The OnP column: News, views and inspiration

Joe Murphy (Oct ’14) shares this fortnight’s highlights from the social enterprise scene, plus some insider news from the On Purpose programme.

June 1st -7th was UK Volunteers week, which celebrated the contribution volunteers make across the country and internationally. Check out the On Purpose blog for some insights from seasoned volunteer Rachel Ibbott who is using the opportunity give something back, meet the people working on either side of the front line and learning lots in the process.

Big Venture Challenge announced the winners of its 2015 competition. 40 enterprises, ranging from pedal powered baristas to crafty designers turning landfill waste into bespoke furniture, have all been given 365 days of BV nurturing to secure investment and accelerate their growth.

The Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, spoke at the Social Enterprise Summit in Inverness, highlighting the “colossal role” social enterprise had to play in ensuring that nobody was to be left behind in Scotland’s economic growth. Only time will tell how this will play out but good news for those working north of the border.

Internationally, the Stanford Social Review published a report showing the growing percentage of non-profit board positions being taken up by finance professionals. According to the article this rise is a response to ‘philanthrocapitalism’ as donors look to combine business and charitable objectives. It seems that striking this balance is becoming increasingly important as organisations react to investors placing more scrutiny on impact measurement and financial management.

Finally last weekend was the On Purpose fellow’s weekend. By the sound of things, this consisted of an (unexpectedly) long hike, an impromptu improvisation workshop and some late night philanthropy training. What an energetic bunch, eh? All this and not a glass of red wine in sight…