Independent review of philanthropic giving
Press release published
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A major independent review of philanthropic giving has been announced today. Charitable giving in Britain urgently needs a major boost. As funding for vital services is reduced by the state, the role of philanthropy becomes ever more important. A structural shift in giving will be needed if society is to be supported effectively at this very difficult time, not least through innovation and creativity which the charitable sector is so well known for. The Philanthropy Review – 'A fresh look at the role of giving in shaping our society', is being carried out by leaders from the world of philanthropy, business and the Third Sector. The review will seek to identify key actions and policy changes that will allow the quantity and quality of giving to flourish rather than reduce in a difficult economic climate. Giving at every level will be examined as will all existing initiatives that stimulate philanthropy by individuals, corporate organisations and other bodies. We will engage with Government, business, charitable foundations and the public at large in reaching our conclusions as to how these incentives can be made more effective, and new incentives introduced both fiscal and non-fiscal. The review will be chaired by Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chief Executive of Marie Curie. It is being supported by leading figures from the Institute of Philanthropy, New Philanthropy Capital, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Pears Foundation, CAADA, JP Morgan, National Council for Voluntary Organisations. Formal or informal submissions are invited through the website www.philanthropyreview.co.uk. The Philanthropy Review was launched at a media briefing at the offices of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation in London, today Tuesday December 7 2010. Speaking at the launch, Thomas Hughes-Hallett said: “Government funding is being withdrawn from some essential services. While we do not applaud this, we must recognise that charities will need to act to provide safety nets. We believe it is urgent that the Government makes a clear commitment to promote a culture of giving and to make it easier and more rewarding to give to charity. The state is shrinking its spending on vital services, at the same time as recent surveys have reported that giving is likely to fall by as much as 27%* in 2012. “While Britain is one of the world’s most generous countries, the need for effective giving has never been greater. Government can act either as an enabler or as a barrier to giving. During the summer, the Prime Minister pledged that this government would foster philanthropy. Our review will identify practical recommendations that will increase the quantity and quality of charitable giving. We will focus on specific actions to stimulate further giving, increase the impact of giving and encourage new forms of giving linked to better outcomes. We have to act urgently in the interests of society at large.” Welcoming the review, the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable David Cameron MP said: “I welcome this fresh look at giving. Encouraging greater philanthropy is a vital part of building a bigger, stronger society and we will consider how the recommendations of The Philanthropy Review can help foster a new culture of giving and social action in this country.” Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society said: “I very much welcome this new initiative. We are looking at how we can make it easier for people to give time and money and will shortly be publishing a Green Paper for consultation. It is a time for fresh thinking, and I expect that this independent review, as it is led by a very credible team, will make an important contribution to that debate.” Visit the Philanthropy Review website at: www.philanthropyreview.co.uk -ENDS- |
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Notes to editor
Founding members of the review include:
Thomas Hughes-Hallett
Tom spent 22 years in banking and in 2000 became Chief Executive of Marie Curie. He is also a member of The King’s Fund General Advisory Council and a Trustee of Esmee Fairbairn Foundation; Chairman of the End of Life Care Implementation Advisory Board and the Review Chair for the Palliative Care Funding Review for adults and children in England.
Peter Wheeler
Peter Wheeler is a co-founder and Chairman of New Philanthropy Capital. In his business life, he is Head of Wholesale Banking, Middle East, Africa Europe and Americas, Standard Chartered Bank and previously a partner of Goldman Sachs. A 30 year veteran of the City, Peter is also Chair of the Trustees of the Young Foundation, a non-executive director of Climate Change Capital and IP Value, and a Trustee of Social Finance and Virgin Unite. He is an active private investor in Social Enterprises
Dawn Austwick
Dawn Austwick OBE is Chief Executive of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Formerly Deputy Director of the British Museum, Project Director of Tate Modern, and a Principal Consultant at KPMG, Dawn has an MBA from the London Business School and an honorary doctorate from London Metropolitan University. She is a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces, Chair of Foundations Forum, and a Companion of the Chartered Institute of Management.
Diana Barran
Diana Barran is founder and Chief Executive of the charity CAADA (Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse), which she founded in 2005 after a career in the City, where she founded one of the first European hedge funds. She is a trustee of Comic Relief and the Henry Smith Charity – two leading grant making trusts. She was awarded the Beacon Prize for England in 2007 for her work in addressing domestic abuse.
Nicholas Ferguson
Nicholas Ferguson is Chairman of SVG Capital Plc, Deputy Chairman of BSkyB Plc. He is also Chairman of the Courtauld Institute of Art and Chairman of the Institute for Philanthropy.
Rebecca Eastmond
Rebecca Eastmond is UK Head of Philanthropy for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Trustee of the House of Illustration, National Advisory Council member for Teach First and Trustee of a grant-making foundation. Originally a charity lawyer, Rebecca was the founder CEO of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts and joined J.P. Morgan in 2008.
Wilf Weeks
Public affairs consultant, Trustee of the Trust for London and senior policy adviser to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Joe Cerrell, Director of European Office of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Trevor Pears
Executive Chair of Pears Foundation, a British family foundation rooted in Jewish values. Its work is concerned with positive identity and citizenship. The Foundation produces the annual Family Foundation Giving Trends report in partnership with the Centre for Giving and Philanthropy and initiated the Pears Business Schools Partnership to promote philanthropy. Trevor is also a Director of William Pears Group, a private investment company.
Clare Maurice
A solicitor whose main specialism is international tax and estate planning for individuals and families with complex assets located in many jurisdictions. In this role she regularly advises clients on how to bring their philanthropic ambitions to life. She also has a wealth of experience of the challenges facing charities through her eight year tenure as Chairman of Barts and the London Charity.
Geordie Greig
Geordie Greig is editor of the London Evening Standard and Editorial Director of The Independent, Independent on Sunday and i. He launched on the Standard the Dispossessed Fund which has raised 4.5 million pounds for the most vulnerable Londoners. He is also a trustee of the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation and an ambassador for Marie Curie Cancer Care. He has worked in newspapers and magazines for 30 years. He is married to Kathryn Greig and they live in London with their three children.
David Gold, Chief Executive of Prospectus.
Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).
Michael Samuel, Former Chief Executive of Mayborn Group plc. Runs five family charitable trusts making donations of £250,000 each year.
Matthew Bowcock, Chairman of Community Foundation Network and The Hazelhurst Trust.
*Source: Watson Phillips Norman survey November 2010
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