29 Nov 2010

Social venture fund opportunity for 6 months

Here is an exciting opportunity from our friends at the Young Foundation:

"The Young Foundation is a UK based centre for social entrepreneurship and social innovation, and we are looking for a talented, experienced person who is passionate about social change to work with our social ventures team for 6 months. Its the ideal secondment opportunity for someone thinking about transitioning into the social sector, and will involve working closely with and advising a number of our social entrepreneurs, as well as helping to shape our investment and innovation model. The ideal candidate would bring with them experience of working with small high-potential businesses, and though we are advertising at an Associate level, if a candidate could come in on a pro-bono secondment we’d absolutely welcome a more experienced hire."

http://www.youngfoundation.org/opportunities/vacancies/associate-business-support-launchpad

14 Nov 2010

O2 Learn is live

During our placements at O2, Harriet and I have worked from the conception to the launch of O2 Learn- a prime example of social 'intrapreneurship'. O2 Learn has a simple idea behind it, but one with huge potential, playing to the brand's core competency- helping by connecting people. It's a video-sharing website for teachers to upload their best micro-lessons, and share them, not only with their classroom of students, but with all 13-18 year olds throughout the country. Whether they're revising for exams, or wanting to catch-up on a lesson they've missed, it's free and accessible for all anywhere, anytime (www.o2learn.co.uk).
It's been a nimble project, with the On Purpose associate comprising the project team, and reaching out to specialists and external agencies for input as required. Since launch on the 1st November it's been well received, no doubt in good measure due to the strength of our partnerships with a range of education organisations: the NUT, Teach First, The Teaching Awards, Teaching Leaders and Parentline Plus.
What next? Thousands of videoed lessons being up-loaded, we hope. So, if you're a parent, a governor, or still in touch with the teacher that inspired you, do let them know about the project. O2 Lean's award scheme certainly makes it worthwhile for the teacher and their school to contribute.