Campaign launched to educate boards about social investment
Free support and information about social investment is now available to charity and social enterprise board members through a campaign called Get Informed.
Get Informed is an initiative by Big Society Capital, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and others to help board members understand the risks and opportunities of social investment. It covers organisations that are considering becoming recipients of social investments as well as charities and foundations that may become social investors themselves.
It is important that boards better understand the various options available and explore whether social investment can support their charitable mission
Geetha Rabindrakumar, head of social sector engagement at Big Society Capital, said: “We consistently hear that charity and social enterprise boards need more support if they are to engage meaningfully with alternative funding models. Get Informed is our response to help address this.”
The campaign follows the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act which received Royal Assent earlier this year and which gives charities new statutory powers to make social investments. The Charity Commission has also recently updated its investment guidance to reflect the new legislation.
Additionally, research from the Association of Chairs and the Charity Commission in recent years has revealed that board members need better support.
Free workshops, resources and more
Get Informed offers free practical support, guidance and information via events and workshops, resources and materials about social investment, peer-to-peer networks, board-facilitated sessions and mentors.
Azlina Bulmer, vice-chair of The Works Charity and one of the campaign representatives, said: “Social investment has provided us with the working capital needed to grow and meet the needs of the charity.
“Whilst it might not be right for every organisation, it is important that boards better understand the various options available and explore whether social investment can support their charitable mission.”
The other organisations involved include Trustees Unlimited, the Association of chairs, the Honorary Treasurers Forum, Reach Volunteers and Cass Centre for Charity Excellence. It is supported by Social Enterprise UK, NAVCA, Locality, New Philanthropy Capital and NCVO.
