Member Article

Let’s Go Global lighting the way for public service mutuals

Greater Manchester’s ‘Let’s Go Global’ - the first culture and media public service mutual in the UK - is being showcased by The Cabinet Office at it is marks the second anniversary of its programme to support such enterprises.

Let’s Go Global’s Big Digital Project will be lighting up the region throughout March, with free arts events taking place in all ten of Greater Manchester’s local authorities.

The public service mutual has been working with communities and local artists to produce light shows where they live, with the stories coming together to form a grand finale in and around Manchester’s Albert Square on Saturday 29 March.

The light shows will explore the importance of the ‘local’, bringing work into communities that rarely experience the arts, giving local people the chance to see, take part in, and be inspired by world-class digital artistic talent and excellence.

Let’s Go Global is a small digital media specialist organisation hosted by Trafford Council, employing 4 people and a range of associates and freelancers with specialist knowledge, experience and skills. They were able to complete the spin out process in around six months from conception in a smooth transition, supported by Trafford Council and Make It Happen.

The government has invested £10 million into the Mutuals Support Programme, to help revolutionise the way public services are delivered and put frontline staff in the driving seat, allowing public servants who want to form mutuals to do so. So far the programme has helped 67 mutuals – 16 of which are now live.

Let’s Go Global’s Director Karen Shannon says: “The Cabinet Office funding has allowed us to flourish and really develop our business offering, challenging the traditional business model with one embedded with social and ethical values.

We are a great team of people who are passionate and invested in what we do. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase a new way of working which harnesses staff innovation and entrepreneurial flair, and is innovative, flexible and sustainable.“

“One of the biggest benefits is the freedom to be truly innovative and creative. We’re exploring our values and culture at the moment and it’s great to be able to really invest our beliefs into the organisation.

We all agree that a big motivation is creating a fairer, kinder, more active society to affect more meaningful social change. We have more freedom now to be challenging, thought-provoking, inspiring and imaginative.“

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “Staff are at the forefront of this revolution, and it is their successes and innovations that have led to real, tangible improvements for the public. Having grown from an embryonic, experimental state back in 2010, mutuals have grown into a true success story, offering a genuinely successful alternative that has paid off for staff and service users alike.”

Let’s Go Global provides digital media engagement projects to local communities and a range of local authorities within the Greater Manchester Area (AGMA).

95% of their income (£320k) stems from outside of the host organisation and has been generated through traditional grant making organisations and successfully pitched commissions from the local authorities. Two staff members are now Arts Award trainers.

Jahmal Thomas, now a cameraman for ITV, said: “Since the age of 16, I have had the outstanding support of Let’s Go Global throughout my career.

“Whether it’s popping in for a brew and a chat or indeed working with the superb crew, they’ve been there for me since day one. Having started on the Global Youth project in 2007, LGG have been instrumental in my success, with me recently landing a job as trainee news camera operator just across the way at ITV.

“LGG is such an important resource and continues to be a wonderful place where people can develop digital media skills whatever age they are!”

Claire Nasir, Meteorologist and TV presenter, and Patron of Let’s Go Global, added: “I am absolutely thrilled & proud, to be playing a small part in the work that Lets Go Global do. A buzz surrounds them – they are a powerhouse of ideas and innovation, and have extraordinary vision.

“Their drive to spread digital and state of the art creativity and communication into the community is stimulating and infectious. This is why Lets Go Global is a successful third sector enterprise and why being part of their future is so exciting.”

Let’s Go Global’s achievements include:

· The “See it Say it Do it” arts engagement programme which helps use arts to improve wellbeing, health, skills, community cohesion and simple enjoyment of life. www.seeitsayitdoit.org

· A commission from Trafford Council to deliver the Poppy project - an ambitious digital arts project exploring a contemporary commemoration of the First World War, supported by Arts Council Grants for the Art.

· Producing 16 pieces of content for Greater Manchester Museums Group for their new website and provide photography training.

· Working with Mencap Sale and Altrincham to train participants in filmmaking and create a documentary showcasing the work of the charity, made by the people who use the service.

· Linking four young people to work placements at ITV.

· Delivering five free seminars to share best practice and innovation in arts, culture and the social enterprise sector.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .