In this latest episode, Sarah talks to Steve Hill, Commercial Director of Auticon UK, a global IT consultancy and social enterprise whose mission is to improve the employment prospects of neurodivergent people. We’ll hear about the additional value that employees with autism can bring to the table, especially in sectors such as IT, as well as hearing what organisations can do to transform their workplaces to achieve a space that works for both neurotypical and neurodivergent employees. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Nicola Lynch, a Level Three Advanced Practitioner in Social Value.Nicola is a Social Impact and Evaluation specialist and is one of only a handful of accredited Social Value & SROI trainers in the UK.   We’re going to take you on a journey that will really make you think about your own understanding of social value, how we measure social value, and the implications that has.  We’ll cover the difference between inputs, outputs, outcomes, impact, and value.Nicola will explain the theory of change and how that differs from a logic model, and we’ll also dive a little bit into digital tools, how they work, and the most important thing to remember when using them. Resources: Social Value UK TrainingThe Principles of Social ValueSocial Value Case StudiesWe hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Rachel Stancliffe, CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Listen in as we dive into sustainable healthcare with Rachel Stancliffe, CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.  With a significant portion of healthcare’s carbon footprint stemming from within the procurement chain, Rachel guides us through the comprehensive strategies and training the Centre delivers to minimise and eradicate waste.  Prioritising preventive measures, patient-centered care, efficient pathways, and low-carbon interventions are a key focus.  The Centre aims to inspire and empower healthcare professionals to embrace sustainable practices, leveraging education, collaboration, and community involvement, ultimately advancing a culture of sustainability throughout the healthcare sector.  Resources: www.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk https://networks.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/resources rachel@sustainablehealthcare.org.uk  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, Sarah talks to Sadie Besley, Randstad’s Divisional Managing Director for Professional Talent Solutions about flexi apprenticeships. A relatively new offering, we find out how they differ from traditional apprenticeships and what makes them work in certain industries.   Allowing learners to take on short term placements at multiple companies and providing access to greater experience across a range of different projects.  For employers, they're able to access untapped pool of talent in a really different way, most likely attracting a more diverse workforce as a result.   Get in touch with Sadie’s team for more information: alice.wheeler@randstad.co.uk  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Peter Coy, Social Value Implementation Lead at the Ministry of Defence.Tune in to learn about the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) commitment to social value through its dedicated Social Value Centre of Expertise. Uncover the broader scope of social value, spanning areas like social mobility, veteran support, and environmental impact, as the MoD operates beyond a checkbox approach. Understand the MoD’s strategic shift to a value-driven approach to defence procurement, and learn how the MoD engages with suppliers, encouraging them to align with policy outcomes. And gain insight into how social value factors into contract evaluation.Resource: Doing Business with DefenceWe hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, Sarah meets with Rebecca Phillips, from  the Careers and Enterprise Company, which is the national body for careers education in England. We’ll be finding out why employers need to develop early years careers education programmes and engage with schools, to help combat sector-wide skills shortages and secure a talent pipeline that they need. We'll also discuss why it’s important for employers and educators to work together to support young people at the start of the journey into the world of work. Preparing the next generation for the workforce is a priority for us all, so have a listen, find out what you can do and how the Careers and Enterprise Company can help you.Rebecca represents the Dorset CEC Hub. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Susan McPherson, the author of "The Lost Art of Connecting.” Susan McPherson is the founder and CEO of a US-based, B-Corp certified boutique communications consultancy, McPherson Strategies, specialising in impact communications for corporations, foundations, NGOs, and social enterprises. The interview covers various topics related to Susan's work and her approach to building meaningful connections, including her ‘Gather, Ask, Do’ methodology, which can be applied both when making personal, professional connections, and as an approach for organisations to adopt when engaging with stakeholders. Also mentioned:  Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver both Purpose and Profit, Alex Edmans We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, we speak to Lucy Mann, the Senior Business Sales Manager at Unseen, as she sheds light on the critical work carried out by the modern slavery charity.  Unseen is dedicated to supporting and empowering survivors of modern slavery, and working with individuals, communities, businesses, NGOs and government to stamp out slavery for good.Lucy explains how Unseen provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.  