The Purpose Podcast: Episode 4

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The fourth episode of Social Business Trust’s The Purpose Podcast features experts from Kantar, the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company. It brings valuable lessons on identifying and measuring impact for social enterprises, charities and corporates alike.

Episode 4, Authentic Impact and Sustainability – What’s important?, includes insight and advice from three experts from Kantar: Ben Collins, Commercial Director, Anna Salter, Evaluation Director and Mary Suffield, Research Manager. They stress the importance of identifying an organisation’s areas of impact as this will help challenge the way things are currently done and will bring clarity to what the organisation should be focusing on. They also talk about developing SBT’s impact journey and how this led to the creation of the Decade of Difference report.

The guests emphasise how COVID-19 has increased the focus on corporate sustainability and therefore brought greater attention – and scrutiny – to the impact that organisations have. They explain why it’s fundamental to measure and present impact so that it is quantifiable, specific, realistic, time-bound, and tells a story. It allows organisations to demonstrate their achievements and the value of their activity, and to make sure that this resonates with both internal and external stakeholders.

It’s import to present impact that’s believable, that’s accurate… Because part of the purpose of presenting impact is around demonstrating what you’ve achieved. It’s about showing the value and worth of what you’re doing. Both to those internally and externally. - Ben Collins, Commercial Director, Kantar

The podcast episode is part of a series, focusing on the world of social enterprise, speaking to experts across the sector and to the world’s largest corporations to understand the benefits of corporate volunteering, and giving back to those in need.

Previous guests include Andy Haldane, speaking in his capacity as Founder and Trustee at Pro Bono Economics, Larissa Joy OBE, Chair at SBT and Sir Damon Buffini, Former Chair and Founding Partner of Permira.

Latest

Crossing the line: children as young as seven targeted by ‘county lines’ gangs

You’ve heard the phrase used often enough on news reports. The word “scourge” is never far away. You might have read about it online or in a newspaper or seen a video in your feed – without perhaps always grasping what the term really means. Here, Magid El-Amin from Catch22 discusses the pernicious form of criminal exploitation that is county lines, and the work his organisation is doing to combat it.
The revolving prison door of fixed term recalls. There’s a better way

Given the large number of people on probation that are being recalled back into prison for reasons of non-compliance, rather than because they’ve committed another offence, the questions must be asked: Is there a more proactive and preventative approach that will better support these individuals while they are trying to re-engage with the world? Is there a better way? Here, Miranda Shanks from Catch22 offers a way forward
Simon says ‘show don’t tell’ when it comes to mentoring

Before becoming a volunteer mentor with SBT, Simon was lending his time and experience to many causes. He coached water polo at his old school and, while he admits to not being the best cook, he would prepare meals at a food kitchen. But it wasn’t until he attended a joint SBT and Permira Foundation event that he realised how useful his professional skills could be.
Laura's leap into secondment at SBT

On secondment from EY, Laura has worked at SBT for the past nine months. As her final day nears, she offers us an insight into the good work being done by SBT social enterprises and how she's been able to support them with her skills and experience.

'Clifford Chance gives me a chance to find purpose in work'

I hadn't been at the firm long when I heard about Clifford Chance's unique partnership with Social Business Trust, one of our charitable and foundation partners. I was drawn to learn more about SBT and its practical model of matching corporate expertise with social enterprises that are looking to grow.
Crossing the line: children as young as seven targeted by ‘county lines’ gangs

You’ve heard the phrase used often enough on news reports. The word “scourge” is never far away. You might have read about it online or in a newspaper or seen a video in your feed – without perhaps always grasping what the term really means. Here, Magid El-Amin from Catch22 discusses the pernicious form of criminal exploitation that is county lines, and the work his organisation is doing to combat it.
The revolving prison door of fixed term recalls. There’s a better way

Given the large number of people on probation that are being recalled back into prison for reasons of non-compliance, rather than because they’ve committed another offence, the questions must be asked: Is there a more proactive and preventative approach that will better support these individuals while they are trying to re-engage with the world? Is there a better way? Here, Miranda Shanks from Catch22 offers a way forward
Simon says ‘show don’t tell’ when it comes to mentoring

Before becoming a volunteer mentor with SBT, Simon was lending his time and experience to many causes. He coached water polo at his old school and, while he admits to not being the best cook, he would prepare meals at a food kitchen. But it wasn’t until he attended a joint SBT and Permira Foundation event that he realised how useful his professional skills could be.
Laura's leap into secondment at SBT

On secondment from EY, Laura has worked at SBT for the past nine months. As her final day nears, she offers us an insight into the good work being done by SBT social enterprises and how she's been able to support them with her skills and experience.
Getting practical about purpose

At an EY event last night, Social Business Trust CEO Joanne Hay drew attention to how corporate employees, through SBT, are using their professional skills in practical ways to help charities and social enterprises to grow. The result of this purposeful approach means more people can be supported in the areas of youth employment, education and mental health.
EY and Bikeworks ride in tandem on path to growth

When I joined EY, I never thought I’d be running client workshops at London’s Olympic velodrome. But over recent months I’ve had the opportunity of doing just this. Here, Ciara Dowling from EY reflects on her time working alongside social enterprise Bikeworks.
Digital that does good: SBT and Permira Foundation's Digital Impact Fund

We’ve teamed up again with the Permira Foundation to accelerate the digital transformation of seven social enterprises, investing over £190,000 across the organisations. On top of the funding, volunteers from our corporate partners will use their professional skills and expertise to support the initiatives.
Problem shared is problem halved: SBT and Thomson Reuters hold challenge event

Last week Thomson Reuters hosted our latest event, where over 50 of their employees showed energy and insight on the day working alongside representatives from the charities and social enterprises.
Responding to the call to support children and families

Many families are finding it tough this winter. Rising food and energy costs are digging into household budgets, leaving a lot of parents wondering if they’ll be able to buy gifts for their children. Here, SBT's Kendelle Wray writes about a campaign that's bringing warmth, relief and joy to many.

What we do
Our corporate partners

We work with a committed group of leading corporates and business professionals who provide practical skills and expertise in support of our charities and social enterprises
Our approach
Types of volunteering

You can volunteer your time in many ways to make a difference to the SBT portfolio and increase the impact they deliver.
Joanne Hay, CEO
The difference we make
Register interest in volunteering

We couldn't do what we do without talented people giving their time and energy! If you'd like to volunteer your skills to help social enterprises and charities scale-up, please get in touch.
Alex McAleavy, Senior Investment Manager
A Decade of Difference

Social Business Trust marked 10 years of supporting the growth of social enterprises with A Decade of Difference report. The report showcases some of the impact the corporate partners and the social enterprises have achieved together.
Setting Up for Growth

A member of our portfolio, London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), is dedicated to providing high-quality care and education for young children across London regardless of income level. June O'Sullivan MBE, CEO of LEYF explains how Social Business Trust has been instrumental in their journey.