Harvard Business Review, no less.

Flicking through one of many emails today I came across this 

"Management Tip of the Day" from the Harvard Business Review. 

I am not suggesting changing your job, but Volunteering is a means of getting experience you may not be able to achieve in your current role.

Trust yourself, you have so much more to give.

"It's impossible to know if you'll really like a career direction until you try it. To avoid costly mistakes — and wasting your energy — take a test-drive. If you can spare nights or weekends, or afford to go without a paycheck for a short period, try volunteering. Offer to help out at an organization or assist an entrepreneur who's working in the field you think you want to get into. It will allow you to network with people in your target career, build new skills, and enhance your resume — all of which will make you an attractive candidate if you eventually decide to apply for jobs in that field. You can even volunteer in your current job. Step up for committees and cross-functional projects that allow you to build connections in different departments. It might feel strange at first to work for another part of your company, but you'll be compensated with a broader internal network and added experience."

Yes Minister!

I have delayed my latest update to allow for the inclusion of an event I supported last week, attended by Nick Hurd MP, Cabinet Office Minister. During the visit Nick met one of my current connections appropriately entitled "Canal Connections", more about that enterprise later.
Nick is rather involved in the programme, as his office funded the initial pilot for Business Connectors and so is very proud of how it is growing and developing. Not only that but he is supporting Business in the Community's drive to recruit more connectors.
You can read more about the visit at http://www.bitc.org.uk/news-events/news/minister-calls-more-businesses-yorkshire-humber-support-their-local-communities

For anyone from Lloyds reading this then you can find out more at http://lbg.intranet.group/corporateresponsibility/business_connectors/default.shtm, otherwise, have a look at http://www.bitc.org.uk/programmes/business-connectors to understand how to get involved and/or support the local connector.


Retail Ready People is a programme run via The Retail Trust and provides a skills development programme for young people aged 16-25 from all backgrounds with a bespoke training programme, which culminates in them running their own shop for a month. The next two are in Leeds and Rochdale and I am working with them to support some of their needs around Marketing and Merchandising.
From the marketing angle, we are being supported by Brass Agency http://www.brassagency.com/who are based in Headingley and have such a broad range of experience that the young people will be able to understand how brands are created, supported and they get their message across.
The Merchandising support is coming from one of the UK's main youth brands JD Sports Fashion, which includes the likes of Scotts, Bank, Nicholas Deakin and many more. Paul Clarke the Head of Visual Merchandising has personally agreed to lead this and will showcase his background, how JD "do it" and help support and challenge the young people with their projects.

Canal Connections
I mentioned Canal Connections above and Nick Hurd's visit helped us showcase an awful lot of work by some very dedicated people. I am very proud of what they are building and the potential vision is to "enable young people to achieve their true potential using the waterways". To make this a reality we need to develop a robust and meaningful plan and that is where I have spent a lot of time with the principal behind the social enterprise Trevor Roberts. So many of our towns and cities are close to waterways and Trevor and others are seeking to capitalise on this.
Earlier today I met up with Hilton Hotels, who are interested in how they can support Trevor and it is another example of a business trying to do the right thing. This could be something we could link throughout the UK, but let's make it work in Leeds first!

A presentation entitled "Building the Social Economy through the Waterways" will be taking place at the Moyes Centre in Seacroft, Leeds on the 19 March and for anyone interested in finding out more then please click the following link http://canalconnections2013.eventbrite.co.uk/

Staying Connected
Access to the Internet is so important and for some this is not straight forward. This could be that they don't have access to the right equipment, cannot afford the cost of the service or are not confident to use the hardware.
LS14 Digital Lounge offers a friendly drop in service in Seacroft and Nic and Jo who run the lounge, really do engage and make a difference in their community. So when I found out that 3 of their machines had broken and could not be repaired, I made a request for replacements. Within no time David Clugston from Clugston Group came up trumps and has donated a number of second hand PC's that will help maintain the service Nic and Jo provide. Thanks to all at Clugstons.

SHOES
We have now agreed a framework with the primary schools involved and the retailer to provide a small range for boys and girls (5-11) to ensure that none of the children should have to go to school without the right footwear. Thank you to Michael Ziff from Barratts for his support and Louise Walker from the Seacroft and Manston Resource Team, who will be administering the scheme.

