Giving Thought

In episode 58 we talk to Jim Minton, CEO of Toynbee Hall- the UK's oldest university settlement and an East End of London institution that has also played a key role in wider social reforms. We discuss the role of local civil society organisations and the opportunities and challenges that come with place-based philanthropy. Including: The history of Toynbee Hall Are enough charities today playing a role as drivers of social reform? Have recent changes such as the Lobbying Act or the use of advocacy clauses in grant contracts made this harder? Can the successes of place-based initiatives inform activities or policymaking at a regional or national level? How can organisations based in one place ensure they ‘influence upwards’? Is “place” more complex than it is sometimes presented? I.e. at what geographic level do we feel a sense of belonging or identity? How do you coordinate philanthropy and voluntary action in a particular place without stifling it? Are place-based organisations particularly well-suited to