The Purpose Podcast: Episode 1

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As part of the campaign to celebrate SBT’s Decade of Difference, The Purpose Podcast will look to spark a wider and insightful discussion around social impact, corporate purpose and social innovation.  

Bringing voices and perspectives from SBT’s network and beyond, Episode 1 reflects on the past decade and will consider what the future looks like for  Social Enterprise in a post-COVID-19 world.

Host, Toby Amis, welcomes guests who have been right at the centre of social enterprise, both in terms of thought leadership and execution on the ground.

Adele Blakebrough MBE, CEO of Social Business Trust, Charlie Leadbeater, Author and Innovator and Sir Damon Buffini, former Chair and Partner of Permira, Damon founded SBT with Adele in 2010.

Latest

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.

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.
Discussing diversity and inclusion

Progress has been made over the past 20 years but there’s a long way to go to ensure workplaces are more diverse and inclusive. This was the message from three panellists at an event hosted by Social Business Trust and LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group).
Corporate support goes long way

“Corporate workers aren’t always aware of the range of skills and deep knowledge they have acquired in their various roles,” said Luke Seal from Thomson Reuters. “Skills and knowledge that can be put to great use when volunteering.”
Award winning CEO joins SBT Board of Trustees

We are delighted to announce that Kim Rihal has joined the Social Business Trust (SBT) Board of Trustees. Kim Rihal is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Equal Education, an ambitious and growing social enterprise targeting inequality in education, around the globe.
Adele Blakebrough MBE hands the SBT CEO baton to Joanne Hay

After almost 12 years at the helm of Social Business Trust, co-founder Adele Blakebrough will be stepping down from the role of CEO at the end of this month. Deputy CEO, Joanne Hay, will be making the permanent move up to the role of CEO.
#IWD22 interview with Jennifer Kuntuala Bowser, Schroders

Jennifer Kuntuala Bowser is a Sustainable Equity Analyst at Schroders and is on the Social Business Trust Diversity and Inclusion board. She is also a member of the Schroders Black Professional Network committee. As part of International Women's Day 2022, we asked her about purpose and how she works to #breakthebias.

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.
The difference we make
Joanne Hay, CEO
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.