School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)
I have mentioned the SSE before but the next round of applications closes in April, so if you have an idea that can help your community then have a look. Best of all, it is free. http://www.the-sse.org/schools/26/lloyds-banking-group-social-entrepreneurs-programme


Apprentice Training Agency
This is new to Leeds and backed by the council and City Region. I have started to try and connect them, but if you are a business that would be interested in a new approach to Apprenticeships, then you should consider the ATA.
The ATA is all about getting the right apprentice for you, but they will take care of the HR and payroll, as well as the apprentice being on their headcount until the end of their programme or when you have a permanent role for them. More information can be found at http://www.ataleeds.co.uk/


And finally...
No two days are ever the same in this role and with respect to Gary Larson's genius I have included this cartoon of his, but whilst sometimes we know just how the dinosaur feels we can all make so much difference in our communities. 

By going the extra mile we can and do make a huge difference. If you have done something to help or will be doing so shortly you have earned the right to feel good about it. Tell as many people as you can and encourage them to think about getting involved. Someone somewhere will be really grateful.

Thanks for reading.



.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Some time back I mentioned LS14 Trust and Fixers.com. Well it has all culminated in a TV appearance. Don't worry not me, but a really inspiring young man called Curtis Boyian.

Its on air on ITV News Calendar from 6pm on the 7 February. More information can also be reviewed at http://www.fixers.org.uk/news/5737-11208/bullying-film-on-itv.php

Really pleased for Curtis, LS14 trust and well done to Kate Vaks at Fixers.org

Ladders, not snakes!

 

Ladders, not snakes!

Well the last of the turkey recipes have been exhausted, the family get-togethers are complete and consigned to fond memories, so we all move on with the realities of everyday life in 2013.

For many in the business world the race was hard run in 2012, hopefully it was positive for you but you would have to be rather myopic not to have noticed some of the ongoing issues many faced. The “knock on effect” is felt far from the factory gate’s and as we move quickly through January we must action what we say we will do or they become another unwelcome addition to what “could have been”.

From a Business Connector perspective it has all begun reasonably well. The Turnaround Foundation confirmed their support for the David Young Community Academy and will be funding a sport/employment program, which we hope in due course will become a fixture. In addition by working closely with the council leisure services, we are hopeful of announcing a key program for the same area which will show how public/private partnerships can benefit all. Watch this space.

Lorien plc has agreed to work with the council, East North East Homes and West Yorkshire Police to take on a new apprentice and we hope this model can be expanded to further companies in Leeds. A special thank you on this goes to Claire Middleton and Ruth Gorman for supporting this very worthy and hopefully productive initiative. From the council side Rory, Clare and Sarah have ensured this will become a reality.

We have also had success with Paperworks a charity I have mentioned previously, where a request for specialist support was responded to by John Watmough and we are hoping his expertise and passion will help the charity attain more work to continue and extend their services.

 Localism Act

Does anyone know what it is? I didn’t, but it turns out to be one of those unheralded pieces of legislation that could impact on your community in some really positive ways. 

Of real interest is the “Community Right to Bid” where every town, village or neighbourhood is home to buildings or amenities that play a vital role in local life. They might include community centres, libraries, swimming pools, village shops, markets or pubs. Local life would not be the same without them, and if they are closed or sold into private use, it can be a real loss to the community.

In many places across the country, when local amenities have been threatened with sale or closure, community groups have taken them over. In some cases, however, community groups who have attempted to take assets over have faced significant challenges. They often need more time to organise a bid and raise money than the private enterprises bidding against them. The Localism Act requires local authorities to maintain a list of assets of community value which have been nominated by the local community. When listed assets come up for sale or change of ownership, the Act then gives community groups the time to develop a bid and raise the money to bid to buy the asset when it comes on the open market. This will help local communities keep much-loved sites in public use and part of local life.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/5959/1896534.pdf

Passing on your experience

In my numerous meetings there are often common themes running through them which are broadly jobs, job training and interview skills. In an ideal world there would be easy answer to the first but sadly there isn’t. The second and third however we can do a bit more about.

I am reaching out to anyone who thinks they could help me set up an Interview skills workshop. There are several community groups who have already shown interest and I have a few willing and very able HR Managers from Lloyds willing to get involved, but I would like you to think about if you can help or who you know and ask them.

The complaint from a prominent politician was that “they should get on their bike”, well if we can support the learning and provide a little direction then they may well find the destination far quicker.

Please do let me know if you think you could help in any way.

Speed dating or was it networking?

I would like to say a huge thank you to Mark Goldstone of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce for looking after me at their latest “Pure Networking” event at Elland Road. Great spread of businesses and rest assured entrepreneurship is alive and well if this lot are anything to go by.

Printers, Jewellers, Telecoms, Social Media, Lawyers, Accountants, Security, Design, and Furniture to name just a few of the areas covered.

If you need a job doing price and reputation are always key, but ask yourself could you use a local company to help? They are often in the same price bracket, very reputable and as they are local you are helping the local community.

Thanks for reading and if there is anything you would like me to consider including next time, then please get in touch.

Shaun

Don’t put off till tomorrow...

 

Don’t put off till tomorrow...

With that in mind, I have decided I need to update the blog or it will be 2013 and my fledgling writing career will be somewhat stillborn!

When I began this secondment, I had a brief on what the role was and an area in which to work. Past that there really have not been that many ground rules, which at first I thought was really emancipating but quickly realised I was more of a creature of habit than I may have proclaimed.

Having a sense of purpose and direction is so very important and that is probably why so many of us crave belonging. For some it will be a sports club, choir, book club etc, but for most of us it is our workplace that provides so much. The sense of community I have been lucky enough to enjoy in several locations and the connections that develop, many of which are sustained for decades help us all complete the picture of who we are. This focus is something we all take for granted and it’s this that I would like to take a little time to consider.

Our education system is focused on trying to ensure that all our young people attain 5 A-C GCSE’s, which for most makes sense and allows them to continue education or enter the workplace with at least a basic grounding which will serve them well in the future. The conundrum comes where we have young people whose learning style is not typically Maths and English. So they may not get the GCSE’s; feel disenfranchised and fall out of the future pool of potential employees.

Ok, you say, but that is the system and so you do your best. Well in part I agree, I was never the best student but my parents and grandparents imbued a sense of purpose in my siblings and I and a strong work ethic that got me through the difficult periods. Now I hope I have passed this on to my children and seek to support others were appropriate. The difficulty comes when there isn’t a role model or a reason to do the homework, maybe no history of employment or possibly there are long term “other” issues within the family.

So what can we do? Well over the past four months I have met some amazing people, who are seeking to support various groups in our communities (and yes some communities are better at helping themselves than others) but can we utilise your skills and capabilities to greater effect? 

Well for those of you that are Lloyds Bank employees you may want to circle May 17^th in your diaries, as that is the “Give and Gain Day” for the Group. If your local team resources allow, you may be able to spread that time across a number of different activities not just one 8 hour slot. If you are planning to take advantage of the time provided, yet don’t have a charity or community organisation to work with then let me know and I will connect groups who will really benefit from your time and expertise. 

Better still let me have the names of three businesses that we can get involved in our wider community. By the way, don’t worry if it is outside Leeds (many of the recipients will be) as there are connectors springing up in more and more places.

Parish Notice!

I wanted to say a few thank you’s to people who are looking to make a real difference.

Firstly, The Turnaround Foundation, supported by Endless have agreed to support a Talent ID programme based at the David Young Community Academy, as well as getting involved mentoring some of the students and staff to help support continued professional development. This is a huge outcome for all at DYCA and the result of many months of discussions and the kind indulgence of Chris Clegg.

Secondly, I won’t name him, but wish to thank the MD of a very well known Yorkshire based business who has agreed to support a project called OIL (Opportunities Inspiring Learning). They will seek to guide the people running the project, help with destinations for those going through the programme and allow students of the project to visits their sites.

Last but by no means least; I have been seeking support with the provision of school shoes. One of our business community has come forward to help and we are now working out how best to do this, so that the appropriate primary schools can be helped and that it is handled in the most delicate manner.

Thank you to you all.

The Big Lottery

The Business Connector programme is supported by a grant of up to £4.8m over the next 5 years and last week, I got the opportunity to talk to a wider audience about the programme and what the connectors are involved in.

There were presentations from a broad range of charities including one that I felt deserved mention. It is called “Pub is the Hub” http://www.pubisthehub.org.uk/ . Their vision is about matching community priorities to new services which can be provided by great licensees in their pubs. It’s about bringing interested groups and organisations together, often for the first time, to meet common goals and help local initiatives take place.

In Kind Direct (IKD)

I mentioned this a little while ago briefly and the dynamo of an MD Robin rang me to ask if I could say a little more and really help you all understand what working with them can mean. 

Well here goes. IKD work with an increasing number of manufacturers and retailers were they enable to redistribution of slow moving or discontinued lines. They only charge an administration fee for providing them. Have a look at this video as they operate nationwide. http://www.inkinddirect.org/IKDvideo_3m57s . 

If you are a manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer then why not think about clearing that valuable warehouse space and letting In Kind Direct help lots of people.

Thanks for reading and remember don’t wait to get it done!

Shaun

Half Term already?

Striking the right balance or at least trying to

I often comment about where the time has gone, not having done what I had wanted and regrets yes I have had a few! My time with Business in the Community (BITC) has been hectic and the last 4 weeks has been no different, but most definitely in a positive way. I continue to meet some great people who are working in quite difficult situations with ever decreasing amounts of money, but somehow they don’t appear to be downbeat.

As many of you will know I can be a little single minded at times and yes stubborn, but selfish? Over the past few months I have been lucky enough to be operating in a totally different environment and I have been allowed time to review what I did, how I did it and what I might change if my time machine invention ever comes to fruition!

At a recent event at Lloyds Bank’s offices at Lovell Park in Leeds, along with my BITC colleagues         Jo Crossley and Michael Harvey we were determined to try and increase the participation amongst the Lloyds teams there. We left with approaching 100 people having committed to some form of activity and many more at least having acknowledged that they will think about it.

That said there were a number who suggested a lack of time or their “day job” stopped them.  Most of us are so busy trying to keep up with the job and provide for our families that we don’t see it as selfish and I don’t know the circumstances of the people I met, but my question is how often have I used the same excuse, convinced myself that my current project or meeting is so much more important than what I could be doing? If you can find the time take a quick look at Umair Haque’s blog http://blogs.hbr.org/haque/2012/10/making_the_choice_between_mone.html and let me know what you think.

Another day another great contact

Not sure how many people will be thinking of decorating the spare room or their football club or even your local school needs a lick of paint, but if that is you and you are in Leeds then you may want to look up Seagulls Reuse. This is a great little social enterprise run by two very dynamic ladies called Cat and Kate. They recycle paint from numerous Leeds City Council centres and sort the good stuff and then sell it on. There are numerous benefits, firstly they sell the paint from £1.50 per litre, secondly they have managed to employ a small but hearty band of people (freezing cold building by the way, only just thawed out!) and finally considerably less paint has to be disposed of. If you would like to know more then look them up on www.seagullsreuse.org.uk

If you are not in Leeds but like the idea of Local Paint resources then you can check via www.communityrepaint.org.uk  to see if there is a centre near you.

Imagine, it is 10.30 and you are feeling peckish, what next? 

A) Get a Mars bar from the vending machine (personal favourite!);

B) Start on your lunch early; or

 C) Contact Reds Larder.

The answer is C!

Why? Well Reds Larder (www.redslarder.com) is a new social enterprise I am working with who have been founded through a charity called Foundation. The people you will be helping by buying from Reds Larder are ex-homeless, ex-offenders or sometimes people who seem to have been left behind and are struggling to get back into any kind of job or training. Foundations programmes including Reds Larder are aimed at getting them to take ownership and to help with rebuilding their lives.

From only £3.69 you can enjoy some really healthy little snacks and if it is a sugar rush that is the order of the day after all then jelly babies and dolly mixtures are available! By the way some friends and I busily demolished the free sample provided.

Getting a Social Enterprise off the ground

How to get funding for any business is often the entrepreneur’s biggest challenge. Yes there are loads of great bankers out there only too willing to help, but how do you crystallise the idea, what will things costs and if you don’t have much money to start with, how do you get going?

Last week I attended a really interesting meeting by Unltd Ventures hosted by DLA in Leeds, discussing this very subject and there were also a number of entrepreneur’s that had made it and private equity houses solely dedicated to this marketplace. I have to say I didn’t know there was a market, but there is and it is alive and doing quite nicely.

If you want to know more look at www.unltd.org.uk

What next?

I have teamed up the collective skills and energy of Nic Greenan of LS14 trust and Kate Vaks at Fixers and so I am hoping they will make me a star! Failing this we are looking at getting some of the 16-24 age groups in Seacroft working together and sorting out their own problems. If it works then they may get an opportunity to be showcased on Local ITV news. No pressure Kate!

I am attending the next Leeds Chamber First Thursday meeting and would like to thank John Wells for his support. The PR piece is coming soon John!

And finally…

“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” Henry Ford

Thanks for reading.

Shaun

The Size of the Prize.

The Size of the Prize!

The Olympics have gone, but left most of us with a huge amount of pride and not just in our athletes. The way people were during the games has been talked and written about a lot, so I won’t cover that ground again but I would ask that you read the following paragraphs and think about how proud you were when so many of our Paralympic and Olympic stars achieved such amazing feats, as well as the tens of thousands of volunteers that helped to make it what it was and what we can do when we come together for a common purpose.

In the previous weeks, I have told you about the journey so far, mainly positive but a few false starts. So the last few weeks have been about how to start drawing the strands together and getting to the people who work in our communities, as well as understanding what the need really is and what it will take to get individuals and businesses involved.

Shortly after returning from holiday, I had the honour of being asked to be a panellist for the School for Social Entrepreneurs event in Leeds www.the-sse.org/ . This is a third sector organisation set up in 1997 with the aim of supporting social entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to utilise their talents for the betterment of others. Lloyds are also sponsors and there are two programmes called “Start up” and “Scale up”, each is structured to support a business into being and then developing. We eventually chose 17 businesses that would go through the training and in due course also potentially receive up to £4,000 in funding. The breadth of those pitching was incredible. An ex social worker who is now teaching yoga in deprived communities, an ex-offender who has now graduated in law and using his experience to try to act as a force for good and in turn reduce re-offending, plus many more inspirational people who often need a mentor or guide as much as the money.

This week I visited a social enterprise printer called “Paperworks”. They are currently only in Harrogate, but will be opening a new office in Killingbeck which will see them offer their services to a broader geographic base. Essentially, Paperworks offer printing and fulfilment services and work in conjunction with many local printers were the print runs are uneconomic for them, or the work has to be completed manually and cost precludes them. Paperworks main aim is to provide work preparation training and support to adults with learning, physical and mental health related difficulties. www.paperworks.org.uk

But don’t think just because the word "Social" is added that making money is not important. In fact it is now more important than ever, particularly in view of the cuts in many of the local, regional and national funding programmes. The difference is that profit or someone’s ability to pay is not the driving force, but it does shape their starting point. To put the resources in to some form of reality, for £2,000 they are able to take on a trainee for 12 months with the aim of training them and then helping them find appropriate work. For someone with so many difficulties to get the training and more importantly the self confidence to be able to take on jobs is really the success and measure of the programme. 

Ever thought you could do better than those people on the TV? That maybe the output doesn’t match your reality; well whilst no guarantees are given ITV Fixers are out there seeking to work with young people’s groups and schools. The subject is up to the young people and Fixers will help them shape it and potentially air it on one of the ITV Local news channels. Originally it all began in Winchester, but through the support of the National Lottery the team of co-ordinators around the country (including Kate and Marian who came to see me) listen, don’t judge but empower the projects. What is really interesting here is that the young people take to this really quickly, whether it’s the media angle or that they are being treated like adults I don’t know but I am going to take them into one of the Academies I am working with and we will see where it goes. Have a look at www.fixers.org.uk

Ok, I mentioned in the last blog about updating you on some of the projects I am starting to get involved in.

Firstly, Opportunities Inspiring Learning (OIL). OIL is a community based organisation that is seeking to provide vocational qualifications for 13 – 18 in the field of motor vehicle. Those attending will spend most of their time out of the class and in the workshop learning. Some young people don’t have strong “Maths and English” learning styles, so traditional academic studies are alien to them and this can lead to disenfranchising them, boredom and in some instances causing trouble. Being able to take them out of the class into an area where they may be able to express themselves more proactively is we hope going to be a huge step forward for them and ultimately lead to employment opportunities in due course. No pressure but if you are in this field and in Leeds and think you could help please let me know.

Secondly, FEAST. In brief many sections of the poorest communities do not get those “three square meals” a day and even the meals on wheels service provided for our elders is considered somewhat expensive for many. Therefore, two groups from community centres in Gipton and Seacroft are working on taking over the kitchens in those centres and with the help of another existing community kitchen, providing this service at a much more affordable price. In time it is hoped that this will offer employment opportunities, as well as increase the entrepreneurial skills of those involved. One professional firm is already looking at how they could provide some mentoring and professional support around market testing and financials. Sadly there is no money to pay for this advice and guidance, but I am hoping that teams will feel more engaged and enriched by helping other communities to help themselves.

Thirdly, is Internships. One very kind MD is considering at this time taking on a couple of young people from one of the cities new academies. This is an opportunity that they would not normally have open to them and again can help them to break out of what is normal and expected of them. Bright, driven young people exist in all our communities and hopefully opportunities like this will make them ambassadors for change within their area and help drive them to achieve.

Finally, one company has agreed to talk to a dozen or so young people about how they got started, what’s worked. The determination to keep going and most importantly that you, yes you can do it.
The opportunities to support change are huge. I know many of you are very heavily involved in local groups, fundraising, mentoring to name just a few things. For those who might be thinking about it, but are unsure where to start please just contact me and I will help in any way possible. You can make a huge difference.

Thank for reading and I will update you all again in a few weeks time.

Shaun