The story of In Kind Direct

Posted 19th May 2008 15:14pm by Robin Boles

By Robin Boles, Chief Executive of In Kind Direct

It was the waste of perfectly good products which inspired The Prince of Wales to ask me – Robin Boles - to set up In Kind Direct. Eleven years later, his idea has been transformed into a successful, innovative charity which is making a huge difference to the fortunes of thousands of voluntary and community groups, and the millions of people they serve.

We offer a unique partnership between business and the voluntary sector.

Since 1997, 750 companies, including many household names, have donated £70million worth of their products and over 5,000 charities have benefited. And because an estimated seventy Olympic-sized swimming pools-full of surplus goods have been saved from landfill, the environment has benefited too.

By offering charities the goods they and the people they serve need, In Kind Direct helps them make their money go much further, leaving more for their core activities.

In Kind Direct gives manufacturers and retailers an efficiently run single point of contact through which their goods can be distributed to charities all over the country, and by proving that in-kind giving can be a serious alternative to landfill, we help companies fulfil their corporate, social and environmental responsibilities. This also results in employees’ morale being boosted by seeing their companies’ creative solution to surplus help all kinds of good causes and people in need.

Because In Kind Direct supports charities of every type and size, we can redistribute a huge range of household and office products. It might be cleaning supplies, office equipment and tools for an employment training organisation; toiletries, bedding, toys, nappies, toilet rolls and books for a women’s shelter or emergency relief charity; toiletries, shoes and clothes for a homelessness group; kettles, toasters and china for a charity housing refugees, or games software, arts and crafts materials and sporting goods for youth groups in deprived areas.

This redistributive approach touches very much on current business values which focus on sustainability and good corporate governance.

Charities only pay a handling charge for our service which is a fraction of the value of the goods they receive. Over half of our charity partners have an income of less than £50,000 so our leveraging effect makes a real difference to their ability to continue to help people in need.

It has been great fun to start and substantially grow a charity inspired by The Prince of Wales, and certainly challenging at times. Helping companies meet their corporate, social and environmental goals while reducing landfill is very important. And hearing so many of our charity partners explain that they couldn’t exist without us, makes it especially rewarding.
 

Working with business for the benefit of all

Posted 19th May 2008 15:37pm by Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community

Business in the Community is about mobilising business for good. One of our current priorities is climate change. This is an issue that has been driven by The Prince of Wales and culminated in the creation last May of The Prince of Wales’s May Day Network, the largest movement of businesses committed to taking practical action to tackle climate change. We hope that by 2011 we will have 100,000 businesses engaged with the network and committed to take action.

An initiative that we have launched more recently with the support of The Prince of Wales is Mosaic. This is an exciting new mentoring programme to create a resource of successful Muslims, who though their knowledge and experience aim to address the issues facing young Muslims and raise their aspirations.

For the past 18 years we have been taking senior business leaders into communities to visit schools, community groups and prisons as part of The Prince’s Seeing is Believing programme. This programme provides a powerful personal experience for participants and enables them to witness effective examples of how business leaders can shape society through their actions, both inside and outside their businesses.

For 25 years we have successfully worked to raise awareness and tackle urban poverty and deprivation. However, in 2001, at the request of The Prince of Wales, Business in the Community launched Rural Action to inspire business to make a difference to the prosperity of our countryside. Working in partnership with companies and other rural stakeholders, Rural Action aims to support rural communities to be vibrant and sustainable

In the current climate we are seeing a rise in global competition, in which people will be the UK’s only certain natural resource for the future. Our work places will see large numbers of unskilled jobs being replaced with high skilled ones. At Business in the Community we are working with business and government on this critical issue to discover how we can unlock a wide range of talent that is hidden in the UK, the aspiration to use them and the enterprise to put them to work.

At Business in the Community we believe that responsible business practice should be part of the DNA of an organisation. It should be an essential ingredient in everything that a business does.
 

Responsible Business Awards Highlight Excellence in Scotland

Posted 12th June 2008 18:54pm

Scottish companies once again demonstrated their leadership in corporate responsibility at Scottish Business in the Community’s annual awards ceremony held in Glasgow on Thursday 5th June. The Awards for Excellence reward companies with a coveted ‘Big Tick’ for the positive impact their responsible business activities have in the marketplace, the workplace, the environment or in the community. They are the most rigorous awards in corporate social responsibility.

This year’s “Big Tick” winners highlight the breadth of the responsible business agenda in Scotland with categories ranging from promoting workplace health to fighting climate change. For the sixth year running, Scottish businesses were most successful in the education category. The six Award winners in this category clearly demonstrate that, by taking a strategic and long-term approach and creating partnerships which have clearly defined mutual commitments and benefits, they can have a measurable and enduring impact on school performance. It also brings business benefits beyond the ‘feel good factor’.

However, Scottish Business in the Community believes that much more needs to be done if businesses are really going to make an impact in delivering a sustainable Scotland. Commenting on the Awards, Samantha Barber, CEO of SBC said:

“Once again Scottish businesses have achieved an impressive number of ‘Big Ticks’ – a commendation that is not easy to attain. This proves that the private sector has much to offer the wider community beyond economics. Corporate responsibility - the willingness of companies to go beyond what is expected of them to contribute to building a sustainable Scotland - is powerful and can have a definite and positive impact on our society.”

