst an extremely wealthy few live the high life, rich on the illicit gains from dolphin murder and exploitation. If the town committed itself to eco-tourism instead of drive-hunting then all could enjoy a moderate income, young people would stay, and it could become an economic hothouse for that part of Japan. However, if they keep going the way they are then they must face the catastrophic and permanent collapse of their only industry and decades of wilderness living till something else emerges to take its place. More importantly, thousands more dolphins are facing slaughter

I have worked with a number of Governments over the years and I have never seen any bring as much focus to bear on youth employment issues as this one. David Scott

for no purpose other than to satisfy the greed of a tiny minority. I find that wholly unacceptable so am putting my money where my mouth is and going to Taiji to continue the fight against injustice through investigation, education and lawful intervention. You’re involved with business, youth development and animal welfare work, and plenty else besides. How do you manage it all? Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes there really is too much and something has to give way so it is important to have a decision making process in place for when there is a conflict. In more general terms though I don’t have a TV and I love working so those conflicts rarely arise anyway. Do you believe it is possible for more people to achieve business success without exploiting others? Yes. Would you rather get out of bed in the morning and think, “Hey, I would love to go work for an unethical business today...” or get out of bed buzzing with excitement because you work for an organisation which shares your values? I am incredibly fortunate to have found such an employer and very happy to note the trend towards a new millennium way of doing things; doing things right because we can, not because they are forced on us. 37

November 2013 SI magazine

BALANCING THE BOOKS

Philanthropy in a new democracy? As the independence referendum approaches, Scotland contemplates what is primarily a question of democracy. Ought decisions affecting Scotland as a geographic region be taken solely by the elected representatives of those qualified to vote here? It may indeed be that the whole referendum campaign boils down to this question, issues of how Scotland is then run being left for a Scottish Government elected within that new democratic framework. Adrian Bell, Partner, Morton Fraser

Against that background it is seems timely to pause and examine or, this not being a new debate, re-examine the place of private philanthropy within a democracy. Scotland has a long philanthropic tradition and continues to produce individuals who wish to give back to the country and community. The question is not whether philanthropy is a good thing. It is very difficult to criticise the personal commitment of resource – money, time, energy or leadership – by someone having it to the delivery of a beneficial social outcome. The question is whether that cuts across the operation of democracy and, if it does, whether that is a problem? Put at its simplest, one might argue that it is the job of our political system to identify the social priorities of the country and for a prospective government to seek election with a programme (including a funding, and hence taxation, plan) to address them and, if elected, raise the funding and deliver that programme. The programme, and the public finance raised to fund it, are blessed by the electorate. If the philanthropist, rich in cash, time or inspirational leadership, devises and delivers his or her own, personal social programme is our democracy somehow diminished by that? There may be a perfectly reasonable response that our democratic system works entirely on the basis that government does so much and, if an individual has participated in what it does by considering its programme, casting a vote (for better or worse) and paying his or her taxes,

then how that individual deals with the balance of his or her resource is up to the individual. Better, the argument goes, that the rich man funds an academy school than buys a yacht? However the question becomes a particularly acute one where (a) that philanthropy is directed to something which runs contrary to the programme of the elected government; or (b) resource, particularly money as a result of relief from taxation for philanthropic activity, is directed to the personal preference of the philanthropist instead of to the programme of the elected government; or (c) the object of the philanthropy is advocacy or influence and hence particular issues are moved up the agenda of government. Another response to the question might well be a more detailed analysis of the relative scale of activity – how big ought the circles in the diagram to be? If the scale of philanthropic activity and of relief from taxation are so small as to barely impact on the role of government, might this simply be an issue which impacts so little on the operation of our democracy that it does not matter? A further response might be to say that charitable activity is a long tradition and relief from taxation in respect of it is enshrined in legislation and hence not merely accepted, but positively approved, by our democracy. In conclusion while there is scope for the activities of the philanthropist to divert resource from government priorities to the individual’s own priorities, it is very difficult to classify philanthropy in general as anything other than a very good thing. It is perhaps, as with so many things, a matter of balance, and criticism is likely only around the extremes. It would however be a pity if an extreme case were to give rise to negative consequences for otherwise laudable activity.

SI magazine November 2013

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Brodies is a leading adviser to the third sector, including housing associations and care and support service providers. We offer flexible, affordable services, and support from lawyers that understand your concerns, and the needs of local communities and service users.

The Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Cass Business School is the UK’s leading nonprofit and philanthropy centre. We deliver leadingedge thinking through a blend of world-class academic research, postgraduate degree courses and consultancy, combining practical experience with best practice and theory.

a: Brodies LLP, 1 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8HA t: 0131 228 3777 w: www.brodies.com

a: Cass Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8TZ t: +44 (0)20 7040 0901 e: casscce@city.ac.uk w: www.city.ac.uk/cce

Specialist Charity and Third Sector Insurance Broker offering professional advice and highly competitive premiums with a range of quality Insurance Providers. Contact us now to discuss your insurance requirements – we will be delighted to offer a no obligation review and alternative quotation for your insurances.

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RSM Tenon’s Charity & Third Sector Group works with over 800 organisations across the UK. Our specialist team across Scotland works with a wide range of charities and social enterprises providing assurance services for stakeholders and offering proactive advice and practical solutions to management.

a: 160 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1DQ t: 0131 221 8820 e: john.mcleod@rsmtenon.com w: www.rsmtenon.com

Virtuo Wealth Management Ltd is a whole of market financial adviser company, specializes in ethical investment. We offer a wide range of services and deliver unique, innovative solutions to individuals and business. Our core values are integrity, honesty and excellent service to our clients.

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Investment Services for Charities: we specialise in managing multi-asset portfolios tailored to each charity’s unique set of investment requirements. We help trustees with investment policy statements and ensure the riskiness of the portfolio matches the trustees’ appetite (or lack of it) for risk. a: 15 Golden Square, London W1F 9JG t: 020 7319 4000 e: philip.todd@ingeniousam.co.uk w: www.ingeniousmedia.co.uk/asset-management/ investment-services-for-charities

With Scotland’s biggest charity law team and a specialist charity investment division, the Turcan Connell Group is leading the development of charity law and investment in Scotland. From national institutions to small foundations, we provide advice that is tailored to our clients’ needs. Click here to read our brochure.

a: Princes Exchange, 1 Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9EE t: 0131 228 8111 e: enquiries@turcanconnell.com w: www.turcanconnell.com/charities

Wylie & Bisset are dedicated to providing our charity clients with a full range of proactive and unrivalled services, including external and internal audit, independent examination and much more. The quality of the services we provide is supported by the feedback from our clients within the sector. Please contact us for a free initial consultation.

a: Wylie & Bisset LLP, 168 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4TP t: 0141 566 7000 e: jenny.simpson@wyliebisset.com w: www.wyliebisset.com

BALANCING THE BOOKS

How to play the Trustee dating game Finding the Trustees of your dreams can be a complicated affair. Richard Lane looks at ways to attract your ideal candidates and then inspire them to commit. Most charities need skilled and experienced Trustees to partner them through the ups and downs of charitable life and help them build a rosy future.

Richard Lane is Managing Director of Ansvar Insurance, specialists in the third sector

But where do you find Ms or Mr Right? Some Trustees just flow to you naturally. They may be people who have been personally and positively affected by your services or vision in some way. Or they may be volunteers who have risen up through the ranks and are ready to take on more. Some may be highly skilled people who admire what you do from afar and feel inspired to lend a hand. Or simple word of mouth may do the trick. But if these avenues don’t deliver the right person for the job, there are also professional matchmakers you can consult. A Google search will turn up nuggets like smallchairites.org.uk, NCVO recruitment and trustees-unlimited.co.uk. How to make yourself irresistible Once you find your perfect match, how do you persuade them to devote themselves to your cause for love, not money? Chances are in the current climate, the people who have the skills you want are already at full stretch holding down their day job. Or they may feel jittery about what being a Trustee will involve in terms of responsibility as well as time. And with good reason. Becoming a Trustee is a serious commitment that comes with the same liabilities as being a Director. If things go wrong they could stand to make serious personal losses. Who wouldn’t think twice before saying “I do”? The secret lies in showing you are aware of these potential pitfalls and presenting viable solutions.

Help your Trustees walk before they run While some Trustees may arrive fully skilled, experienced and ready to go, others will benefit from a carefully thought-out training programme. This is a win-win approach in two important ways. It’s reassuring to a potential Trustee to know there will be help offered and the opportunity to acquire new skills. This could give an able but wary prospect the confidence they need to step up. Secondly, by providing training your new Trustee will know what they’re doing and make a much better job of it. That way you lay the foundations for success right from the start – rather than hoping for the best and picking up the pieces when things go wrong, which can be expensive and distressing. A good way to find out more about Trustee training is to contact not for profit educators such as the Civil Society and NCVO. Coping with cold feet In these litigious times it’s no surprise that training alone may not be enough to quell the concerns of your prospective Trustee. Not only are they not going to be paid for their services, if anything goes wrong the blame – and the bill – could be laid at their door. In the commercial world it’s usual to protect directors with insurance – a practice that is increasingly happening in the charity sector too. If you’d like to offer your Trustees this kind of reassurance, a good insurance broker will be delighted to point you in the right direction. Hopefully, with the right training and guidance in place you’ll never need to use your cover and you and your Trustee can live happily ever after.

