With 2012 named the United Nations’ International Year of the Co-operative, the Business as Mutual conference taking place on Anglia Ruskin’s Cambridge campus will discuss the increasing focus on co-operatives and mutuals as vehicles for delivering public services.
In addition to Hemingway (pictured), co-founder of the Red or Dead fashion label and now heavily involved in design for affordable and social housing, other guest speakers include Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society, and Vivian Woodell, Chief Executive of award-winning social enterprise The Phone Co-op.
The conference is organised by 3rd Sector Futures, based at Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School, which works with leaders and managers of charities and social enterprises. It builds on the success of 3rd Sector Futures over the last four years, during which time Anglia Ruskin has gained a reputation as one of the leading universities in the UK for engagement with the third sector, combining innovative learning programmes with research projects and knowledge exchange.
Last year saw the launch of a Cert HE in Charity and Social Enterprise, a part-time course based on the practical needs of managers in the sector, and over 100 students have since signed up for one of the cohorts which are delivered in Cambridge and Chelmsford, as well as by distance learning.
Andy Brady, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin and Head of 3rd Sector Futures, said: “The calibre of speakers we have attracted, as well as the number of delegates due to attend, is testament to many years of patient work spent engaging with charities and social enterprises on their terms, rather than trying to apply ready-made solutions to the issues they face.
“In difficult times we are now looking to link socially responsible corporates with high impact charities and social enterprises, to help meet some of the challenges the UK faces as a society. 3rd Sector Futures has a vital role to play in ensuring Anglia Ruskin continues to lead the way in this key area for government and policy makers.”
A number of workshops will be run during the conference examining a range of topics including starting a social enterprise, mutuals and public service delivery, engaging stakeholders in fundraising, and leadership in the third sector.
Attendance at the conference is free thanks to event sponsors Anglia Regional Co-operative Society and Central Essex Community Services CIC, but places are limited. To reserve a place, please visit www.businessasmutual.co.uk
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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Andrea Hilliard on t: 0845 196 4727, e: andrea.hilliard@anglia.ac.uk
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