Pilotlight News

3 New Charities!

Pilotlight Scotland is delighted to announce that a further 3 charities have recently been approved to receive mentoring and business skills coaching from Pilotlight’s teams of business professionals.

Pilotlight Scotland | 01 July 2009

Pilotlight in The Guardian

We thought you’d like to know that Fiona Halton, our Chief Executive, has an article in the Society section of The Guardian today titled “Small Bodies Deserve a Fair Chance.”

Pilotlight General | 06 May 2009

April Letter from Fiona

Fiona Halton
Chief Executive, Pilotlight Group
A recent article in The FT (30th March) hailed a “Surge in charity advice work from executives.” It took Pilotlight as the example. In October last year we projected numbers volunteering to Pilotlight to fall, but instead they are rising. That goes for both new members and renewals. It’s not just surprising, it is moving.

Pilotlight General | 22 April 2009

Women’s Charities Under Threat

In March, the Women’s Resource Centre published a report about funding for women’s charities that showed one in five women’s organisations closed between 2004 and 2007. Yet the needs of society’s vulnerable women are growing. One in four UK women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and two women are killed every week by current or former partners. In the last decade the number of women in prison has nearly doubled, from 2,305 in 1996 to 4,463 in 2006. In 2006 only 20% of MPs, 10% of high court judges and 10% of executive directors of FTSE 100 companies (0.4% from black minority ethnic/BME groups) were women. Women in full-time employment earned 17.2% less than men in 2006; for part-time workers the gap was 35.6%.

Pilotlight General | 22 April 2009

Pilotlight People:  Phil Zeidler

CHAIRMAN, POWERAMP MUSIC AND IGO4 INSURANCE
Phil is our first featured individual in the new Pilotlight People section, which will appear in each email newsletter.  Phil has been a team member on the Charity Technology Trust project over the past year.  Here are some of his thoughts on philanthropy and the experience with Pilotlight.

Pilotlight General | 22 April 2009

April News in Brief

Read Pilotlight’s latest news.

Pilotlight General | 22 April 2009

Pilotlight Featured in FT

Pilotlight is featured in the Financial Times today in an article discussing a recent increase in charitable work by executives.

Pilotlight General | 30 March 2009

Scottish Charity Wins!

The Junction wins Glaxo SmithKline Impact Award, picks up Bronze Award in the Voluntary Organisations Manager of the Year and is also nominated for the HSBC Edinburgh Charity of the Year.

Pilotlight Scotland | 27 March 2009

London Chief Executive in Press

Third Sector’s “My Week” gave a snapshot of Deborah Xavier’s schedule on behalf of Pilotlight London.  The article is a great example of the energy and diversity of her role with the organisation. 

Pilotlight London | 26 February 2009

February Letter from Fiona

“During a downturn it is imperative that the charity remains strategic in its focus…”
Managing in a Downturn, PricewaterhouseCoopers, November 2008

I am delighted to announce that Pilotlight is coming to Wales.

Pilotlight General | 24 February 2009

The Pilotlight Pit Stop

Pilotlight has been keenly watching for signs of impact of the credit crunch on small charities and social enterprises in the UK. In her introduction, Fiona quotes from PricewaterhouseCoopers‘s “Managing in a Downturn” paper summarising the results of a survey of voluntary sector Finance Directors and Fundraisers carried out in November 2008.

Pilotlight General | 24 February 2009

Who We Can Best Help

We know that charities need the sort of support Pilotlight can offer now more than ever. If you know of a charity or social enterprise planning to grow, or looking for business advice during the economic downturn please do tell them — both about Pilotlight and about our criteria. Pilotlight has an impressive track record of helping small charities effectively. Over the years we have built up a picture of which charities will most benefit from our process.

Pilotlight General | 24 February 2009

Safeguarding Children Services

Safeguarding Children Services (SCS) is an award-winning social enterprise which works with children and young people aged 5-19 years old who have been abused or are at risk in Merseyside.  Under the careful guidance of its founding Directors, Jaci Quennell and Elaine Allison, SCS has worked with over 200 young people since it was founded in 2005.

Pilotlight London | 24 February 2009

February News in Brief

Read Pilotlight’s latest news.

Pilotlight General | 24 February 2009

Sunday Times Features Outsiders

The 15th February edition of the Sunday Times Magazine featured one of Pilotlight’s partner charities, Outsiders, and its founder Tuppy Owens.

Pilotlight London | 15 February 2009

London Recruits for Member Post

Pilotlight London is currently recruiting for a Membership & Business Development Manager to recruit new Pilotlighters.

Pilotlight London | 13 February 2009

Fiona Halton on Philanthropy in the FT

Chief Executive of Pilotlight Group, Fiona Halton, provided her perspective on philanthropy in the 3rd January “How to Give It” section of the Financial Times.

Pilotlight London | 05 January 2009

Pilotlight Charity Press in The Times

In the December 19, 2008 edition of The Times, Pilotlight partner charity Safeguarding Children Services garnered excellent press coverage, highlighting the charity’s transformation in applying a more business-like mind in its operations. Service Director, Jaci Quennell, offers her first-hand perspective.

Pilotlight London | 05 January 2009

Financial Downturn Affects Charities

Pilotlight Group’s Chief Executive, Fiona Halton, was quoted in a recent article in the Financial Times, acknowledging the impact charities are experiencing due to the global financial downturn.

Pilotlight General | 29 December 2008

Pilotlight Scotland Strengthens Membership Team

Pilotlight Scotland expands the membership team as the organisation continues to grow.

Pilotlight Scotland | 23 December 2008

“Guide to Giving” Third Edition

In the Third Edition of Philanthropy UK’s “Guide to Giving,” Pilotlight London Chief Executive Deborah Xavier offers her perspective on volunteering time, and how to make the most effective impact within the charity sector.

Pilotlight London | 10 December 2008

Celebrating 2008 and Looking Ahead

A note from Fiona Halton, Pilotlight Chief Executive

Pilotlight General | 09 December 2008

The Pilotlight Effect 2008

Pilotlight Evaluation Manager Dan Ritman’s 2008 Evaluation Report demonstrates that Pilotlight charities go on to achieve amazing results.

Pilotlight General | 09 December 2008

Marketing & Comms Skills Needed

Pilotlight London is always looking for new Pilotlighters, but this winter we particularly need people with marketing and communications expertise. These skills are essential for our charities to promote themselves to service users, potential funders and partners, and are most commonly requested by charities undergoing assessment by Pilotlight London.

Pilotlight London | 09 December 2008

Pilotlighter Profile:  Sally Davis

Pilotlighter Sally Davis has the benefit of drawing on two successful careers as she works with charity partner Ilderton Motor Project.  Sally began her career in marketing and advertising, and now coaches senior individuals through career change. 

Pilotlight London | 09 December 2008

“Becoming a Trustee” Event

Two dozen London Pilotlighters joined us for an experimental evening at Schroders on the 12th November entitled “Becoming a Trustee.” The objective of the event was to provide an introduction to the benefits and challenges of becoming a trustee, and to test whether Pilotlighters would be interested in further events on the subject of governance.

Pilotlight General | 09 December 2008

Caux International Conference Series

You may wonder what our dedicated team of Project Managers do when they are not brokering business/charity relationships.

Pilotlight London | 09 December 2008

December News in Brief

Read Pilotlight’s latest news.

Pilotlight General | 09 December 2008

Looking for a trustee, or thinking of becoming one?

We asked participants at our “Becoming a Trustee” event to tell us whether they would be interested in a matching service for small charities and senior business people looking for trusteeships.

Pilotlight General | 09 December 2008

Pilotlight in Spear’s WMS

Philanthropy used to be a matter of throwing cash at a cause and forgetting about it. No longer. Josh Spero on the rise of more creative, entrepreneurial and engaged forms of giving.

Pilotlight General | 28 November 2008

EVPA November Newsletter Notes Pilotlight’s Effect

Pilotlight’s impact is reviewed in an article written in the European Venture Philanthropy Association November newsletter. 

Pilotlight General | 26 November 2008

New vacancy at Pilotlight London

Pilotlight London seeks Evaluation Officer

Pilotlight London | 12 November 2008

Exposure in Philanthropy UK Newsletter

Pilotlight is proud to be included in the November edition of Philanthropy UK’s newsletter.  The 2008 Evaluation Report highlights are included, demonstrating Pilotlight’s impact on its partner charities.

Pilotlight General | 06 November 2008

Pilotlight Featured in The Times

The Times newspaper today features one of our Pilotlight charity partners, Globetown Learning Community. Jackie Barnes, Chief Executive of Globetown, worked with Pilotlighters Mark Evans, Stephen Prior, David Rossington, and Jeffrey Twentyman through the Pilotlight process; Jackie credits Globetown’s success today largely to the help she received from her Pilotlight team. Globetown’s work in Tower Hamlets aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in their community.

Pilotlight London | 17 October 2008

Pilotlight Charities Continue to Grow

A Note From Fiona Halton, Chief Executive of Pilotlight Group

Pilotlight General | 17 October 2008

October News in Brief

Read Pilotlight’s latest news.

Pilotlight General | 17 October 2008

New Director for Scotland:  Chris Horne

Pilotlight is delighted to welcome Chris Horne as the new Director of Pilotlight Scotland.  Chris was previously Managing Consultant at Edinburgh-based Head Resourcing.

Pilotlight Scotland | 17 October 2008

Trustee Training

by Deborah Xavier, Chief Executive, Pilotlight London

One of the most common challenges facing the small and medium-sized charities and social enterprises we work with at Pilotlight is governance. The first step to establishing an effective Board of Trustees is attracting people with the right mix of skills, and few of the charities we work with have a high enough profile to be able to pick and choose. Neither do they have the time and money to conduct recruitment drives that reach beyond their immediate circles.

Pilotlight London | 17 October 2008

Pilotlighter Profile:  Holly Cato

Holly Cato is one of Pilotlight London’s most experienced Pilotlighters having worked with our charities since autumn 2003, and has supported charities working in fields as diverse as domestic violence, palliative care and women in secure hospitals. Holly is a branding consultant who specialises in naming brands and companies, and brings a very particular set of skills with relevance to several of our charities as they plan for ambitious growth programmes.

Pilotlight General | 17 October 2008

Celebrate World Mental Health Days

Celebrate World Mental Health Days with CoolTan Arts.

Pilotlight London | 15 September 2008

Pilotlighter Profile: David Rivington

Profile of London Pilotlighter David Rivington, who brings to our charities the benefits of a varied career which has included jobs as an oil field engineer in jungles and deserts, an internship as a journalist at the Economist and senior business development roles at Apple Computers.

Pilotlight General | 09 July 2008

Social enterprise: A new opportunity

Noting that the government has high expectations of social enterprise, Fiona Ramsay of Pilotlight Scotland asks: what can it deliver, and how will it rise to such a challenge?

Pilotlight Scotland | 09 July 2008

Pilotlight at No 10 Downing Street

On 13th May Sarah Brown hosted a Pilotlight event at No.10 Downing Street.  The event was a great success, with over 90 attendees.

Pilotlight General | 09 July 2008

Sculptures by Cooltan Artists

Sculptures about mental health, by people who experience mental health issues, were unveiled on Saturday 4th June.
The work is appearing in the strangest places and is part of the Camberwell Arts Festival and the CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle.

Pilotlight London | 19 June 2008

Tender in National Lottery vote

The National Lottery awards a public vote to our partner charity Tender.  Every vote counts, so they really appreciate your support.

Pilotlight London | 19 June 2008

MBE for founder of Unique

Great news for one of Pilotlight’s partner charities - Unique, the Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group. The founder of Unique, Edna Knight was made a MBE in the Birthday Honours List 2008. Congratulations from all at Pilotlight.

Pilotlight London | 17 June 2008

Piotlight in the Evening Standard

The Evening Standard wrote a wonderful piece on Pilotlight on the 2nd June.  Thank you to Katy Emck from our partner charity Fine Cell Work for being involved.  The article clearly outlines the Pilotlight process, what business member and charities can gain from the experience and future plans for growth.

Pilotlight London | 05 June 2008

Pilotlight Scotland seeks new Director

If you’d like to join our dynamic team in Scotland then please go to our Vacancies page for more details.

