Social Network for RSA Fellows
Leveraging the skills behind the glass: How far can corporate volunteering help social entrepreneurs?
When it comes to corporate social responsibility, and the desire on the part of companies to make a positive impact in the world, starting at home, there is a secret weapon that all companies possess, but few, if any, take full advantage. The secret weapon is called employee passion.
The power of this force cannot be overestimated. The quest for meaning, is perhaps the central hunger in modern industrial society. And more often than not, that hunger expresses itself, not just in a quest for personal meaning, but for meaning in a context that is greater than one’s self.
Give What You're Good At matches passions and skill-sets. Could someone from the private sector help you and in ways that fall outside our solution library?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Wray Irwin on -
I agree, the skills in the private sector can provide a valuable resource to social enterprises! However there are significant barriers which limit the impact... In many cases these barriers stem from the fact that volunteering is seen as CSR, and therefore not always seen as a priority by the company... Line managers can see it as an annoyance and something that get in the way of running the business, and limit employee involvement, or the company would rather get involved in the planting a tree type volunteering which gives good pictures for the annual report. In addition not all social enterprises are ready to utilise corporate volunteering fully, due to capacity, existing skills, or lack of planning.
These problems are not insurmountable, and those arrangements I have brokered with private companies that have had impact have been seen in the wiider context of staff development, and skills transfer; whiich is planned and supported fully for mutual benefit. This all takes time in relationship building as well as inducting staff and business owners in the ethos of the social enterprise so the they understand that whilst the money is important it's not the main focus...it's more than matching, it's collaborating and coproducing.
There are millions of pounds worth of skills resources available in the private sector... Any approach which opens this up in a more sustainable and impact full way is to be welcomed. -
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Permalink Reply by Ami A G Bloomer on -
Interesting points Wray. I'd love to know what you think about the www.givewhatyouregoodat.co.uk proposition? We have tried to remove nearly all of the barriers you describe. We work with 15 of the FTSE 100 and hope to extend the concept further.
Wray Irwin said:I agree, the skills in the private sector can provide a valuable resource to social enterprises! However there are significant barriers which limit the impact... In many cases these barriers stem from the fact that volunteering is seen as CSR, and therefore not always seen as a priority by the company... Line managers can see it as an annoyance and something that get in the way of running the business, and limit employee involvement, or the company would rather get involved in the planting a tree type volunteering which gives good pictures for the annual report. In addition not all social enterprises are ready to utilise corporate volunteering fully, due to capacity, existing skills, or lack of planning.
These problems are not insurmountable, and those arrangements I have brokered with private companies that have had impact have been seen in the wiider context of staff development, and skills transfer; whiich is planned and supported fully for mutual benefit. This all takes time in relationship building as well as inducting staff and business owners in the ethos of the social enterprise so the they understand that whilst the money is important it's not the main focus...it's more than matching, it's collaborating and coproducing.
There are millions of pounds worth of skills resources available in the private sector... Any approach which opens this up in a more sustainable and impact full way is to be welcomed. -
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Permalink Reply by Henry Massingale on -
One thing people fear, is to trust again, to allow them self to become involved in Social Networks, but I am of fair play, so i have watched this site for some time now and I do wish to know more of what you offer, but I can not give this site a rating until I know more of what you are about and what it is you wish to truly share.
I find this site of interest....
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Permalink Reply by Ami A G Bloomer on
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Have you considered our testimonials Henry? They should give you an idea of what we offer.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Tucker on -
Hi Ami
Interesting discussion!
I hope you can make it to our next breakfast at the end of June - 9am in the Gerard Bar on 29th June. We'll be discussing the proposition for young people and gaining them work experience from different organisations. Hope to meet you then.
Sarah
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Review of RSA Fellowship nings, social networks
Over the next few months the RSAde Group will be consolidating regional social networks and nings.
The aim will be to improve connectivity for Fellows, improve communication and reduce fragmentation.
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