Episodes
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In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Tony Hulton, Chief Executive Officer of Walking with the Wounded. Tony shares the critical work his organisation is doing to support ex-service personnel in the UK.
The discussion spans across various support services provided by the charity, including mental health, social work, employment support, and tackling digital exclusion. This episode offers valuable insights for those who care about veterans and their reintegration into civilian life.
Tony begins by introducing Walking with the Wounded, a national charity founded 14 years ago during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Initially focused on helping physically injured veterans re-enter the workforce, the organisation has since expanded its scope to address a broader range of issues.
Today, they offer three core services: Headstart, Care Coordination, and Individual Placement Services.
Headstart provides mental health and therapy services tailored for veterans, addressing not only PTSD but also general mental health needs.
Care Coordination, akin to social work, is specifically designed for those with armed forces experience.
Individual Placement Services offer employment support that goes beyond job placement to include ongoing assistance.
Tony explains the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Everyday tasks that civilians take for granted, such as applying for a passport or a rental agreement, can be daunting for those accustomed to the structured life within the military.
The organisation recognises that while many veterans transition smoothly, a significant minority encounter difficulties that often manifest 10 to 14 years after leaving the service. These issues can include unemployment, underemployment, debt, and family breakdowns.
Employment is a critical area of focus for Walking with the Wounded. Veterans possess valuable skills such as leadership, management, and teamwork, making them highly desirable employees. However, challenges can arise years after their service ends, as skills may fade and confidence may wane.
Tony emphasises the importance of ongoing support for veterans in employment, ensuring they can leverage their skills effectively in civilian roles.
Walking with the Wounded employs around 90 staff, including 60 frontline workers. The charity's approach involves building trust with veterans and creating personalised care plans.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji engages in a compelling conversation with Geoff Ibbotson, the Executive Director of the Global Surgery Foundation.
Geoff shares his journey and the critical work his organization is doing to improve surgical care systems worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings.
This episode sheds light on the importance of comprehensive surgical systems in achieving global health goals and reducing poverty. As Geoff notes: "A strong surgical care system strengthens the entire health system and is one of the best investments for global health."
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to the Global Surgery Foundation: Geoff explains the origins and mission of the Global Surgery Foundation, highlighting its role in supporting and advancing surgical care systems globally.Comprehensive Surgical Systems: A deep dive into the various components of a functional surgical care system, including diagnostics, anesthesia, nursing, and rehabilitation.Impact on Global Health: How strengthening surgical care systems can significantly improve health outcomes and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The Surg Fund and Surg Hub: An overview of the Surg Fund, aimed at pooling resources for impactful surgical projects, and the Surg Hub, a digital platform for disseminating surgical knowledge and training.Challenges and Success Stories: Geoff shares real-life examples of the challenges faced in low-resource settings and the successes achieved through improved surgical care.Notable Partners and Supporters:
UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)Rali MampeuleSmile TrainHarvard University Medical SchoolJohnson & Johnson FoundationTakeda PharmaceuticalsSiemens HealthineersCanton of GenevaCall to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to explore the Surg Hub for free, high-quality training and resources on surgical care. Additionally, the Global Surgery Foundation welcomes partnerships and support to further its mission of strengthening surgical systems worldwide.
Conclusion:
Geoff Ibbotson emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding and collaboration to build robust surgical care systems. He highlights the critical role these systems play in overall health system strengthening and achieving universal health coverage.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Missing episodes?
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Cameron McCollum, Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, on justice system reform in Africa.
In this episode we delve into improving access to justice and building capacity within justice systems in Africa. We discuss the problem of case backlog and how ADR (alternative dispute resolution) can help improve justice outcomes.
We also discuss the Africa Chief Justices’ Summit on ADR recently held in Kampala, Uganda, where 16 chief justices participated to explore re-engineering the administration of justice on the African continent.
This episode will inform you and provide you with invaluable insight on improving justice systems in Africa and beyond.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The CEO of the British Exploring Society, Honor Wilson-Fletcher, on inequality of access to the great outdoors and transforming lives. Significant parts of the population do not feel welcomed, and don’t have access nor experience of what it’s like to be in the outdoors.
The British Exploring Society is a youth development charity that’s been around almost 100 years, founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and equipping young people with the courage, skills, resilience and determination to make the most of their future.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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John Craven, former Director of the UK’s Social Mobility Commission and current Executive Officer of System 2 – a registered charity in Australia – explores social mobility from numerous angles, including education, employability, social networks and intergenerational dynamics.
Among the various insights discussed, we explore how the school readiness gaps successfully tackled during children’s early years can widen again in primary and secondary education.
We also look at social mobility from a corporate angle and explore what companies can do in their recruitment and internal audits to ensure excellence not just in recruitment but also throughout career progression.
This is a highly informative episode for anyone who cares about social mobility.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The CEO of the Children’s Society, Mark Russell, talks about the new children’s support hub they’re launching in London, UK in July 2024, their 140-year history, ambitions for the future and creating an evidence base to roll out a nation-wide network of support hubs.
We celebrate the £1M grant from BBC Children in Need just announced on 15th May to support the Children’s Society’s work tackling mental health. We also look at key issues affecting children, such as online grooming, poverty, exploitation, county lines, mental health, domestic abuse and more.
The Children’s Society also drives forward advocacy campaigns, formulates policy positions and aims to achieve systemic change. They have around 800 staff, 6,000 volunteers and 140,000 supporters who are part of their movement.
This episode is for everyone who’s interested in children’s wellbeing and embracing innovative thinking to drive forward positive impact.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), Ahmad Alhendawi, joins Alberto Lidji as the 100-day countdown starts to Word Scouting’s general assembly in August 2024; bringing together members from 174 countries as they launch their new global strategy for the next 10 years; unveiling a refreshed brand, and leveraging their collective strength to tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
World Scouting has 57 million members globally and has been around for more than 100 years. Their new strategy takes a bold stand and champions key aspirations, including empowering youth to take on a more active leadership role, tackling climate and the global sustainability agenda, and committing to peace, inclusivity and dialogue.
We take a look at the challenges of managing both a global organization and a global movement; the importance of non-formal education; and the power of millions of scouts to tackle some of our world’s most pressing problems.
This is an inspiring episode showcasing how a global movement can make a positive impact and help achieve the SDGs.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The CEO of the Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), Frank Aswani, joins Alberto Lidji to discuss creating an impact ecosystem in Africa and to explore the continuum of impact capital, from traditional philanthropy to private sector capital.
A key challenge AVPA is focused on: How to solve Africa’s long-term sustainable growth financing challenge.
We explore the evolving role of philanthropy, as it moves beyond traditional grant-making and embraces a catalytic investing mindset where philanthropic assets are viewed as risk-capital. We also consider the role of philanthropists, which is key to unlocking more private capital and attracting it into the social impact space.
Whether you’re a philanthropist or engaged with corporate foundations, private equity, venture capital, government or non-profits, this episode will enlighten and enthuse you.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The President of the Truist Foundation, Lynette Bell, joins Alberto Lidji to discuss strengthening small businesses, developing career pathways for economic mobility, and why philanthropy is fueling the marketplace of ideas.
Find out how the Truist Foundation is co-creating programs, building the body of evidence, and how they are convening national non-profits in the US and also bringing the public sector and the corporate space into the field to drive forward positive systemic change.
The Trusit Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Truist Financial Corporation – the 6th largest bank in the USA and a purpose-driven financial institution committed to ensuring communities have an equal opportunity to thrive.
Lynette has been at Truist for her entire career, spanning more than 30 years. Working at the foundation has been the most fun she’s had during this time, and it’s given her an opportunity to co-create ideas and solutions and to use data to help drive and influence the strategy moving forward.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Daniela Ligiero, CEO and President of Together for Girls and Co-Founder of the Brave Movement, joins us to talk about working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents.
Daniela is a survivor of child sexual abuse and has been sharing her story publicly for around 15 years. The silence around this topic is something that needs to be tackled. Coming forward and speaking up is not easy and takes a lot courage.
Together for Girls is a global partnership uniting governments, UN Agencies, and civil society to end violence against children and adolescents, particularly sexual violence. This partnership uses a model of data and advocacy to drive action, spanning over twenty countries. With nationally led surveys, it has amassed data on over 12% of the world's population under 24 and more than 20% of children and adolescents in low-income nations.
The Brave Movement is a survivor-centered global movement fighting to end childhood sexual violence. They have two main strategies: one is to elevate and support survivor leaders and voices by showcasing their work; the second is aligned campaigning with clear focus on things such as online safety for kids and abolishing statutes of limitation.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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We look at the world of corporate philanthropy and are delighted to host Graham Macmillan, President of Visa Foundation, and Melissa Stevens, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy at the Milken Institute.
Graham Macmillan develops and executes Visa Foundation’s impact investing and grantmaking strategy in support of its mission to help inclusive and diverse-owned micro and small businesses around the world thrive and prosper. In addition, Graham oversees all of the Foundation’s activities addressing broader community needs and humanitarian response.
Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grant making and investing, Visa Foundation prioritises the growth of gender diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses. The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis.
Melissa Stevens is executive vice president of philanthropy at the Milken Institute, leading its work with individual and family philanthropists and foundations seeking to make a transformative, sustainable impact. Since co-founding MI Philanthropy in 2015, she has overseen the creation and execution of philanthropic strategies that have influenced more than $3 billion in capital and built a network for donors to collaborate and amplify their impact.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Kate Grant, Chief Executive of the Fistula Foundation, on receiving $15M from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and treating women with devastating childbirth injuries.
Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury. It leaves a woman incontinent, humiliated, and—all too often—shunned by her community. Surgery is the only cure.
The Fistula Foundation is the global leader in fistula treatment, providing more surgeries to more women than any other organization, including the U.S. government and United Nations.
Since 2009, they have supported treatment in 33 countries in Africa and Asia.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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The CEO of Plan International UK, Rose Caldwell, joins us back on the Do One Better Podcast to talk about their work on children’s rights, girls’ education, and their approach to localisation.
We explore why and how Plan International works with local actors, in humanitarian contexts, including youth-led organisations and those focused on girls’ and young women’s rights.
Plan International works with girls and boys growing up in some of the world’s poorest communities, making sure they have access to the education, health care, clean water and future opportunities they need to thrive.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Ebrima Saidy, Chief Impact Officer of Save the Children International, discusses the importance and diversity of the increasingly-prominent role of the Chief Impact Officer.
At a time when many more organisations are appointing Chief Impact Officers, we consider what the role actually does, what it entails, where Chief Impact Officers come from, and what qualifications and experience they bring with them.
In 2022, Save the Children International directly reached 48.8 million children in 116 countries around the world. They responded to 107 emergencies in 66 countries, reaching 34.4million people including 18.8million children. They also contributed to 129 significant changes and implementation of policy or legislation change related to the most marginalised and deprived groups of children in different countries, regions and internationally.
This episode is for anyone who strives for positive impact on a global scale.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Iqbal Dhaliwal, Global Executive Director of MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), and Vikrant Bhargava, Founder of Veddis Foundation, join Alberto Lidji to discuss the power of evidence, the ASPIRE partnership and the innovative Emissions Trading Scheme.
We also explore how philanthropists should decide what to fund, where and how to fund; why evidence is so important in driving forward policy change; and why policy itself should be a key focus in the philanthropic space.
The ASPIRE partnership (Alliance for Scaling Policy Impact through Research and Evidence) is a coalition of governments, philanthropic organizations, civil society groups, and research institutions.
The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a flexible, market-based approach to solving the air pollution problem in India. It works by capping emissions for a particular pollutant, like particulate matter, in a particular area. It allows sources of the pollutant, such as industrial plants, to trade emissions permits among themselves. The capping ensures emissions targets are met while trading allows this to be achieved cheaply.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 900 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
J-PAL co-founders Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, with longtime affiliate Michael Kremer, were awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics for their pioneering approach to alleviating global poverty.
Veddis Foundation invests in organisations working at the intersection of technology, policy, and impact. Veddis also partners with governments on policy implementation, effective public service delivery and governance.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, provides an insider’s view into one of the UK’s most impactful philanthropic organisations. Philippa shares the foundation’s approach to granting nearly £100 million annually, emphasising their blend of empathy, flexibility, and strategic funding that characterises their work.
The Garfield Weston Foundation, established in 1958 by Willard Garfield Weston, has grown significantly over the years. It dedicates its resources to supporting charities across the UK, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to societal improvement rooted in family values. Philippa discusses the foundation’s willingness to accept unsolicited applications and its focus on capacity building, partnerships, and research, underlining the organisation's open and responsive nature.
The foundation’s work is powered by a deep sense of family-driven purpose, enabling it to support a wide array of charitable endeavours effectively.
Philippa reflects on the foundation's commitment to responding to the most compelling needs across the UK without strict thematic restrictions. This philosophy ensures the foundation remains a versatile and impactful supporter of the country's charitable sector, embodying the spirit of philanthropy that Garfield Weston envisioned.
This episode offers profound insights into the Garfield Weston Foundation's dedication to making a difference through a thoughtful, family-oriented approach to philanthropy, showcasing the power of flexibility, empathy, and strategic funding in fostering positive societal change.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Don Howard, CEO of the James Irvine Foundation, sheds light on the foundation's unwavering commitment to fostering economic mobility among low-income workers in California. With a rich history dating back to 1937, the foundation has been a pivotal force, directing over $2.6 billion in grants to various organizations across California. In 2023 alone, $180 million was allocated to support initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
The foundation's mission is crystal clear: ensuring that every low-income worker in California has the power to advance economically. This goal is pursued through a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to quality jobs, enhancing workers' influence within the economy, fostering community-driven economic planning, and strengthening the safety net for those unable to advance economically.