Pilotlight Scotland | 16 May 2008

Pilotlight Scotland keeps on growing

Pilotlight Scotland is well on its way to achieving its target of 125 members by the end of 2009. We currently have 56 members, including corporate membership from ScottishPower, DHL, Lloyds TSB Scotland, The Student Loans Company, First State, Accenture and HBOS.

Pilotlight Scotland | 16 May 2008

Pilotlight is Growing

A Note From Fiona Halton, Chief Executive of Pilotlight

We now have 225 Pilotlighters working with 49 charities in two locations: London and Scotland. We hope to have a Cardiff office open and running by January 2009.

Pilotlight is growing. More importantly, the charities we work with are also growing: a crucial measure of our Pilotlighters’ impact. Charities being Pilotlit by our teams show a 22% rate of growth, as opposed to an average for the voluntary sector of just under 3%.  This translates to much-needed services for more people.

Pilotlight General | 19 March 2008

Measuring success – Pilotlight’s new report

One of the challenges that Pilotlight shares with its partner charities is the need to evaluate our work. Increasingly funders are asking charities to demonstrate their impact in terms of the difference they make to people’s lives, not just the numbers they work with. 

For some in the sector, evaluation is an issue of public accountability. Martin Brookes from New Philanthropy Capital argues that expecting more information from charities about what they achieve will create a healthier sector; “Scrutiny, analysis and assessment of charities are not just desirable, they’re essential.”

Pilotlight General | 19 March 2008

Pilotlight Scotland welcomes new Project Manager

Pilotlight Scotland welcomes new project manager, Dehra Orme, to the team. Dehra brings a wealth of third sector experience to the team, having previously worked at Marie Curie and Maggie’s, where she worked in events and corporate fundraising.

Pilotlight Scotland | 12 March 2008

Tender and Nivea Funny Women

The NIVEA FUNNY WOMEN event is coming soon!  Celebrate International Women’s Day and stand up against violence to women with some of Britain’s finest female comics.

Pilotlight London | 28 February 2008

Pilotlighter receives Good Director Honour for Community Involvement

We are delighted that Graham Clempson, European Managing Director at MidOcean Partners, has been awarded a Good Director Honour for his contribution to Social Responsibility and Community Involvement through his work with and support for Pilotlight.  We would like to extend our congratulations and sincere thanks to Graham for his continued support.

Pilotlight General | 01 February 2008

Pilotlight on BBC 2’s Working Lunch

Working Lunch featured Pilotlight on its ‘Lunch Lessons’ on Friday 1st February.  The report includes interviews with Fiona Halton (Pilotlight Chief Executive), Rachel Archer (Director of JusB, Pilotlight partner charity), and Jane French (Pilotlighter and Managing Director, Citigroup). 

Pilotlight General | 01 February 2008

Fine Cell Work - January Sale Extended

Fine Cell Work’s January sale of cushions, rugs and quilts hand-embroidered in 22 British prisons.  Starts January 29th and will continue into February. 

Pilotlight London | 28 January 2008

Pilotlight in the Financial Times

Many thanks to all of the Pilotlighters and partner charities who were mentioned in the FT article.

Pilotlight London | 14 January 2008

Pilotlight in The Guardian

Pilotlight appeared in The Guardian today. Many thanks to all the Pilotlighters and partner charities who were mentioned.

Pilotlight General | 08 January 2008

Philanthropy UK recommends Pilotlight

Philanthropy UK has listed Pilotlight among their seven recommendations for unique and meaningful festive gifts this season.  All focus on the gift of giving. 

Pilotlight General | 13 December 2007

Pilotlight prepares for National Growth

Pilotlight Chief Executive Fiona Halton has announced changes to the London-based Pilotlight team as the organisation prepares to go national.  Fiona will lead the Pilotlight Foundation in establishing new Pilotlights and supporting existing ones, ensuring quality, consistency and shared learning.

Deborah Green has become Pilotlight London Chief Executive. Deborah has worked with Pilotlight for four years, since the early days of Pilotlighting. She was Fiona’s deputy in London and then led the set-up phase for Pilotlight Scotland. Deborah and Angela McCusker, Chief Executive for Pilotlight Scotland, will report to Fiona.

