Recently in ambassadors Category
A representative group of social enterprise ambassadors wrote into the Guardian the other week, to respond to a government committee's findings that the third sector's added value for public services was difficult to see currently ("The assumption that charities and social enterprises will provide distinctive services is far from proven" etc). The full text of the letter can be read here, and includes the following:
Meanwhile, in broadcast news, Ambassador Matt Kepple appeared on Dragon's Den on BBC2 this week, pitching for an idea related to a graduates social networking project. Very edited highlights only, unfortunately, but Matt looked cool under pressure, if disappointed at not getting the investment he wanted.
"For those of us at the frontline, it is already clear that commissioners are voting with their feet. Ultimately, social enterprises offer more for their money. This is no soft or woolly promise"Quite, and the ambassadors' credibility (and good evaluative data) lends strength to their case here.
before giving examples (Sunlight Development Trust, Novas Scarman), and ending with:
"Maybe the Commons public administration select committee should wake up and smell the fair-trade coffee?"
Meanwhile, in broadcast news, Ambassador Matt Kepple appeared on Dragon's Den on BBC2 this week, pitching for an idea related to a graduates social networking project. Very edited highlights only, unfortunately, but Matt looked cool under pressure, if disappointed at not getting the investment he wanted.
All the ambassadors are meeting up next week to look back (briefly) at year one, and to concentrate on the concrete tasks to move year two (and three) forward. From a partner organisation's point of view, it's been a year of learning and evolving...and of outcomes we hadn't expected.
What's been interesting to me is that the programme has unfolded a little like a School for Social Entrepreneurs programme: the ambassadors get out what they (and the partners) put in; success looks different for different people; some outcomes are what you hoped and some are unintended; the cohort helps shape and design the programme (depending on their needs, skills, interests, areas of work etc)...and so on.
Generally, I think the programme has achieved much of what was hoped: creating a set of different and diverse ambassadors, who can promote and act as role models for the movement; ambassadors are authentic, credible practitioners; speaking opportunities to particular audiences in train (more to come here); utilise media + existing networks....and so on.
There are some great examples of this. Who would have thought, a year ago, that Craig Dearden-Phillips would be profiled in the FT, that Ken Orchard would be on Working Lunch, or that Kresse Wessling would be the British Library's social entrepreneur advisor?
There is much more to do, of course, and the programme is shaping up well for the subsequent two years with some focused campaigns (starting with More for Your Money) and some targeting of specific audiences slotting into place. Also, relationships and networks between the ambassadors are starting to build, and I think that will begin to dividend in new initiatives and co-created projects as the next two years increase.
So, a brief pat on everyone's back; now let's plough on and spread the word.
What's been interesting to me is that the programme has unfolded a little like a School for Social Entrepreneurs programme: the ambassadors get out what they (and the partners) put in; success looks different for different people; some outcomes are what you hoped and some are unintended; the cohort helps shape and design the programme (depending on their needs, skills, interests, areas of work etc)...and so on.
Generally, I think the programme has achieved much of what was hoped: creating a set of different and diverse ambassadors, who can promote and act as role models for the movement; ambassadors are authentic, credible practitioners; speaking opportunities to particular audiences in train (more to come here); utilise media + existing networks....and so on.
There are some great examples of this. Who would have thought, a year ago, that Craig Dearden-Phillips would be profiled in the FT, that Ken Orchard would be on Working Lunch, or that Kresse Wessling would be the British Library's social entrepreneur advisor?
There is much more to do, of course, and the programme is shaping up well for the subsequent two years with some focused campaigns (starting with More for Your Money) and some targeting of specific audiences slotting into place. Also, relationships and networks between the ambassadors are starting to build, and I think that will begin to dividend in new initiatives and co-created projects as the next two years increase.
So, a brief pat on everyone's back; now let's plough on and spread the word.
So Chris Allwood's mystery guest turned out to be the Queen, no less! Clearly a keen eBayer, her majesty was keen to check out how AuctionMyStuff worked its magic.
Social enterprise royalty is Muhammad Yunus, and there's a great interview (transcript) by ambassador Liam Black with rich pickings for those interested in this movement. In other Liam-related news, his new initiative Wavelength is also ramping up into gear. Check it out here.
Later this month, Craig Dearden-Phillips will be launching his new book, Your Chance to Change the World: promoting the movement in print as well as in person....
More soon....
Social enterprise royalty is Muhammad Yunus, and there's a great interview (transcript) by ambassador Liam Black with rich pickings for those interested in this movement. In other Liam-related news, his new initiative Wavelength is also ramping up into gear. Check it out here.
Later this month, Craig Dearden-Phillips will be launching his new book, Your Chance to Change the World: promoting the movement in print as well as in person....
More soon....
Big news for a couple of ambassadors over the past week or two. First up, Craig Dearden-Phillips' Speaking Up were one of five organisations chosen by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to receive part of a £27m fund to deliver services to young people. You can read a bit about Craig's reaction to that in his post about Kids Company over on his Naked Entrepreneur blog.
That's one bottom line-related piece of news. In another, ambassador Sophi Tranchell featured last Saturday on Radio 4's business programme, The Bottom Line. You can listen to the programme here and it's particularly interesting to hear the differences (and commonalities) of approach that the three chief execs have, particularly in relation to shareholdings and ownership (with Divine Chocolate being 45% owned by its co-operative in Ghana, the AGMs can be a little different....). Well worth a listen, and good to see the movement represented on a mainstream business programme.
That's one bottom line-related piece of news. In another, ambassador Sophi Tranchell featured last Saturday on Radio 4's business programme, The Bottom Line. You can listen to the programme here and it's particularly interesting to hear the differences (and commonalities) of approach that the three chief execs have, particularly in relation to shareholdings and ownership (with Divine Chocolate being 45% owned by its co-operative in Ghana, the AGMs can be a little different....). Well worth a listen, and good to see the movement represented on a mainstream business programme.
Most of the Ambassadors were out in force at Voice 08 last week; Reed shared a stage with Francis Maude MP from the Conservatives, Tokunbo and Saeeda starred in a breakout session, whilst Ken was singled out by Phil Hope (Minister for Third Sector) for praise in his videoed speech. And a special mention for Peter's shoes at the reception....
In other snippets, check out Nigel Kershaw in this podcast on social firms, straight-talking as ever; and see also this news item on more success and expansion for Daniel Heery and Cybermoor.
In other snippets, check out Nigel Kershaw in this podcast on social firms, straight-talking as ever; and see also this news item on more success and expansion for Daniel Heery and Cybermoor.
Welcome to the Social Enterprise Ambassadors blogs. Here you can read the latest unvarnished views and opinions of the ambassadors, as they go through the programme: promoting and spreading the social enterprise word. It's also a place where you can comment, start a conversation, have dialogue, pose questions, cause debate...and so on.
What marks this group of social entrepreneurs out is their passion and personality, as much as their achievements and track record. These blogs are simply intended for them to have a platform to communicate that passion directly. It's that simple.
Each ambassador will be contributing, so keep an eye out for regular updates, or sign up to the feed.
What marks this group of social entrepreneurs out is their passion and personality, as much as their achievements and track record. These blogs are simply intended for them to have a platform to communicate that passion directly. It's that simple.
Each ambassador will be contributing, so keep an eye out for regular updates, or sign up to the feed.
