Forging a Future of Opportunity
The Giving Department played a pivotal role in the establishment of the City & Guilds Foundation and continues to provide consultancy and guidance across all aspects of grantmaking activities.
A key priority for the City & Guilds Foundation over the past five years has been addressing the role of skills in the rehabilitation and reintegration into society of people with convictions. In 2020 the Foundation launched the Future Skills Commission for Prisons. A group of distinguished Commissioners were appointed to help identify and activate practical solutions with a measurable impact on reducing reoffending. With the support of The Giving Department, the Commission launched the Big Idea Fund, a dedicated funding stream that would provide crucial support to organisations delivering innovative and effective skills training programmes within the prison environment.
The impact has been both meaningful and far-reaching. The first round of funding directly supported 462 learners within prison and those beyond the prison gates. Three years on, 96% of participants report having gained valuable knowledge and skills, and a significant 63% are either in education, employment, or training upon programme completion or release. Over £1 million has been successfully deployed to support a growing portfolio of partner charities.
It's been fantastic to follow the journeys of the organisations we've funded. We're seeing real progress, and we're eager to explore further opportunities to equip learners in prison with skills that benefit both employers and reduce recidivism.
The Future Skills Commission for Prisons exemplifies how a collaborative approach, coupled with a focus on innovation and measurable impact, can create a lasting and positive impact on the lives of individuals facing significant challenges.
Feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss how The Giving Department can help your organisation leverage its expertise and resources to address critical social issues and build a more equitable and inclusive society.
The Giving Department has been a brilliant partner throughout the journey of establishing the Big Idea Fund. Their guidance has been instrumental in ensuring our grantmaking is impactful and enduring.
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Director
Steve has spent over 20 years in the charity sector. As a successful fundraiser Steve worked for a number of charities in senior roles most latterly as Head of Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust. This experience has given Steve a deep understanding of how companies and private funders can best support charities, how effective relationships can be developed, where value can be delivered and how the right support can deliver genuine and long-lasting change. Steve founded The Giving Department in 2010 with the clear vision of providing expert independent resource to help companies and philanthropists deliver real social impact and achieve their greatest charitable ambitions. Over the subsequent years Steve has developed the business, working with an increasingly wide portfolio of clients from FTSE100 companies to corporate foundations and private HNW philanthropists. Passionate about the sector, Steve is often called to speak on charitable issues and on occasions provides bespoke mentoring to help individuals build capability and impact.
steve@thegivingdepartment.com
+44 (0) 207 680 6587
