As Big Society Capital marks its 10-year anniversary, CEO Stephen Muers reveals key changes ahead – including addressing past failings on diversity and changing a target return rate that is now “out of step” with the organisation's mission.
The UK government this week confirms new dormant assets funding as outlined in its Levelling Up plans, as Access stresses importance of blended finance approach to reach poorest communities.
Support to social investment in the UK began in earnest just over 20 years ago. As efforts to expand the market continue unabated, what can we learn from two decades of experience – and what questions should we be asking now?
Independent review finds the social investor, which provides a mix of grants and loans to small charities and social enterprises in the UK, has had a major impact – but both its large legacy and its small team are under pressure.
Government sees clear role for impact investing in driving ‘levelling up’ agenda in face of massive social and economic inequality – and financiers are getting on board with the new concept of equality impact investing.
Frustrated former minister who helped birth UK’s social investment policy warns powerful department for business is now falling behind on major global shift towards purpose-led business and ESG.
Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund draws on social investors’ experience and aims to demonstrate UK leadership in green finance in a crunch year for climate.
Social enterprise leaders welcome new funds but warn that rolling out £800m Dormant Assets Scheme without careful planning would be a “massive mistake” – while shadow charities minister says policy is “scraping the barrel”.
In the first of a series looking at 'patient, risk bearing' capital, Duncan Brown asks why social investment is so dominated by short-term, rigid debt instruments – and why there's so little support for higher risk, high return social innovation.
