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A campaign to boost corporate volunteering has been launched by the lord mayor of London. Nick Anstee called for links between City firms and community projects to become common practice, and backed his campaign with research showing how global companies could benefit from the relationship. As public sector cuts hit hard, third sector organisations, backed by private sector support, are increasingly being seen as a potential answer to providing services. Charities and not-for-profit groups have a reputation for identifying hard-to-reach people or providing specialist services more quickly and effectively. The lord mayor used the launch of the annual Dragon awards, which promote links between the City and charities, to challenge perceptions on both sides. v Charities have traditionally seen the private sector as a major source for fundraising, making cash calls to corporate givers. Companies have seen the relationship as a way of improving their reputations. Corporate social responsibility was a growing issue before the downturn and many corporate analysts had predicted that as it was perceived as a ‘soft issue' it would be among the budget casualties as the recession hit home. But Mr Anstee revealed corporate volunteering in the Square Mile had risen 24% in the last financial year, partly driven by demand from new recruits who expected ethical integrity from their employers. Firms providing HR support, IT or legal advice enables charities to access skills they could not afford, while the company gets to develop communication skills of employees. Mr Anstee told The MJ: ‘Volunteers develop broad business skills as a direct result of their voluntary work. A day spent in a business training centre, conducting role play or problem-solving exercises, can't compare with the real-life training people get from applying themselves to their local community's needs.'

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BUSINESS

Lord mayor seeks closer liaison with third sector

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