Janine Hirt

Impact investments are investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Learn how donors can use the assets in their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to make impact investments, which can in turn be granted. #ImpactInvesting #Philanthropy #DAFs #DonorAdvisedFunds

1

Non execs need to get rip-off corporate UK's act together fast. I'm taking off my filter for this uncomfortable post I hope you will too when you share it quietly in your boardroom. Shrinkflation, windfall profits when oil hit the roof not cut now, abject failure to deliver in pace with climate as water and construction industries, bonus, share buybacks, greenwashing. These are causing the squeeze on the consumer market, collectively with interest rates that had 44% of mortgagees in arrears just before the election. They're not just the Tory legacy. They're in too many boardrooms. If you missed the Thomas Tunnock Ltd story in BBC News last week it's worth hectoring you all today in a good spirit with the story. Hard times pricing pushed their profits down from £5m to just over £1m. 91 year old guy with values and a memory that there are bad times as well as good, did that. Then ANDREX, INC. hit the headlines dropping 40% off the weight of the product with a 20% drop in price in Waitrose & Partners It's a consumer market. Marketing departments need to remind themselves that in consumer goods, losing one customer is the failure. I mean a hungry or cold one who can't buy anything means we've all failed too. I met them on the doorstep canvassing before the election and I hear them now. Who wants them back? Liberal Democrats for a Fair Deal was the election mantra. Non execs need to get every boardroom to put its shoulder to the wheel, to fix the mess made by unbridled: 'maximum price because you can', under the Tories. It's failed us collectively. Politics is Life so yes this is uncomfortable and needs a change of view, to remove rose-tinted specs. It may not look like it yet with greenwashing harming EV sales, but oil and gas assets are slowly stranding. Once consumers like me are out of your clutches in EVs, even on 13.9% interest in the loan based on my previous address losing the house in... wait for it... 2010... our stories will slowly drive you away because you cheat us all. Even if the oil behemoths switch to EV charging points, sustainable hydrogen, if you still cheat us we'll buy solar and insulate and pass you by. Labour Party (UK) action on non execs should start a reset to the new requirements this morning. We are at war with want in the LibDems too. In the West we might end up at war too. That needs a corporate UK in step with the country, not it's bulging bank account on the back of a failing nation. Somebody had to say this. It's uncomfortable but I've said it. Your turn now to fix it. https://lnkd.in/e3D3Tw67

2

Danone made huge profits, and give healthy and increasing dividends to shareholders as seen here https://lnkd.in/ezs39xYZ My email to the Council's planning dep. "I wish to place on record my strong objection to the above planning application by the Danone Harrogate Water Corporation in Harrogate. Considering all we know about climate change, loss of biodiversity and the role that trees and forests play in the eco-system, for nature and our own health, I am amazed that a company that promotes 'clean' Harrogate water to the world is even considering such a regressive development. I walk frequently through and around the Rotary Woods and Pine Woods. A lovely area enjoyed by families, the elderly and many children. Already there a large number of heavy water trucks driving to and from Harrogate Water's plant, they are clearly damaging a public road (a road taxpayers will need to pay for repairing), and these trucks pose a danger to pedestrians and cyclists who share and cross the road. Adding more heavy goods traffic is both non-sensical & not in the interests of people, nor the finances of the council itself. It benefits Danone only. I understand that protected bats and badgers call the woods home. Replanting new trees in place of older growth trees and established woodland is obviously not going to provide a home for these protected species, in fact it will both displace and potentially kill the existing wildlife, including a significant bird population. Whilst Danone's proposal to use durable, harmful chemicals to manage any new woodland further threatens wildlife and your rate payer's health and well-being. Not only is this in direct conflict to the public's interests, I cannot see how Danone's own brand will not be damaged by such measures. There are other matters that Danone's application directly conflicts with or contradicts, including government policy, and the Deciduous Woodland Priority Habitat, Asset of Community Value and Special Landscape area status of Rotary Woods. By itself this surely shows that the application should not be granted, and any future attempts thrown out with it. Danone is a highly profitable multi-national business who can and should afford to find an alternative to this clearly unpopular and regressive plan. They are more than capable of finding profits in other parts of their water businesses across the globe that do not cause so much damage. In fact, it is in their own interests and ESG credentials to put profits second to the well-being of our shared environment, the wildlife that relies and thrives in it currently, and the health and well-being of your rate payers, all our neighbours and their children. Please put local people and the environment before Danone's profits and reject the planning application - they have alternatives".

1

Allen Lane Foundation The Foundation has sharpened the focus of beneficiaries, particularly in the first three categories and the last (children/young people). The Foundation funds small registered charities, voluntary groups, and charitable organisations. They focus on smaller charities across the UK – NOT in London. The following focus on adults only: Asylum seekers and refugees – support work to benefit refugees, asylum seekers, and refused asylum seekers, including those held in detention. The focus has been changed to women only. The focus is on those women who are seeking asylum in the UK, and female refugees who have been through the asylum system; rather than people who arrive in the UK through community sponsorship or via resettlement schemes. Offenders and ex-offenders – support for penal reform and fund groups working with offenders in prison and out in the community. The focus now is solely on organisations supporting female offenders, and those in prison for violence against women. Older People – funding is focused on projects that benefit isolated elderly people (generally aged 70+) including those with dementia. There will now be a greater focus on specific areas of work for the elderly especially for those in rural and more deprived areas. People affected by violence or abuse – work that supports both men and women who are, or have in the past been, affected by violence or abuse. This includes projects supporting people affected by rape and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, trafficking, prostitution and modern slavery, honour-based abuse, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. The funding can also support work with perpetrators aiming to lessen isolation and prevent the risk of further abuse. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities – support groups within these communities and organisations that work to benefit them. Funding can support work that raises awareness of the issues Gypsy and Traveller communities face, and work to combat hate crime, stigma, discrimination and inequalities, including the lack of appropriate accommodation or other service provision. People with mental health issues – support for mental health charities and projects that benefit people with moderate or severe mental health issues. In addition, there is funding for work with: Young people – aged 12-21 who are vulnerable, socially excluded or marginalised with a focus on those who are persistently absent from school; school leavers with no qualifications; and young people in/leaving care https://allenlane.org.uk Thanks to Sarah-Jane Pickering for the detail of the changes ✨

28

4 Comments

Interesting article in @Cityam today by Stephen Timms arguing for a partnership between government and the impact economy: https://lnkd.in/eEYekcwm He specifically calls for the creation of an Office for the Impact Economy, as a  a joint Treasury-Business and Trade unit; saying "We need a new partnership between Government and the impact economy, putting shared values into practice to build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all." Regardless of the result on Thursday, I hope that all parties will recognise the role that #SocialEnterprises and #Charities can and must play to unlock capital in order to tackle some of our most complex social challenges.

7

The tragedy of turnover. Greg Power of Global Partners Governance muses on the challenges of high electoral churn on today's From Poverty to Power https://lnkd.in/eWCuEkwJ 'In July the UK witnessed its highest ever rate of electoral turnover, with 335 MPs – or 51% – elected to the House of Commons for the first time. This is exceptionally high by UK standards, which usually has a rate of around 20%. But many parliaments routinely lose at least half their members at every election, and in countries like Iraq, Malawi, and Kenya it is often over 70%. It is difficult to overstate the connection between the rate of churn at each election and a country’s long-term political stability. The conundrum for campaigners is, partly, how to navigate such continually shifting terrain and still promote lasting policy solutions. But it is also about whether anything can be done to mitigate the causes of electoral turbulence.' Thinking and Working Politically Community of Practice Alina Rocha Menocal

3

“Our partners and networks have been raising the alarm about systemic racism, injustice and violence for many years. “Systems change work needs deep, long-term investment and care in the most affected communities.” Together with other funder intermediaries in the UK, we are bringing together our networks, infrastructure and skills to focus on four key priorities. Read more in our joint letter with Funders for Race Equality Alliance, The Justice Together Initiative and Migration Exchange (MEX). Together, we urge long term action - and for the power dynamics in funding “to change for good”. https://lnkd.in/dUBKxJBP

33

Interesting report from Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Plend that absolutely supports Citizens Advice data about the number of households with negative budgets. No matter how careful people are with tracking against a budget, if expenses exceed income, the choices about making ends meet become super complex and keep people in debt. If you are struggling, early help can make all the difference. Contact Citizens Advice to ask how we can support you find a way forward. We Inform. We Empower. We Campaign. #citizensadviceleicestershire #citizensadvice #moneyadvice

9

1 Comment

Pleased to be quoted in People Management magazine today on Over half of business leaders report staff absence due to problems accessing public services, TUC reveals. More than half (59 per cent) of business leaders say staff have had to take time off in the last year because they struggled to access public services, a poll by the trade union congress (TUC) revealed. The survey of more than 500 business leaders further explored the specific challenges faced by employees, finding that more than a third (35 per cent) had staff absent from work due to delays in receiving hospital treatment. To read article in full click 🔽 https://lnkd.in/ejJjwUcg 10Eighty #socialcare #business #economy #privatehealthinsurance #staffabsences #affordablechildcare #workingparents #privatehealthcare #flexibleworking CIPD

