Member Article

Conference success for SkillsBridge

BUSINESSES from across the North East attended the region’s first, cross-sector conference on corporate responsibility this week.

The North East Responsible Business Conference was organised by Newcastle-based SkillsBridge, which matches business volunteers with charities and social enterprises in need of expert guidance and advice.

Around 70 delegates from public and private sector companies and not for profit organisations attended the event, held at Muckle LLP, Gallowgate, Newcastle, to look at ways in which they can support their local communities.

SkillsBridge chief executive Andrew White led a five strong panel of speakers who gave presentations on the value of corporate responsibility (CR) and the trends and challenges affecting it, prior to roundtable discussions and a question and answer session.

In the past year alone, SkillsBridge has put more than 100 charities in touch with 60 business experts, who have provided them with around 2000 hours of free support, on issues ranging from human resources and book keeping to creating a business plan and planning a strategy for growth.

Other speakers included Northumbria University’s Dr Jenny Davidson, who talked about future trends and Sally Young, from Newcastle CVS, who briefed delegates on the state of the sector and the challenges ahead.

Following Andrew White’s talk on the value of sharing skills, Michelle Brannen, and colleagues from Business in the Community, gave an address on their work and the power of volunteering.

Amanda Tincknell from Cranfield Trust then gave a short talk on the key management skills needed by non-profits, before round table discussions on the future challenges and opportunities for businesses committed to developing their CR.

Originally a voluntary, moral obligation to help the wider community, CR has become enshrined in law with the Social Value Act of 2013 and all businesses contracted by the public sector are now required to demonstrate CR when tendering for work.

“This is the first time we have initiated a conference on this scale and subject” said Andrew, “and we were delighted that so many people took the time and trouble to attend.

“Corporate responsibility is increasingly important, not just morally, but legally and it is really heartening to see how passionate this region is about embracing it.”

For further information about SkillsBridge and the services it provides, call 0191 275 5059 or email Andrew@skills-bridge.org or Chris@skills-bridge.org.

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