With practical tips and insights, Lucy highlights how businesses can mitigate risks and create a safe environment for their workers. From raising awareness and mapping supply chains to implementing robust escalation and remediation measures, she emphasizes the need for ongoing engagement and transparency.We discuss how the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, a key component of Unseen's initiatives, allows survivors, professionals, businesses, and the public to report concerns or seek assistance.  Their engagement and partnership work through The Business Hub, The Finance Hub and The Construction Hub allows them to offer ongoing support to combat slavery within these respective industries.Unseen's activities go beyond supporting victims, they also work with governments and policymakers, and businesses. And with at least 28 million people trapped in forced labour around the world, no business is risk free.If you're interested in finding out how Unseen can support your organisation in reducing your risks and becoming a leader in preventing worker exploitation, reach out to Unseen via their website.If are a victim of modern slavery, or you would like to report a suspected case of modern slavery, please call the UK modern slavery & exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or file an online report.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, we speak with Heledd Kendrick, the founder of Recruit for Spouses, a B-Corp accredited social enterprise which works to remove barriers for military spouses, and help them into employment. Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by military spouses in their pursuit of meaningful employment, and discover how Recruit for Spouses is making a remarkable difference by helping organisations close their skills gaps while creating a more inclusive workplace. We discuss who Recruit for Spouses are and what they do for both the military spouse community and the businesses they work with, the barriers and some of the misconceptions around the environmental barriers experienced by the partners of military personnel, and the value that members of this community can bring to your organisation.  Recruit for Spouses, is breaking down barriers and empowering these talented individuals to contribute their skills to the workforce effectively. We encourage organisations to consider the untapped potential of military spouses and explore ways to collaborate with Recruit for Spouses to close their skills gaps and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce. You can reach out to Recruit for Spouses via the online form on their website or by emailing info@recruitforspouses.co.uk or enquiries@recruitforspouses.co.uk  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is an arms-length body of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with a responsibility to provide advice, information and guidance to enhance people’s understanding and knowledge of financial matters and their ability to manage their own financial affairs. This is done directly through free and impartial services designed to help people make the most of their money and pensions.  We sat down with Paul Fox, Regional Partnerships Manager at Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to discuss financial wellbeing and why the financial wellness and education of staff should be a priority for employers. This episode offers a wealth of valuable insights and practical advice as Paul shares lots of easy, practical tips for things that organisations – with the support of the Money and Pensions Service – can do.  Contact the Money and Pensions ServiceVisit the MoneyHelper website, or find and contact your relevant Regional Manager here. Follow Paul on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can email  contact@maps.org.uk  Further resources and links·       Information on MaPS’ UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, Agendas for Change and their 2030 National Goals can be found here.·       Pensions Advice - How to talk to your employees about pensions and access MoneyHelper’s Pensions Basics and Pension Wise guides.·       Download MaPS’ new Guide to Financial Wellbeing for Employers  here.·       Information about Talk Money Week (6 – 10 November 2023) and how to get involved can be found here.·       MoneyHelper is MaPS’ consumer-facing brand. The link to the website full of practical advice and sources of support for employees and employers can be found here.·       Find out more about Credit Unions by visiting their website here. ·       To set up a Financial Wellbeing Champions programme check out MaPS' Money Guiders Framework Programme. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode, we speak with James Dundas from the EY Foundation and learn about the challenges that disadvantaged young people face when trying to enter the job market; and how companies can help break down the barriers that stand in their way. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience unemployment and to struggle to secure stable, well-paid work. This is due to a range of factors, including lack of access to education and training, discrimination, and a lack of social and professional networks. But it doesn't have to be this way and companies have a crucial role to play in creating a more level playing field for young people from all backgrounds. By offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for work experience, businesses can help to equip disadvantaged young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. This episode is not one to miss. James shares some heart-warming stories and fantastic examples of how companies are partnering with the EY Foundation to help disadvantaged young people.  Whether you’re an individual looking for a meaningful way to spend your volunteering days, or an organisation wanting to make a commitment to deliver mentoring, workshops or work experience for disadvantaged young people, you’ll learn a lot from James. If you’d like to get involved, you can find out more about EY Foundation's Corporate Partnerships here  or email enquiries@eyfoundation.ey.com Click here to connect with James via LinkedIn We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Social Value, we are joined by Carol Glenn, Social Value Programme Manager at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. If you are a supplier to the public sector and always wanted to know what happens once you submit your bid and how important the social value question is. You will not want to miss this episode. Carol shares Solihull's procurement process and what she needs to see in a social value question, what she doesn't want to see and what she wishes suppliers would do more. It is packed with tips and ideas on accessing and understanding local authorities' key social value priorities. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Social Value, we are joined by Debbie Ryan, the Group CEO of Impact Academy. They are one of the government-registered apprenticeship training providers. They are delivering a whole range of apprenticeships, including some focusing on sustainability. So who better to ask about apprenticeships and how they can help create social value. Debbie guides us through the complexity of apprenticeships and makes it easy to understand. Debbie said, “Think of the apprenticeship as the wraparound training course around the individual. Rather than the individual. And that’s the best way to try and understand it. You can put your existing employees on an apprenticeship program. If you are a non-levy payer, so a co-investment employer, you can have up to 10 apprentices at any one time. So think about your existing staff. You don’t have to go and create new roles. Your CEO can be on an apprenticeship program.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

Today we are joined by Caroline McKenna, CEO + Founder of Social Good Connect. Along with her passionate team, they make employee volunteering as easy as ordering a takeaway!  Connecting employees to their ideal volunteering opportunities through their unique digital search and match technology. And how volunteering can not only make an impact but make you feel even better than going to the gym. It's the feel-good factor. How do you embed volunteering into your culture? Caroline shares how Social Good Connect can help you do this by setting clear goals and practical ideas to build this culture and encourage staff engagement. it is about starting with "small, simple things but doing them consistently."Caroline discusses what B Corp means and how you achieve it. Social Good Connect is only two years into its journey and has become certified, which is a huge achievement. But it doesn't stop there. This is a commitment to making their business a force for good and continuing to align its goals, operations and impact with the Sustainable Development Goals. If you are an organisation that wants to learn the value of volunteering and the positive impact this can have on your business, give this episode a listen. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

Our guest today is Zahra Hedges, the CEO of Winning Scotland. A charity based in Scotland that acts as a catalyst for change. Collaborating with like-minded partners, they build confidence and resilience in all of Scotland's young people. Zahra is also a Trustee of Scaro, a not-for-profit based in Edinburgh and an Associate for Samtaler.  Zahra shares with us the importance of volunteering and the confidence it brings to her team and their personal development. The difference between team building days and volunteering; is understanding what organisations need and how you can have influence beyond planting a garden or painting a room. Zahra explains what she means by a 'winning culture' and how this impacts and helps young people in Scotland.She also shares advice to prepare for tender responses - don't leave it to the last minute! Build and nurture relationships with charities in your communities. Move beyond social value for the sake of tenders. It is about understanding what the charities need first. Then when you come to write a social value response, you are already doing great stuff that has a real impact for you to draw upon.  This episode is packed with ideas and sound advice to create social value with charities and local communities.  We hope you enjoy it. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.

Our guest today is Jaime Chapman, the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the US Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Jaime served in the US Army Reserves for 6-years and is currently an active duty Army spouse who is stationed with her family in Texas. In this episode, you'll learn about the challenges serving military personnel are currently facing. How to create a diverse supply chain using military spouse and veteran-owned suppliers and what the benefits are if you employ them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant—and looking for ways to create social value in the defence sector and support the military community.We hope you enjoy it. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at hello@samtaler.co.uk.