She continued, “But these pockets of excellence must become more widespread if we are to achieve a far reaching impact. Scottish Business in the Community is committed to promoting corporate responsibility across all sectors. Our member companies are the leaders in this field, and working with them we can deliver corporate social responibility across the board. Corporate responsibility works for business, communities, and can make a huge difference in building a sustainable Scotland”

In addition to the 18 “Big Tick” winners announced last night, the organisation also revealed its new companies of the year. These prestigious awards are given only to companies who demonstrate outstanding leadership in corporate social responibility.

Lloyds TSB Scotland was announced as SBC’s Large Company of the Year. In the Judges’ comments Lloyds TSB Scotland “showed strategic fit between strategic objectives and CSR with clear outcomes and achievements.”

Design Links, a communications agency employing ten people, was announced as SBC’s Small Company of the Year, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a positive impact.

The title of SBC’s Social Enterprise of the Year was awarded to Spruce Carpets – the UK’s first carpet recycling social enterprise. Judges said it was “an excellent story about innovation and sustainability built on a simple business model.”

The President of SBC, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay announced (via video) Brendan Dick, Director of BT Scotland, as his new CSR Ambassador for Scotland. He said “Brendan is a highly-regarded member of the Scottish business community and has been responsible for driving BT’s devolved corporate responsibility programme in Scotland, using technology to tackle social exclusion with a range of partners…Brendan is a natural leader who always finds time to motivate and inspire others. For his genuine commitment to partnership-working and collaboration, I am so pleased to name him my Business in the Community Ambassador for Scotland.”
 

New project from In Kind Direct and RockCorps helping charities

Posted 15th August 2008 16:29pm

In Kind Direct has teamed up with Orange RockCorps to create a unique volunteer experience. The project will involve 150 young people aged 16-26 sorting and repacking some of In Kind Direct’s donated products into packs ready for In Kind Direct to distribute to needy charities across the UK and abroad. The event will take place in North London on 16 August 2008. It is the first time In Kind Direct has used such a large number of volunteers to pack donations. In return for just four hours of volunteering the participants will receive a ticket for an exclusive gig at the Royal Albert Hall on 26 September.

The volunteers will sort and repack toiletries and sports clothes. Steve Murray, Head of Logistics at In Kind Direct, comments: "We are delighted to be working with Orange RockCorps to prepare items for the charities in our network to receive. Our charities need a good range of products for use in their work. It is fantastic that Orange RockCorps has given us the opportunity to get a large quantity of packages ready in a short space of time. Making sure charities access the goods we receive as soon as possible is always a key priority for In Kind Direct. This project will contribute to that goal. We want to thank our donor companies for giving quality products to us, and Orange RockCorps for getting the volunteers to help us support those charities faster."

It is free for charities to join the In Kind Direct network. Register online at www.inkinddirect.org

Young IMI interns meet challenge to improve Birmingham beauty spot

Posted 20th August 2008 09:28am

Young volunteers from as far afield as USA, Poland and Germany are set to spruce up a Birmingham beauty spot this week (18-20 August), in a community challenge organised by IMI and Business in the Community. The twelve young people, aged between 16 to 24, are part of IMI's intern programme and are visiting the Birmingham-based company to see what it has to offer them. During their stay they will also have the chance to get to know each other while undertaking a variety of team building exercises.

The interns will spend three days at Plantsbrook Nature Reserve in a project organised through Cares, the national employee volunteering initiative of Business in the Community, which gives employers the chance to make a positive impact in their community.

Under the supervision of Plantsbrook's rangers, the young volunteers will carry out a number of activities to support the eleven hectare nature reserve, which features open water, wetland and meadow. Among the tasks the interns will do are cutting back trees and vegetation, rebuilding a pond dipping platform, constructing a floating island for birds and building picnic benches and bird boxes.

Sarah Jackson, IMI's Manager of Trainees and Students said, "Our interns come from all over the UK as well as from abroad. This community challenge at Plantsbrook Nature Reserve is a great way of bringing the young people together to work as a team. It's also a great way of doing something positive for the community, which is important to IMI."

David Darlaston, Regional Director of Business in the Community commented, "Plantsbrook Nature Reserve is a beautiful location and a fantastic resource for the people of Birmingham. I'm sure the local community will appreciate the hard work of IMI's young employee volunteers in improving Plantsbrook and I hope the interns enjoy their stay in the city."

Launch of Asian Mentoring Network in Scotland

Posted 29th August 2008 15:19pm

The Scottish Business in the Community (SBC) Asian Mentoring Network is an innovative programme designed to encourage Asian business people to become mentors across all racial and faith boundaries. The SBC Asian Mentoring Network will encourage Asian professionals to share their experiences through motivational speeches to pupils and teachers at role-model presentations, mentoring, volunteering and work placements. Supporting the SBC Asian Mentoring Network is one way in which Asian professionals can contribute to building the next generation of successful leaders and communities can further develop their mutual understanding and respect.

The programme was launched at an event at the Glasgow Science Centre on Tuesday 19th August 2008. Samantha Barber, Chief Executive of SBC, said “Asian professionals will bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges young people face in making the transition from school to work. By harnessing their experiences and presenting success stories to youngsters SBC knows, from experience, that we can raise aspirations amongst young people. The businesses also benefit from their engagement with youngsters with increased understanding of the communities in which they work”

Scottish Business in the Community has 26 years experience working with businesses and building links with schools and community groups. By harnessing the success stories of some of Glasgow's most successful Asian professionals SBC believes the programme will help to raise aspirations and increase access to education and employment amongst young people.

L to R: Kirk Ramsay, Chief Executive, Glasgow Science Centre,Mohammad Sarwar, MP, Malcolm Thomson, Operations Director, SBC, Richard Rutnagur, Director, KPMG

Inaugural Mosaic Talent Awards for Excellence

Posted 27th November 2008 13:15pm

Last night HRH The Prince of Wales, President of Business in the Community, was joined by HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan to celebrate the achievements and positive contributions made to society by young emerging Muslim talent at the Mosaic Talent Awards at the Natural History Museum.

Out of the 57 entries received, 31 finalists were shortlisted for awards in eight categories for their inspirational work in society – Entrepreneur of the Year; Science & Technology; Arts, Culture & Media; Community Leadership (open to all faiths); Sports; Volunteer of the Year; Interfaith (open to all faiths); and International.

The winners were selected because they had set themselves apart in showing extraordinary talent and dedication.

OVERALL WINNERS:
Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Sabirul Islam.
Science and Technology Award - Imran Hakim.
Arts, Culture and Media Award - Ms Zarah Hussein.
Community Leadership Award (open to all faiths) - Positive Prospects (pictured). 
Sports Award - Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation.
Volunteer of the Year Award - Gulistan Aksahin.
Interfaith Award (open to all faiths) - MUJU Crew.
International Award - Islamic Relief.

The inaugural Mosaic Talent Awards for Excellence were held to mark Mosaic’s first year of activity. Mosaic is a Muslim led initiative working to break down barriers across British society, convened by Business in the Community (BITC), one of The Prince’s Charities. It encourages linkages between successful Muslim professionals and disadvantaged young Muslims, in order to raise aspirations and increase access to opportunities for education and employment.

John O’Brien, Managing Director of Mosaic, Business in the Community, said: “We received a staggeringly high standard of nominations for the Mosaic Talent Awards for Excellence, and are delighted that so many of the finalists could be with us for this special occasion tonight.

“As well as highlighting and recognising the positive impact on communities that young Muslims can have, these awards demonstrate the tremendous influence that such strong relationships between businesses and local communities can have on young people of all faiths.

“I would like to personally congratulate all of the finalists and in particular the winners – they are an inspiration to us all and we can all learn from them. This has been a phenomenal year for Mosaic and I look forward to an even more successful year in 2009”.

Children & Arts Inviting Start Arts Partner Applications for 2009/10

Posted 2nd December 2008 16:51pm by Alison Duguid

The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts is actively seeking passionate and committed partner arts organisations to work with them to develop and deliver Start for primary and secondary schools in their local area.

From 1st December 2008 Children & the Arts is inviting arts organisations across the UK to apply to become an arts partner for their flagship program Start. They are looking to recruit eight to ten new partners for the 2009/2010 academic year.

Through Start, Children & the Arts provides funding and practical support to enable arts organisations across the UK to form partnerships with primary and secondary schools in their local area. Throughout the course of the school year children will have the chance to attend at least two professional performances, concerts or exhibitions and participate in workshops lead by professionals.  Start allows children who have little or no experience of the UK’s rich culture – children who may never have been to a play, heard a live piece of classical music or even visited their local art gallery – to experience the very best of the UK’s glorious arts heritage.

Through Start children will also discover that cultural venues are welcoming, accessible and exciting places to be in the hope that students will continue their engagement with their local cultural venue beyond the life of the project. 
 
The deadline for Stage One applications is 23rd January, 2008. 

Applicants are advised to read the detailed guidelines and criteria for arts partners before applying. You can read these on the Children & Arts website, and you can also download a Stage One Application form as a pdf or a Word document there.
    
For more information, visit the Start pages on the Children & Arts website.
 

BITC's Awards for Excellence 2009 now open for entries

Posted 3rd December 2008 16:20pm by Alison Duguid

Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence 2009 are now open for entries. 

These are the UK’s most influential, independent, peer assessed corporate responsibility awards. Run in association with the Financial Times, the awards recognise and celebrate those companies who have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility.

The categories available in the Awards for Excellence 2009 are:

• Impact on Society Awards
• Workplace Impact
• Environment Impact
• Community Impact
• Marketplace Impact
• Other Awards
• Leadership Awards

BITC are running a series of workshops for companies planning to enter the Awards,

The closing date for applications is 6th March 2009. For more information including past case studies of winners, application criteria and forms, visit the Awards for Excellence 2009 section of BITC's website.