4

1 Comment

A helpful trend in the charity sector in recent years has been the focus that grant giving trusts and foundations have placed on #diversity #equity and #inclusion in those they fund. It is therefore frustrating to see from the Foundation Practice Rating Research, that diversity in trusts themselves is "the weakest domain by far". Trusts and foundations provide much needed leadership in the non-profit sector, and it is important that they live the values of #DEI as well as expect others to do so. It is not about number counting, but about creating a culture that will lead to more rounded decision making and better approaches to create the social change many funders fund. #leaders #charity #funder #funds #leadership https://lnkd.in/eDf5Zsng

5

Today Girlguiding releases its 16th Girls Attitudes survey. Girls and young women tell us what it’s like to be a girl in the U.K. today and what change they want to see. What has stuck with me from the research is that girls as young as 7 are feeling the increased pressures of being a girl than they were 10 years ago. Only 1 in 4 girls feel very confident in their life, and only 1 in 4 feel confident about their future. Girlguiding is here to build girls confidence, with girls up to 23% more confident than the U.K. average. Read more below!

24

1 Comment

New episode of the podcast out today, featuring a great chat with one of my favourite people in the philanthropy world - Fozia Irfan OBE - all about foundations and social change:

11

1 Comment

Tune into our recent episode of #KnowingNotForProfits for a fascinating discussion covering Aleema Shivji’s personal journey to leadership in the charity sector, the vital work Oxfam is doing to end poverty, and the broader challenges faced by the sector. https://lnkd.in/e8ZTxmF5 #NotforProfit #Charity #LeadershipInsights #LeadershipJourney #CEOInterview #InspiringStories #Podcast

17

From my time at Social Enterprise UK I remember how clear it became to me the importance of the evidence base and data to inform our work - to identify the scale of the movement, key trends, and what needed to be addressed or built on. The State of Social Enterprise work continues to do so, year on year. The Impact Investing Institute has now released its second market sizing report for UK impact investment in a similar vein, and there's much of interest: - Growth of £19bn or so between 2021 and 2023 - UK representing around 8% of the global market (this report aligns itself to The Global Impact Investing Network approach) - an estimated £77bn assets under management - growing interest from institutional investors (including local authority pension funds) It's also encouraging to see the foreword from the Secretary of State Department for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy MP - "We want a new partnership with investors, businesses, and charities. All the best examples of things that are built to last are when they have been built together". Here's hoping that heralds more to come. In the meantime, as a board member and supporter, many congrats to the Impact Investing Institute team for this piece of work. https://lnkd.in/emakwfJK #impactinvestment #impactinvesting #socialinvestment #ESG

35

2 Comments

NEW REPORT | Developing Scotland’s Economy: Increasing the Role of Inclusive and Democratic Business Models A groundbreaking new report has been launched by an independent review body comprising of economists, businesses, and support organisations. The review focuses on the potential of Inclusive and Democratic Business Models (IDBMs) such as social enterprises, employee-owned businesses, development trusts, and co-operatives to reshape the Scottish economy. Key recommendations include: * Establish an effective and extensive eco-system of support for IDBMs, akin to a “Centre of Excellence” to raise awareness, coordinate support, and increase training and funding * Triple the number of IDBMs in Scotland by 2034 with a target of 21,000 📣 Calling on the UK and Scottish Government to explore potential tax relief to support enterprises operating as an IDBM. This report sets the stage for a new era of business in Scotland, where inclusivity and democracy are at the heart of economic growth. By championing IDBMs, we can build a future that works for everyone. Read the full report https://lnkd.in/d3Dp3bY7 #InclusiveBusiness #InclusiveEconomy #SocialEnterprise #Cooperatives #EmployeeOwnership

29

2 Comments

Are you a charity leader interested in learning from your peers? Our series of tips & advice for charity and not-for-profit clients & consultants answers questions on strategy, fundraising, recruitment & interim management, mergers, governance and social investment. https://lnkd.in/eGRHPMHw #charityadvice #charitytips #charityblog #charityrecruitment #charitymerger #charityfunding #charitygovernance #CharityLeader #SocialInvestmentTips #FundraisingAdvice #GovernanceInsights #CharityStrategy

5

Are you a charity leader interested in learning from your peers? Our series of tips & advice for charity and not-for-profit clients & consultants answers questions on strategy, fundraising, recruitment & interim management, mergers, governance and social investment. https://lnkd.in/eGRHPMHw #charityadvice #charitytips #charityblog #charityrecruitment #charitymerger #charityfunding #charitygovernance #CharityLeader #SocialInvestmentTips #FundraisingAdvice #GovernanceInsights #CharityStrategy

1