The foundation's strategy is not just about grantmaking but also about catalyzing broader systemic change. This includes initiatives like Jobs First, a state program designed to engage communities in planning their economic futures in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient.
Despite the challenges, Howard remains optimistic about California's future, viewing the state's diversity and innovation as key assets in rebuilding a more inclusive middle class. He acknowledges the issues of infrastructure, climate change, and inequality but sees these as opportunities for systemic transformation. Through strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and a deep commitment to economic justice, the James Irvine Foundation is leading the way in creating a brighter future for California's low-income workers.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Andy Jarvis, the Director of Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, delves into the critical role food systems play in both exacerbating and potentially alleviating the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The Bezos Earth Fund, established with a $10 billion commitment from Jeff Bezos, aims to address these global challenges by 2030, with a strong emphasis on equity and environmental justice.
This episode showcases some truly innovative initiatives being supported by the Fund and unpacks how the Fund is tackling the enormous environmental footprint of the current food system, which is responsible for a significant portion of global emissions and land use.
A major focus is placed on the challenges and opportunities within livestock production, identified as a key driver of both emissions and land use. Andy elucidates the Fund's strategic approach to transforming livestock systems to meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population, while also safeguarding the planet. This involves exploring innovative solutions and partnerships aimed at reducing the environmental impact of food production and consumption.
The conversation touches on the interconnected nature of food systems, emphasising the complexity of making meaningful changes within this global network. Andy's insights reveal the importance of considering the entire food system, from supply chains to consumer behaviour, in efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
This episode not only highlights the critical work being undertaken by the Bezos Earth Fund but also underscores the urgency of addressing food sustainability as a cornerstone of climate action and biodiversity conservation. Listeners are invited to contemplate the profound implications of their food choices and the innovative paths forward in creating a sustainable and equitable food future.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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In a captivating conversation with Saleh Saeed OBE, the Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of the DEC's vital role in responding to global disasters and humanitarian crises. With a history spanning 60 years, the DEC stands as a testament to the collective power of the UK's leading charities, coordinating efforts to deliver rapid and effective aid to those in dire need.
Saleh delves into the unique operational model of the DEC, emphasising its reliance on a broad partnership network that includes 15 member charities such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and the British Red Cross, alongside a strategic alliance with major UK broadcasters. This synergy enables the DEC to launch impactful appeals that galvanise public support and funding, which are crucial for immediate humanitarian response.
The discussion also sheds light on the critical criteria guiding the DEC's activation: the scale of unmet humanitarian needs, the capacity for effective intervention, and the level of public sympathy and awareness. These criteria ensure that the DEC's efforts are both necessary and supported, allowing for swift action in the wake of disasters like the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which alone raised an astonishing £420 million.
Saleh offers a behind-the-scenes look at the DEC's operational dynamics when disasters strike, highlighting the pre-established preparedness and the rapid mobilisation of resources and partnerships that enable an immediate response. This efficiency is underscored by a transparent and accountable fund distribution system that ensures donations are swiftly channeled to where they are most needed, supporting life-saving and protective aid efforts.
Moreover, the episode touches on the evolution of the DEC over its 60-year history, including the expansion of its member charities and the cap on membership to maintain effective fund distribution. Saleh also addresses the importance of ongoing support from corporates and individuals, even in times of calm, to bolster the DEC's readiness for future crises.
Saleh's message resonates with the ethos of collaboration and joint effort. He passionately advocates for greater partnership and less competition within the humanitarian and wider charity sectors, emphasising that united efforts can significantly amplify the impact and reach of aid, making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by disasters and crises.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), delves into their impactful work and recent legislative success driving forward the Online Safety Act.
The conversation begins with an overview of the NSPCC's mission to prevent child cruelty and protect children's rights across the UK. The episode highlights the organisation's recent legislative victories that have significantly advanced child protection law and policy.
A focal point of the discussion centers on the NSPCC's proactive engagement with policymakers and influential tech companies. This collaboration aims to address and mitigate the risks children face online, showcasing the organisation's commitment to adapting its strategies in the face of evolving digital threats to child safety.
Sir Peter emphasises the critical role of the wider community, including individuals and corporations, in supporting the NSPCC's mission. He encourages listeners to enhance their safeguarding skills and awareness through resources available on the NSPCC website and NSPCC Learning platform. These tools are designed to empower everyone to contribute effectively to a society that listens to, supports, and protects its youngest members.
The episode concludes with a powerful message: everyone has a part to play in keeping children safe. By adopting simple yet profound actions—looking up, looking out, and listening to children—we can foster an environment where children feel heard and supported.
Sir Peter's parting words inspire listeners to explore the NSPCC's website, deepen their understanding of child protection, and discover how they can make a tangible difference in the lives of children.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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