Thought Leadership

The Nelson Trust is a charity set up to support people with complex needs ranging from trauma and addiction to experiences with the criminal justice system. It has provided residential addiction rehabilitation support since 1985 - but in the mid-2000s it emerged that women in treatment centres weren’t having as good outcomes as men, leading the charity to look into their specific needs and establish a new trauma-informed gender responsive service with an all-female staff team. At the same time, a review into the female prison estate by Baroness Corston[1] found that women should be rehabilitated in the community as they tended to be serving short sentences for non-violent crimes. This enabled the Nelson Trust to win funding that led to it now running seven women’s centres across the South West and Wales. How does the Nelson Trust work with central government departments? On opening the first women’s centre, most of the Trust’s income was derived through grants, but in recent years the charity has moved into public sector tendering. The main central government department the Nelson Trust works with is the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and, through them, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The charity has also received money from the Home Office. What kind of work does the charity do with central government? In 2022, the Nelson Trust led a partnership bid with nine other organisations to work on a prison leavers pilot for a contract created by the MoJ, based at Eastwood Park in South Gloucestershire. There were no specific delivery terms, other than improving outcomes for prison leavers so the charity could use its creativity and years of experience to create an innovative way of meeting the contract. It saw that services to support women both in prison and on release were fragmented; for example, – women from Wales serving time at Eastwood Park receive NHS England care but aren’t entitled to some ‘through the gate’ services (such as ‘reconnect’ which supports prison leavers access health care services) that they would be if they lived in England, as justice is centrally funded but health is devolved across the Home Nations. It also noticed a lack of integration meant women often had to share trauma-inducing stories repeatedly to different organisations, and so wanted to join up the system. As Christina Line, Chief Operating Officer at the Nelson Trust, states: “One woman told us she’d been asked if she was pregnant nine times through her induction into the prison. We wanted to co-ordinate a package of support so that a woman has one lead keyworker, has to tell her story once, has one assessment, we all work from one case management system and we broker in the other support services as she needs them.” The Nelson Trust led the work in partnership with other organisations including housing providers, organisations supporting women to re-unite and maintain ties with their children, a substance misuse specialist, and a domestic violence support provider. Prison officers also worked to bring women into the centre and aid systemic work within the prison for internal processes to be trauma-informed. Central to the whole project was one case management system, which all organisations could log into, preventing women having to tell their stories over and over again. This new system was funded as a pilot programme for 15 months and is currently being externally evaluated. Initial data from the project is showing that, as a result of this intervention, the rates of women going back into prison have significantly reduced. What were the benefits to the MoJ of delivering this contract? Christina Line believes that a core benefit of working with the Nelson Trust is the savings that such an approach to criminal justice and the wider system brings to the public purse. It costs the government around £1,500[2] to rehabilitate a woman through the Nelson Trust, but the cost of sending someone to prison is around £46,696 a year.[3] The way the charity is set up means that “we don’t close the door on women, and our support will continue long after the MoJ have finished paying”. The holistic help provided - from supporting people out of addiction and disadvantage to support finding work - also means that they are reducing costs in other ways, such as welfare benefits or ambulance and police call-outs. Christina says the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) is markedly different from larger profit-driven service providers in its dedication to “get on with the job”, explaining that “people work because they want to make an impact”. What top tips do you have for VCSEs looking to work with government? Christina believes that initiatives such as the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme are “essential” to support organisations. She emphasised the importance of partnership working, especially opportunities to collaborate with larger organisations. The Nelson Trust also looked to build strong relationships with commissioning organisations, inviting the MoJ’s female offending policy team to its sites and offering feedback on strategy announcements. Based on a conversation with Christina Line, Chief Operating Officer at the Nelson Trust nelsontrust.com [1] https://www.nicco.org.uk/directory-of-research/the-corston-report [2] What the Nelson Trust are paid on their contract annually [3] https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/prison_the_facts_2023.pdf

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Our new research with the University of Worcester compares the registration and dissolution of Community Interest Companies over the last five years to other businesses, finding interesting differences. Community Interest Companies (CICs) are a legal form for businesses whose activity benefits the community rather than being purely for private gain. Most CICs are social enterprises, so can be a useful way to look at wider sector behaviour. We found that CICs were dissolved, on average, at a lower rate than other forms of registered businesses. CIC registration is growing significantly and proportionately more than other business models, but CICs tend to dissolve at a younger age. Since being created as a legal form in 2005, CIC registration now stands at over 31,500 businesses - with a spike in new CICs during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many were created to help communities manage the impact of the virus. However, as the economy re-opened following the peak of the pandemic, dissolution rates rose and registration rates leveled off across the UK overall, despite variation in English regions and devolved nations To discover more of our research visit our Social Enterprise Knowledge Centre

It’s estimated that up to 15% of the UK’s population are neurodiverse1. Yet across society, many systems including education, employment, health and social services are built around everyone being neurotypical. The good news is that more businesses and start-ups are working on inspirational products and services that want to change this balance, creating a more accessible and fair society for all. And we want to help them grow and succeed. Allia’s next Impact Accelerator is designed for impact start-ups that are creating solutions around neurodiversity and physical disability. These could be tech solutions or social innovations that address challenges experienced by people living with disabilities (such as software/hardware assistive technologies for neurodiverse conditions or mobility impairment, sensory impaired disorder, chronic pain, etc).  What is Allia’s Accelerator? If you think your start-up or charity would benefit from intensive support for 5 months, with business experts advising and coaching every step of the way – then read on! Allia’s Accelerator offers award-winning business support for late pre-seed or seed start-ups with 1-1 coaching and mentoring tailored to your venture’s needs, and introductions to appropriate investors – with expert-led workshops, including business modelling, marketing, fundraising and pitching. The programme culminates in a Demo Day which is specifically curated for impact driven funds & investors. The successful ventures, after a series of pitch practices through the programme, will pitch to an audience of impact investors (angels, VCs, family offices), advisors, start-up founders and stakeholders in the impact space.  Who is eligible for this support? Start-ups will have an MVP (minimum viable product), should be able to demonstrate traction with their product and business, and be ready to develop the next stage of growth in their business. Ideally, founders will be able to travel to London occasionally to benefit from in-person interactions – however, we recognise that not all participants may be able to travel, and if this is the case, please share details in the application form. We understand that in person interactions may not be ideal for everyone so please understand that we will aim to be flexible for all taking part. Above all, we prioritise genuine and authentic engagement in the programme and with our team, and want to welcome everyone who thinks they will benefit from participation in the programme. Applications close on 6 February – and the programme will launch 28 February. Please get in touch with any questions and if you need any advice related to your application, please contact hello@alliaimpact.co.uk or read more about the programme and apply at https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/programmes/allia-impact-accelerator-diversity-and-disability-inclusion/ 1 https://adhdaware.org.uk/what-is-adhd/neurodiversity-and-other-conditions/

Leading community dental provider, CDS CIC has been piloting a treatment programme for people with Severe Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) and/or homelessness. The pilot is a partnership between CDS and the East Midlands Primary Care Team, working on behalf of five Integrated Care Boards in the Midlands. The CDS Mobile Dental Clinic has been visiting locations in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire that offer established services for people who are homeless. Patients are supported to attend appointments in an environment they are familiar with for check-ups and follow-up treatment. People experiencing SMD and homelessness face many barriers to accessing oral health care and experience higher levels of dental carries and periodontal disease than the general population. Poor oral health is linked to a decreased quality of life among these patients, compounding issues such as poor diet and substance misuse to alleviate pain. 36% of people who are homeless have accessed A&E services due to oral health related pain*. People who are homeless can often feel ashamed and embarrassed to attend a dental practice full of people, fearing that they will be judged as well as facing difficulty finding and registering with a dentist without a fixed address. The pilot been specifically designed around the needs of this patient group, with the mobile dental clinic attending places they are already familiar with and trust. Nicola Milner, Chief Operating Officer for CDS in the Midlands, said: ‘We know people who are homeless have multiple problems with their oral health. They find it incredibly difficult to access the care they need experiencing pain, frequently visiting A&E or even resorting to taking out teeth themselves. We worked closely with people who support this group of patients, and we are becoming known and trusted. It is fantastic that we can provide a positive experience for patients who may not have had good experiences accessing dental care before and to relieve their pain and embarrassment associated with their teeth.’ So far, the mobile clinic has seen 145 patients at twice weekly sessions which are also an opportunity to signpost to other services, such as smoking cessation and drug and alcohol support. The mobile clinic is equipped to provide a full range of dental treatment. Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive: “I think this service is invaluable to me. I have not been to a dentist for several years. My teeth are a state from years of drug abuse and being beaten up while living rough on the streets. The dentist was very kind and put me at ease while looking at my teeth and guided me through the process/appointments. This is the beginning of the new me. Thank you so much.”  “I cannot thank the dentist enough for the support they have shown me. The dentist was non-judgemental towards me, as I was living in a tent in Derbyshire for over 2 years. To be honest, my teeth were the last thing on my mind, but looking back, my teeth are one of the first things other people see. I know that I would have never gone to a dentist surgery as I am far too embarrassed.” The pilot began in June and is set to continue for 12 months. ENDS Notes to editor: *Reference: Healthy Mouths. A peer-led health audit on the oral health of People experiencing homelessness. Groundswell 2017 available at www.groundswell.org.uk

The UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – the GLL Sport Foundation Awards – closes its application window on 20 February. Talented athletes from 65 areas across the UK are invited to apply for a range of support awards which include financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid. Now in its 15th year of operation, the GLL Sport Foundation has so far contributed over £14m and distributed 26,000 awards to support young talented athletes on their sporting journey. The innovative scheme is provided by charitable social enterprise GLL and a number of partner sponsors and expects to award £1.2m worth of help in 2024 for successful applicants. Already a popular and essential support programme for athletes, the Foundation is expecting heightened athlete interest as training costs, equipment purchases, strength & conditioning costs and travel costs continue to rise.   All successful applicants will be given access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its “Better” trading brand. Applications opened on 20 December 2023 and are available until 20 February 2024. The award application announcement for 2024 was made at the York Stadium Leisure Complex which comprises the LNER Community Stadium and York Leisure Centre.  Both of the co-located venues are run by GLL and now add their world class facilities to those that can be used by GSF athletes in training – including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s White Water Centre, Ice Centre and VeloPark; and Manchester’s Aquatics Centre and National Cycling Centre. The LNER Community Stadium will be hosting matches for the Rugby World Cup 2025 as well as resident teams York City FC and York Knights RLFC. Over the past 16 years, GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes have excelled in major competitions and have gained 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. Previous holders of GSF awards include Darryl Neita (athletics), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Charlotte Worthington (BMX), Alex Yee (triathlon), boxers Anthony Joshua, Aiden and Michaela Walsh, divers Tom Daley, Matty Lee and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, swimmers Tully Kearney, Susie Rodgers, Tom Dean and Ellie Simmons. It has always however been a core mission of the programme to support young emerging talent on their sporting journey, with the majority of athletes aged under the age of 21 and the largest cohort under 18 years old. Across the programme, 87% of athletes receive no other funding or athlete support, which underlines the importance of the scheme to both athletes and GLL’s social values. Commenting on the closing of the application window for the GSF Awards 2024, Peter Bundey, GLL Sport Foundation Chair, said: “There’s still time for talented athletes across the country to apply for our awards and take advantage of a unique opportunity to reach their sporting potential. “Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport.” Applications are open until 20th February 2024 via the website portal – www.gllsportfoundation.org GSF supported para tennis player Lily Mills, 23, from Islington said: “I’m really excited about the new round of GSF Awards - for all young athletes out there like me, these awards can make a huge difference to us staying in training and competing at the highest level.”

Our latest report reveals that the UK suffers from a business monoculture - an economy dominated by firms that primarily exist to maximise profits, which encourages a short-term focus that can be damaging economically as well as socially and environmentally. We reviewed evidence from the five largest economies in Europe and found that the UK is an outlier, with lower levels of investment and employment in the social economy. Social enterprises and cooperatives deliver 14% of GDP in the Netherlands, 12% in Germany and 10% in France, but our social economy is only worth around 3%.  The research shows that growing the social economy in Spain's Basque Country and the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has increased GDP per capita and reduced inequalities. Overall, the data suggests that investment in people and capital tends to increase productivity, which in turn improves wages and living conditions. This means our European peers with bigger social economies enjoy higher wages and greater representation at work, while the UK struggles with weaker economic performance and lower working standards. We can and must change this. Our calculations show that growing the UK social economy, from the current 3% of GDP to be more in line with neighbouring countries at 12%, could: boost UK investment by £14bn (around 1% of GDP per annum)  raise average wages by up to £2,640 per worker  secure the Living Wage for 400,000 more workers   enable 75,000 more employers to train their staff  give 4.2m workers a real say in how their employers operate  improve work quality by widening access to initiatives like 4-day weeks and flexible working  have significant spill-over effects longer-term on the wider national economy, such as boosting productivity and living standards.  Social Enterprise UK produced this report with support from the Alex Ferry Foundation.

Iridescent Ideas CIC are leading a partnership of fantastic local organisations and experts to deliver the Social Enterprise Advice and Support (SEAS) Programme. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council, and funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is providing FREE business support and advice for Plymouth-based individuals, social enterprises and co-operatives. Support available includes access to expert, specialist one-to-one advice, workshops covering digital skills, creative technology, funding and finance, social investment,  marketing, business planning and a range of other related topics, as well as access to a suite of online courses.  Gareth Hart, Director of Iridescent Ideas CIC said: “Iridescent Ideas is delighted to lead the SEAS Programme. Our partnership includes world leading social enterprises and experts providing support on all aspects of starting, running and developing a social enterprise or co-op. “We want to see social enterprise and co-operative ways of running businesses become the norm in Plymouth. We know that many people have brilliant ideas but they need a bit of support to help start up a social enterprise or co-op and also, many existing social enterprises and co-ops want to develop new services and products. “The SEAS programme responds to that by providing free, easy to access business support and advice.” The partnership and specialisms are listed below: Cosmic – digital skills, leadership Dirk Rohwedder (Enterprise with Purpose) – coaching, leadership, financial management Diversity Business Incubator (DBI) – development, specialist support Black and Minority Ethnic social entrepreneurs Iridescent Ideas – legal structures, governance, social enterprise start-up Jon Rolls (BCause) – social investment, investment readiness Paul Read (Drift) – business planning, growth, young people Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN) – networking and event promotion. POP – networking and start-up funding advice. Real Ideas – creative/digital tech social entrepreneurs, marketing, access to facilities.  Interested? Email seas@iridescentideas.com, visit the Iridescent Ideas website to find out more or REGISTER HERE!