We’re pleased to say Freeset won the 2012 Social Enterprise Award at the inaugural People & Environment (PEA) Business Awards (http://peabusinessawards.com). Sponsored by the National Enterprise Network, the Social Enterprise Award was to acknowledge the work and achievements of the individuals or teams behind the most inspiring and successful social enterprises (whether a start-up, an organisation that holds the Social Enterprise Mark or a business or project led by young people).

The award recognises the work that Freeset does in two ways. Firstly Freeset works to reduce waste through creating jute and organic cotton bags and secondly Freeset creates employment for women in India who are now free from human trafficking and exploitation through prostitution.

Mark Wakeling, Director of Freeset Ltd said, “We are proud to receive this award and for the recognition of the work many people do to help build business opportunities as a way of addressing human trafficking. It is recognition too that developing a social enterprise is an ideal way to tackle social challenges.”

For more information on Freeset visit www.freesetbags.co.uk or www.globalseesaw.co.uk

Freeset is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Malcolm Hayday to step down as chief executive of Charity Bank

Malcolm Hayday, chief executive and one of the founders of ethical bank Charity Bank, has decided to step down from the post in 2012  to hand over the reins to a successor.  Under Mr Hayday’s leadership, Charity Bank has grown from concept to launching as the world’s first general registered charity that is also an authorised bank.

This year Charity Bank celebrates its 10th anniversary, with the bank’s balance sheet at the end of 2011 exceeding £80m, an increase of almost 20% on the previous year, and many times the opening figure of £6.4m in 2002. It also expects to report a surplus of over £350,000.  In its first 10 years under Mr Hayday’s leadership, Charity Bank has made more than 1,000 loans, reached a further 1,000 with business support and touched the lives of 3,500,000 people in communities across the UK.

Malcolm Hayday is one of the pioneers of social finance. He joined the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in 1993 to explore the possibility of loan finance as a new resource for the charity sector.  In 1995 Mr Hayday started Investors in Society, a successful pilot loan fund, before overseeing its formal incorporation as Charity Bank in 2002.  His work with CAF, followed by the successful launch of Charity Bank helped to pave the way for the growing number of social finance institutions in the UK and throughout the world.

“After 19 years of establishing and growing the Charity Bank model to the point of profitability, I believe now is the right time for me and the right time for Charity Bank, to hand over the reins to a successor who can take the bank to new heights, ” commented Mr Hayday.  “I am extremely proud of Charity Bank’s achievements, as we have developed a unique banking model that responds to real social needs by financing charities and social enterprises.  As I step down, Charity Bank is well-positioned for sustainable growth. I have no doubt that this is the most exciting and satisfying job in banking. I have agreed to stay on until the right successor is found.”

George Blunden, chairman of Charity Bank, commented; “Malcolm has secured his place in the history of social finance and we thank him for leaving us with a thriving organisation. His dogged determination to realise the vision of a bank from and for the charity sector has brought about change in the way charities are financed.  That change is now gathering speed; the social finance sector has a key role to play as the economic outlook remains challenging. We wish Malcolm well as we begin our search for the leader who will take forward and build upon the strong foundations Malcolm has laid.”

Charity Bank will begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive with immediate effect.  Interested parties should contact Robert Watsham at Odgers Berndston: robert.watsham@odgersberndtson.co.uk, 020 7529 111.

Malcolm Hayday FRSA: career milestones
1993:  After 21 years in international banking and mezzanine finance, Malcolm Hayday joins Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to explore whether a charitable investment market can be set up alongside grants and donations.

1995: Malcolm Hayday becomes director of Investors in Society, which is set up as a special trust within CAF as a pilot loan and guarantee fund, with £500,000 of funding from CAF.

1996: First loan to the Planning Exchange, Glasgow.
Malcolm begins the first of two terms (1996-2002) (2004-2011) as a Board Member of INAISE, the International Association of Investors in the Social Economy, and was its President, 1997-2001.

1998 Malcolm was a member of the advisory group to the Small is Bankable Report from Joseph  Rowntree Foundation and a member of the advisory group to the Development Trusts Association on asset based development,

2000: Malcolm joins the trustee board of the Big Issue Foundation (2000-2007) and became its chairman in 2003

Member of the SEEDA social capital fund study group and the working group on social investment in Scotland.

2002:  Charity Bank opens its doors. It is registered as a charity by the Charity Commission and authorised as a bank by the Financial Services Authority. Charity Bank launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer at 11 Downing Street, 17 October.  Opening balance sheet of £6.4 million.

Founding board member of the Community Development Finance Association, 2002-2003

Member of the Advisory Group of global foundation leaders to the World Economic Forum, to 2007

2003:  Under Malcolm’s guidance, Charity Bank is the first bank to be a community development financial institution (CDFI), accredited by Government to deliver the community investment tax credit. Launch of the first tax effective community investment deposit account, the Charity Bank CITRA (Community Investment Tax Relief Account)

2004: Leads a consortium of third sector organisations awarded mandate to manage £125 million Futurebuilders investment fund on behalf of Home Office.

2005 Charity Bank NEMSEEA Awards winner; UK Charity Award, ifs Banking Services winner; and first ifs innovation award for the CITRA.

2007: Yorkshire Forward agrees to invest £10 million into Charity Bank; the first investment of its kind by a Regional Development Agency.

BEEAM Enterprise Awards winner and UK Charity Awards Professional Services winner

2008: The first ever Charity ISA launched, the only tax-free savings account where 100% of the funds, the deposit as well as the interest, is used for a charitable purpose.

Charity Bank is selected to administer the £3 million Cylch Capacity Building Investment Fund for Welsh recycling organisations.

Charity Bank West Kent business in the community and Malcolm Hayday entrepreneur of the year awards

2010: Building Change Trust invests £1million capital in Charity Bank to benefit community and voluntary groups in Northern Ireland.

Charity Bank wins two awards from the Institute of Financial Services: the ‘ifs Award for Outstanding Innovation’ and ‘Social Responsibility and Community Banking’.

2011: Charity Bank makes an unaudited surplus in excess of £350,000 with a balance sheet that exceeds £80 million.

Malcolm has also been a member of the Advisory Group for NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project, and a member of the International Advisory Committee of NESsT, the non profit enterprise and self-sustainability team, and trustee of NESsT UK Limited.

He has contributed to the Banking on Culture report; and work on new financial instruments with the Arts Council.

About Charity Bank

Charity Bank is the world’s first general registered charity that is also an authorised bank.  It lends to charities, social enterprises and community organisations, including those that would find it difficult to secure funding from traditional banking sector.  It invests its depositors’ money in loans to support charities and enterprises that benefit society and publishes details of every loan it makes.

Charity Bank is committed to transparency and community involvement. It provides hands-on support to the business and charities it lends to, as well as encouraging its own staff to volunteer within the community. Charity Bank’s innovative approach to banking and its mission to benefit society have enabled it to lend over £165m to charities and social enterprises, touching the lives of 3.5 million people in communities across the UK.

Charity Bank – Ethical Bank is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

I want to precurse by stating loud and clear that I believe the vast majority of people who choose to volunteer are doing so with the best of intentions – and that there are some great volunteer organisations out there.

Our work  brings us into contact with some pretty  marvellous people ( I’d use the word “Awesome” if it wasn’t so abused!) – some of whom may have made one or two of the following mistakes –

BEFORE

1. Most important of all – Not asking questions – just about every organisation that recruits volunteers now lists questions volunteers should ask…..

2. Believing… – just because an organisation tells you the questions you should ask that they are going to answer them fully or honestly. Beware smoke and mirrors!

The answer to “where does the money?” go is easily whitewashed by allocating a whole load of costs to “project development” – yeh but what does that mean and where does it happen…in the host country or in a cosy office in the UK or USA? Is the well paid chief exec’s whole salary allocated to project development? Are the orphans in the orphanage really orphans? ( if you need a reminder about the questions you should ask here they are)

3. Taking “stuff” – let’s face it luggage allowances are low and if you are going for a month or so ( or making it part of a longer trip) you will need the whole of the allowance for yourself . Please do not be tempted to take things with you for your project unless you have been advised to do so by the project or placement organisation.

In many instances the “stuff” can be purchased locally for at least the same price if not lower – and you are adding to local wealth –  BUT most important of all  is it sustainable? – will the project be able to repair it or replace it when you are gone (so often we hear that perhaps a battery driven appliance would be a good idea if the project has no electricity – mmmmm but who’s paying for the batteries?) and indeed do they have the skills to use it? Is it culturally appropriate? You see it’s a minefield!

4.Making unrealistic plans  – our advice to our volunteers  is to ” take what you think you may achieve and halve it – then halve it again – and then reduce it by 50%”….and remember, your reality is not necessarily the reality of the project you will be working with.

You have skills but just about without exception you do not have MORE skills than local people just DIFFERENT skills from local people – and many of your skills just ain’t relevant skills in that environment.

DURING

1. Trying to do too much too soon – watch and listen first….be gentle with yourself and with local people .

2. Taking on too much – try to remember the goals that were set for you ( if you travelled with a responsible organisation – then you should have been given some goals!!!)

3. Making promises that cannot be kept – it’s so easy for misunderstandings to arise – when you think you have said “I will try to do that” local people may well have heard “I promise I will do that” – you can imagine the distress this can cause.

4. Not complaining as soon as a problem arises. It will be a very unusual volunteer placement that does not result in at least one problem – all too often volunteers do not draw this to anyone’s attention at the time – probably because they are uncomfortable and don’t wish to ”create a fuss” .

If you have travelled with a responsible organisation there will be someone you can discuss your concerns with, who you are not working with each day. Don’t let an issue that could be resolved spoil the experience for you and the people you seek to serve.

AFTER

1. Not allowing for the emotion of leaving your project – that cliche “it was life changing” is always true to varying degrees –  again, a responsible organisation will have some feedback and support systems in place for you.

2. Inappropriate giving  – WARNING – nearly all the countries you are likely to volunteer in do not have good postal services – if you post something you will lose it…and at best it will get stuck in customs and the project will not be able to afford to get it released! Again, responsible organisations will be able to advise you on the best way to continue to support your project, if that’s what you wish to do.

3. Not reporting bad experiences – we hear repeatedly from people who volunteered (not with us I hasten to add!) who were poorly served by the organisation to whom they paid their hard earned money. When we ask them to post their experience on the web or write a piece that we can publish, they “don’t like to cause a stir” – well if we don’t draw attention to BAD practise it’s going to make it pretty difficult to replace it by GOOD practise.

Here are a couple of sites to post on irresponsibletourism abroadreviews and dont forget facebook.

So that’s my take – now it would be good to hear from volunteers – what do you think were the mistakes you made?

This article was first posted on www.traveldudes.com

people and places is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Our 2011 ‘Different Journeys’ programme is now complete.  It was our most ambitious programme of visits to date, taking the public to see 20 of our borrowers during National Ethical Investment Week.

These visits have enabled us to share directly with our customers and the public the difference that money saved and invested in Charity Bank is making to charities, social enterprises and communities across the UK.

Our stakeholders were offered the opportunity to meet borrowers and the people they work within their local area.  In doing so they have cemented a three-way bond among savers and investors; borrowers; and the Charity Bank team, reinforcing the values that the bank has developed.

They evidence how everyone can choose to use their savings to make a difference whilst earning a financial return.  And as one commentator put it, the visits are ‘bringing trust and responsibility back to banking’.

Charity Bank remains committed to showing that everyone can be a ‘Social Investor’, or ‘Social Saver’ – and we believe there is no better way to convince people than to show them the projects their money could be supporting.

To learn more about Charity Bank visit our website, to catch a flavour of the visits you can view our photo album, or to receive details of future visits please sign up for the Charity Bank news bulletin.

Charity Bank – Ethical Bank is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

On Thursday 22^nd September 2011, Seacourt staff, family and customers gathered to celebrate Seacourt’s second Queen’s Award forEnterprise in Sustainable Development.  HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, made a special visit to theOxford –based family firm to commemorate the day and partake in the celebrations.

Amongst their many previous accolades in water reduction, green energy and being carbon neutral, the firm is now officially zero-waste (their last bin collection to landfill was in October 2009), a world first in the printing trade, and certainly among the first in all trade categories in the UK.  Everything is either recycled or reused.  HRH took a special interest in the recycling bay where all containers were clearly labelled and organised.

Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson stated “It is known that winning a Queen’s Award is no mean achievement, you have to jump through some quite tricky hoops. It’s very much a sense of many are called but few are chosen”

The Duke of Kent presented Chairman Jim Dinnage with the award saying “Seacourt are a remarkable company and should be used as an exemplar for sustainability.  I do not think anyone can underestimate the work involved over many years, it has taken a great deal of determination.”

Turnout at the celebrations was overwhelming, with guests, civic representatives, press and media as well as staff, family and friends all there to celebrate the grand achievement.

“We won our first Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development 4 years ago, which was a wonderful achievement in itself” stated Jim Dinnage.  “But to win a second award alongside the first is just amazing.  Our greatest thanks must go to our wonderful staff for their hard work, and to our loyal customers who supported our efforts all these years.”

Seacourt Ltd is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

There are a number of print techniques available for printing on a reusable bag and it will influence the material you decide to use and even the style that is suitable.

Silk screen printing:

This suitable for non woven,  cotton,  jute and RPET ecobags.  It is the perfect choice when the art work is simple and bold. Block colours work best – shades and tones will not print well and will drive up the price of the bag as each tone might count as a different print colour. See the silk screen printing process in action

Example of bag using heat transfer technique

Heat transfer:

For a photo quality finish a heat transfer might be the ticket. Essentially a tattoo or a decal is created and with the use of heat bonded onto the bag. This method can be used for non-woven bags, cotton bags, jute or rPET bags. The limitation is that there are a set amount of sizes available. It is more expensive than screen printing but the advantage is you can get a brilliant photo quality.

Full Colour Process:

Example of bag using full colour process printing

This is best for graphic or digitally created artwork and pictures where many colours are used.  It is also referred to CMYK print technique. It will give a contemporary and quality finish. The additional finish of a matte or gloss laminate can be applied to enhance the look of the bag and is worth considering as well if your budget will stretch. This is perfect for woven and non-woven laminated bags, just like the bags sold by the large supermarkets.

Full colour process is possible on non-woven, woven and rPET bags.

The process you choose, will depend on the type of bags that suit your promotional campaign.  For more information on choosing the right printing technique for your reusable bags, contact Matt at Smartbags or visit www.smartbags.co.uk

Smart Bags is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The last few years have seen a high level of publicity for the Quaker businesses of the past. In particular the sale of Cadbury to Kraft reminded the general public of the value of these responsible and socially minded companies, and the men who led them. There is more and more said about the need to return to these values, and apply them in the 21st Century. So how can we as Quakers lead from the front and show how to Build Responsible Businesses?

Speakers:

Mark Reckitt – Group strategy director at the Smiths Group, previously senior manager at Kraft,Green & Blacks and Cadbury.

Deborah Cadbury – Television producer and author of Chocolate Wars.

There will be an informal networking event at Friends House 6-9pm on Tuesday 15th November, the night before the conference.

For more information and to book, click here

Quakers and Business is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Freeset has just celebrated being in business for 10 years! Of course, Freeset isn’t like a familiar business. Freeset is a business with a double bottom line. You may well ask what we mean. At Freeset, success isn’t just measured by turning a profit. Success is measured by lives changed and opportunities for Freedom offered. Profits are used to create more opportunities for freedom and women who have been trafficked are given genuine choices and chances in life. We’re a business with a difference!

Last year Freeset made 175,000 bags and 42,000 T-Shirts and now employs nearly 200 women. Many of these women have been trafficked and all exploited through prostitution with little freedom to change. Through the work of Freeset things are different and trafficked women how have choice.

We think the best way to celebrate 10 years is to hear the voices of those who have been at the heart of the journey – the wonderful women at Freeset…….

“The difference between the jobs offered by Freeset and any other jobs is the women in the line are considered totally untouchable to any other employer in our society.  We are not even considered regular human beings.  In contrast to that Freeset is providing identity to these women by offering them jobs.  So Freeset is more about freedom than just a mere job.”  -Mena

The day I got my first salary was the most memorable day of my life. That day I chose the path to freedom.” -Kundula

“When I was in line and when I used to get a lot of money (though irregularly), I never had any planning or had no intention of saving.  But after working here and getting used to drawing a regular salary, I have learned how to keep a balance between things and how to save.” – Bebe

“Freeset is very significant to me.  It is a place for freedom…..Freeset is for all the women in the line.  This is the only place for their freedom.  Whoever is not in the line can get a job anywhere but the women in line have no opportunity to get a decent job.”  -Santosh

“I never look back to the life I had before.  I am a free person now.” -Janat

“I wish all the women in line could get freedom by coming here. I want Freeset to grow more.”-Sandiya

“When we come to Freeset we feel like it is our family. I can’t wait to come to work when I’m at home.” -Mena

www.freesetbags.co.uk

Freeset is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Greenhouse PR have named Linda Moss, of Organic Places to Stay as their Eco Hero for September.

“The reason why we love Linda is that she has been passionate about organic holidays for the last 12 years – working her socks off to produce a wonderful guide and website and never giving up – despite difficulties along the way. The outcome is a wonderful guide with truly wonderful organic places to stay.” says the Greenhouse PR website.

Greenhouse PR asked Linda a series of questions to reveal the inspirational woman behind the Organic Places to Stay website and book, and you can read the full article on the Greenhouse PR website.  Here is a snippet:

1. What inspires you?

What inspires me is the dedication that drives some people to act on their own initiative and who have the courage to support something they believe in. The hard working people who run the businesses I promote on my website are all examples of this.

2. What makes you angry?

What makes me angry is the way we’ve been duped into thinking it’s okay to go into the supermarket to fill our trolleys with processed foodstuffs rather than to eat real natural food.

3. If you were Prime Minister, what would be the first thing you’d change?

If I were Prime Minister, the first thing I would change is the way our food is produced and promoted. I would make a stand against the big food companies, ban all additives and promote the idea that food should be wholesome and unadulterated.

4. Can individuals really make a difference?

Throughout history, there are examples of how an idea that starts with an individual quickly spreads to other individuals and generates a process of change. Today, we have the power of the internet so it’s much easier for individuals to communicate with each other about the differences they would like to see.

5. What is your personal mission?

My personal mission is to try to raise awareness about the importance of organic food. It is a fundamental notion that healthy food equals healthy people. It has become my life’s work to promote the principles of eating organically, not as a lifestyle choice for the few but as a basic right of access to nutritious food for all of us.

Get the rest here.

As the creative industries struggle to re-define their boundaries, Life Size Media, a specialist communications agency, has done it differently from the beginning.

Recently, there has been much talk of a changing tide across the communications industries. With digital agencies, design gurus and media planners moving in on public relations’ territory, agencies are being forced into non-traditional spaces. And as client’s budgets tighten, the demand for specialist industry knowledge grows; calling into question the generalist foundation on which today’s PR ‘gurus’ built their careers.

Life Size Media, who last week celebrated their first birthday, takes a different approach.

The company’s unique structure of ‘campaigns’ (PR and social media) and ‘projects’ (film production, websites, design and branding) challenges traditional models, offering clients the complete spectrum of communications within one agency.

Alisa Murphy, founding director of Life Size Media, explained: “Companies are struggling to find the resources and time to juggle working with lots of different agencies. At Life Size Media we aim to operate like an internal department, offering our clients a multi-pronged, consistent and creative approach.”

And it’s not just their structure that makes Life Size Media different. By choosing to work with companies within the low-carbon, clean tech and sustainability sectors, the team are fast becoming experts in the sectors they are passionate about.

“Solving energy and climate change is the issue of our generation; for the communications industry that presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” commented Emma Murphy, founding director of Life Size Media.

She continued: “All too often, the stories of the scientists, engineers and innovators developing means of seeking answers to that challenge aren’t heard. Our clients know that we are just as passionate as they are about changing that.”

With public opinion shifting in favour of low-carbon, and the communication industry reinventing itself, the time has come for specialised, adaptable agencies to come into their own.

Life Size Media is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more