SI magazine November 2013

Alan McNiven MSc Social Enterprise. Chief Executive, Engage Renfrewshire.

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November 2013 SI magazine

BALANCING THE BOOKS

What are the charities and charitable foundations doing on Socially Responsible Investment In the coming weeks we will be hosting meetings with charities and the charitable foundations to explore and discuss what ‘climate conscious’ investing might look like for these groups.

We will be posing the question “if sustainability is part of the strategic thinking of your organisation, shouldn’t it also feature in the way either the pension fund or the endowment is invested?”. Indeed, “how” to implement sustainability in their investment decision-making rather than ‘why’. Scott Murray is a Director of Virtuo Wealth Management and can be contacted via scott@ virtuowealth.com

From previous meetings in this sector we have noticed that there has been a “glass half full” approach and that many charities and foundations have already advanced a reasonable way forward in developing and implementing sustainability policies. Perhaps the “glass half empty” approach was that not enough of the sector had concrete policies as yet. It was also clear that climate change has become the most acute ESG issue to attract their attention. In some cases trustees feel ill-equipped to grapple with the implications effectively, but it is certainly a reputational, if not an investment, risk on their radar. Having said this there was a very real appetite to develop practical tools that investment committees can get stuck into. The next seminars will hear from pension funds and foundations that have already embarked on their sustainability journey and will focus on applying their lessons to those just about to start.

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SI AWARDS

Are you ready for the SI Magazine Awards? On 26th November, SI Magazine is holding its inaugural awards ceremony. This promises to be an occasional that’s both worthwhile, in showcasing the great work done in Scotland, but most of all, great fun. We had a hard time winnowing down the nominations to come up with our finalists and don’t want to disappoint anyone, but also think that our shortlists represent some of the best organisations working in and with the Third Sector.

Under 50k Izzy’s Promise Izzy’s Promise is a charity organisation based in Dundee that offers free and confidential support and information services to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, vulnerable and disabled people, and people with mental health problems through childhood 44

abuse. They provide services for male and female survivors with mental health problems across Scotland. Respite Now Respite Now has made significant strides in a comparatively short space of time and continues to develop. Their innovative EmployAbility project has been designed specifically for people with learning

disabilities to gain and achieve job opportunities, and its continued success has recently led to it being awarded the program to ex Remploy workers in Scotland by the DWP community support fund. Jim Withers, of Respite Now, says “We are delighted to be nominated for the award and look forward to extending our services through out Scotland.”

SI magazine November 2013

Children First In March 2013, the charity invested significantly in its IT system, a resource which allowed Children 1st to commission a bespoke database software programme. The key purposes of this is to record, monitor and report on the impact of the work their Children and Family Services team carries out to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, young people and families in Scotland. CHILDREN 1ST Chief Executive Anne Houston says, “Increasing our ability to continually improve our work with and for vulnerable children, young people and families was the prime motivator for developing this system.”

Innovation of the Year

Eighteen and Under Eighteen and Under’s Reach Out project recruits and train volunteers to go out onto the street in the evenings to target vulnerable young people who are involved in sexual exploitation or who are at risk. Through reaching out to these hard to reach young people, Reach Out is able to give them support and information and help them to become safer.

Over 50k

Stay Safe Older People’s Project Stay Safe is an innovative peer speaking project in the north of Scotland. It’s strength lies in the fact that the community safety talks offered to older people’s groups are designed and delivered by older volunteers. The groups visited confirm their increased confidence in saying “No” to unknown telephone and doorstep callers. Important safety information is put over in an informal way, with a strong emphasis on empowering people to take action.

Carduus With massive reductions in construction industry jobs and new residential developments, many have been looking at the social housing sector to play a large part in reviving the Scottish economy. But reduced funding from both government and lenders impairs this. Carduus enables Scottish registered social landlords (RSL) to access the finance markets by aggregating their demands, thus finding funding opportunities. Firstport Karen McGregor, Chief Executive, Firstport, says, “Ditto connects enthusiastic budding social entrepreneurs with a tried and tested

All Cleaned Up All Cleaned Up Scotland is a Social Enterprise wholly owned by national charity Apex Scotland, whose primary mission is in supporting employability for offenders ex offenders and young people at risk. Formed in 2012, All Cleaned Up Scotland employs ex offenders to carry out industrial cleaning and waste clearance activities initially in Edinburgh, and has now extended into Tayside and Glasgow. 45

November 2013 SI magazine

SI AWARDS Cross Sector Partners SEPA/Space Unlimited Scotland’s Environment Web is a partnership project, led by SEPA. to develop a website that is a gateway to everything you would want to know about Scotland’s environment.

social enterprise idea and it provides the support and knowledge they need to get the idea off the ground. Since we launched it, we have seen fantastic results in terms of reducing set up times and avoiding common mistakes.

policy have seen a squeeze on RSLs by traditional lenders. Carduus remedies this by providing RSLs with fixed interest 30 year funding by aggregating their demand to sufficient size to create a “Scottish Housing Bond”.

“W are delighted to have been nominated for the Innovation of the Year award and that SI Magazine has recognised that Ditto is an innovative mechanism to spread the impact of social enterprises across Scotland”.

Robertson Trust The Robertson Trust are one of Scotland’s best known and best trusted funders. In the last year, the Robertson Trust has committed over £15 million to projects across Scotland, assisting many different kinds and sizes of project. Some of the Robertson Trust’s current investments are in projects which work to reduce reoffending, and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.

Perth and District YMCA Perth and District YMCA have established the first, and to date only, Social Impact Bond funded project in Scotland and run it very effectively. It is called Living Balance. The primary innovation is in the funding mechanism: it is not just a Social Impact Bond, but one which allows 12 mostly local investors to put forward amounts between £5,000 and £50,000. Many of these investors have been increasingly involved in the project – offering advice and support to young people.

Funder of the Year Carduus Long term liabilities require long term assets, but the implications of international banking supervision regulations and changes in banking 46

Social Investment Scotland Social Investment Scotland is a key catalyst in the development and growth of the third sector in Scotland. They work with investees to provide them with the tools they need to follow their mission and create long term impacts that benefit communities across Scotland. Andrew Milson, says “We are humbled by the huge impact our customers have each and every day in Scotland’s communities and are delighted to play a small part in their success. Being shortlisted for these awards is great recognition of the work the team puts in to support our customers.”

The Scotland’s Environment Web project teamed up with Space Unlimited, a social enterprise that focuses on creating new skills and the capacity for change, in young people and adults, through collaborative enquiry. They design and facilitate projects that give young people the chance to explore their own ideas, express their authentic voice and make real change happen by bringing their fresh perspective to bear on real issues. Santander/The Robertson Trust The Santander Universities Internship Programme was piloted in 2012 with 500 places being awarded to universities within the Santander Universities network. The aim of the programme is to provide part paid work placements to graduates within the SME sector. The Robertson Trust match funded the launch of Santander Interns in Scotland. Ten Robertson Scholars were placed on internship, with their positions ranging from IT companies, CA firms, to charitable organisations. So far, the scheme has resulted in 5 full time jobs and/or traineeships. Social Investment Scotland Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has had a long relationship with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and both organisations have recently strengthened and formalised this partnership. This will ensure that customers in the HIE area receive the appropriate level of service from SIS in spite of their geography,. Organisations across the region will be able to develop their capacity, capability and overall resilience through access to targeted investment readiness support and signposting to funding.

About us Quarriers is a Scottish charity providing practical support and care for children, adults and families at any stage of their lives across Scotland and England. Quarriers offers a diverse range of services which Transform Lives. Over the last 140 years, we’ve built on our expertise at providing a range of support to meet these challenges.

Our services Through more than 150 sites nationwide, our services impact on the lives of over 17,000 people. We aim to continuously improve the services we provide and want to tell you more about them, the needs they address and the benefits they deliver. We believe effective partnerships are the foundation of sustainable, value-added services. Expert at providing quality education and residential services for children and young people.

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I feel that you have done a great job for my son and I am so proud of him and that couldn’t have happened without the support of all the staff. Maggie, parent

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Expert at providing the right support at the right time for young adults.

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Without Quarriers, I don’t know where I’d be now. John, young person

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Expert at supporting Children and Families to live safe, happy and fulfilling lives.

“ www.quarriers.org.uk Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No SC001960

Everybody is treated the same here no favourites. But you don’t get away with anything either. Staff don’t make assumptions about anything or anyone. Kelly, mum

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Registered and Head Office: Quarriers, Quarriers Village, Bridge of Weir PA11 3SX Tel: 01505 616000/612224 Fax: 01505 613906

A bank that gives you more The Co-operative Bank actively supports charities and social enterprises of all sizes. We are proud to work with organisations that share our values of fairness and social responsibility, and are committed to transforming lives through making social, economic and environmental change. Our specialist Relationship Managers provide innovative solutions nationwide that assist social enterprises to achieve their strategic objectives and grow. So if you want a banking partner with in-depth knowledge of your sector and proven financial expertise, look no further.

Relationship banking. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better together. For more information call

0131 229 0151

socialenterprise@cfs.coop co-operativebank.co.uk/socialbanking

The Co-operative Bank is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (No. 121885), subscribes to the Lending Code and the Financial Ombudsman Service and is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (No. 006110). The Co-operative Bank p.l.c., P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP. Registered in England and Wales No. 990937. Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes.