3rd Sector Futures launched in Chelmsford

Press release issued: 19 June 2008



Students and staff from Anglia Ruskin have always engaged with the 3rd Sector - charities, voluntary organisations, co-operatives and social enterprises - in various ways, from teaching to volunteering. This work has perhaps suffered in the past from a lack of 'joined up' work between individual faculties and other departments. 3rd Sector Futures is an initiative designed to bring together those who are involved in such activity, and, just as important, to market the university's services to this sector in a consistent and accessible way.

22nd May saw the public launch of 3rd Sector Futures in Chelmsford, attended by 115 delegates from across the East of England. The event was centred around a debate between Craig Dearden-Phillips, one of the government's Social Enterprise Ambassadors and a successful social entrepreneur, and Debra Allcock Tyler from the Directory of Social Change. The issue at hand: social enterprise (business for a social objective rather than private profit) is the future of capitalism. An entertaining match ensued, which ended in a resounding victory for Debra's 'social enterprise is a lot of hot air' counter-motion.

Workshops on Legal Matters, Knowledge Transfer and Income Generation followed, after which delegates were provided with a networking lunch in the Corporate Suite. The event closed with a panel discussion, where our debaters were joined by Maureen Frewin from the Essex voluntary sector consortium.
Andy Brady, from Ashcroft International Business School, who organised the event, said he was overwhelmed with the response received:

"The numbers who came along to the event showed that there is a real thirst for ideas and discussion in the 3rd sector, and that the university can help to fill that niche. We were able to fill all the places very easily, because of the track record in working with the sector and our partners who helped to market the event. 3rd sector organisations, already a critical part of society, will become increasingly important over the next five years, whether in regeneration, public service delivery or pressuring mainstream business to be more socially responsible. Colleagues who are working with 3rd Sector Futures want Anglia Ruskin's work with this dynamic sector to increase and improve, starting with another event in Cambridge in the autumn."

AIBS's support for the event was augmented by sponsorship from the Economic & Social Research Council, Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE), and exhibitors including Business Link and A4e.
Michele Rigby, CEO of SEEE, was enthusiastic about the role universities can play in supporting social enterprise:

"Anglia Ruskin has been very supportive of SEEE's development, delivering innovative projects for us, and contributing to the strategy of the organisation. The approach they take is a model for other universities across the region who want to engage with social enterprises and charities."

Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive - the top 5 words used to describe the event were "Stimulating; Constructive; Participative; Instructive; and Professional."

Photos from the day are online at picasaweb.google.co.uk/3rdsectorfutures and the event also featured on Craig Dearden Phillips's blog at nakedentrepreneur.blogspot.com/2008/05/great-debate.html

To discuss 3rd Sector Futures please contact Andy Brady.
Tel.: 0845 196 6888
Email: andrew.brady@anglia.ac.uk
www.3rdsectorfutures.co.uk

Ashley Cooke
3rd Sector Futures
Ashcroft International Business School
Bookmark this page with: