The Social Investment Business response to the Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Responding to the Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech to the Conservative party conference in Birmingham this afternoon, The Social Investment Business Chief Executive Jonathan Lewis said:

“Today David Cameron reaffirmed his commitment to the Big Society vision, putting civil society organisations at the heart of public service delivery. We work with many cooperatives, charities and other sector groups that are keen to deliver more local services. It is important we ensure they get the support they need to become strong and sustainable for the long term.

“Now is the time for the sector to develop innovative and sustainable financial solutions to support civil society organisations. Advances we’re exploring such as local consortia models and social impact bonds, will enable these organisations to do more of what they do best - serve local people.

“It is encouraging that there is a commitment to developing opportunities for civil society organisations. To deliver the Prime Minister’s Big Society vision and see increased engagement and volunteering, community groups who are interested in delivering public services will need help to realise those ambitions. It is up to us as a sector to make the most of these opportunities.”

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1. For further information or interviews, please contact The Social Investment Business press office:

Liz Banks - 0207 842 7726/ 07809 504072  liz.banks@socialinvestmentbusiness.org

Nicola Jones - 0207 842 7755 nicola.jones@socialinvestmentbusiness.org

2. The Social Investment Business, the fastest growing social investor in the UK, exists to help social enterprises, charities and community organisations do more of what they do best – supporting people and communities most in need. We help organisations prosper by providing innovative financial solutions, business support and long term strategic thinking.

www.thesocialinvestmentbusiness.org @TheSocialInvest

3. The Social Investment Business manages Government funds on behalf of the Office for Civil Society, the Department of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government, with over 1,000 active investments. These range from £3,600 to help a small organisation bid successfully for a public sector contract, to £6.7million to help a large national charity establish and develop innovative new services for children and young people.