Pilotlight General | 13 December 2007

Tender teams up with musician

Tender has teamed up with a great musician, Daniel Rachel, to create a fantastic campaign - making a UK chart hit to help stop domestic abuse and sexual violence.  Please take one minute to read the information below and see how quickly and easily you can make a big difference. Please forward onto your friends or work intranets.

Pilotlight London | 06 December 2007

Tender November 2007 Newsletter

Read about Tender events and see the advertisement for the Administrator and Campaign Co-ordinator job post.

Pilotlight London | 03 December 2007

Cooltan Arts Exhibition Dates

Cooltan Arts Exhibition at London City Hall
11th December to 4th January

Pilotlight London | 20 November 2007

Pilotlight event unveils national vision

Fiona Halton introduced Pilotlight’s plans to go national to its charities, Pilotlighters and supporters at the recent annual party on 18th October.  This move has grown out of the success of Pilotlight London and Pilotlight’s recent launch in Scotland. 

Pilotlight General | 01 November 2007

Fine Cell Work Exhibition Dates

Fine Cell Work, the prison charity that trains and pays prison inmates to do professional embroidery and quilting, would like to let you know that they are exhibiting at this year’s Spirit of Christmas Fair, at Olympia on Nov 6-11th.  They will also be exhibiting at their annual Chelsea Town Hall Sale & Retrospective Exhibition on Nov 15th & 16th.

Pilotlight London | 31 October 2007

Pilotlight in the FT

Read about Pilotlight in the Financial Times on the 19th October 2007.

Pilotlight London | 19 October 2007

Pilotlight goes national

Leading venture philanthropy charity, Pilotlight, is today launching its plans to go national following the success of its operations in London and Scotland. 

Pilotlight General | 18 October 2007

Dates to Remember - Cooltan Arts

Important dates to remember with Cooltan Arts.

Pilotlight London | 18 October 2007

Cooltan Arts - Arts Market

You are welcome to join Cooltan Arts on Tuesday 11th December between 5.30pm – 8.00pm at City Hall, the heart of London government, for a private view of exciting, experimental and inspiring art, created by our participants and shown in the City Chamber Lobby and Viewing area and to be opened by David Morris –Mayor’s Senior Policy Adviser (Disability issues).

Pilotlight London | 18 October 2007

Fraud Seminar

Pilotlight hosted a seminar for its partner charities on 19 September on the subject of Fraud in Charities.

Pilotlight London | 09 October 2007

Cooltan Arts in The Guardian

Read about Cooltan Arts and World Mental Health Day in The Guardian.

Pilotlight London | 09 October 2007

6th October Cabaret Supports Tender

“Underbling & Vow” and Tender presents “A little of what you fancy”.  Get your top hats, silk gloves, evening gowns and dancing shoes ready…you are invited to an exciting one off Cabaret evening on Saturday 6th October 2007 in support of Tender’s work.

Pilotlight General | 20 September 2007

13 October World Mental Health Day

Celebrate World Mental Health Day on Saturday 13th October 2007 with Cooltan Arts. Cooltan Arts is celebrating ten years of work providing free creative activities for people experiencing mental distress with a sponsored walk in Southwark which coincides with October’s World Mental Health Day.  Put your best foot forward, shod with your most comfortable walking shoes and come in fancy dress (optional) this October. Join the Cooltan Arts participants and their supporters on Saturday 13th October 2007 for a circular jolly starting at the Maudsley Hospital SE5 via Tate Modern SE1.

Pilotlight General | 14 September 2007

Join Fine Cell Work for Autumn Tour

Fine Cell Work, the prison charity that trains and pays prison inmates to do professional embroidery and quilting, would like to let you know that their ‘Autumn Tour’ takes off next month in London.  The Exhibition will take place at Clothworkers’ Hall, London on Tuesday 2nd October 2007.  The exhibition will open from 12.30 - 6pm with a drinks reception from 6 - 9pm. 

Pilotlight General | 13 September 2007

Action Space In Affordable Art Fair

Action Space is the chosen charity this year for the Affordable Art Fair and they are really excited and proud to be a part of this high profile event.  The Affordable Art Fair is in Battersea Park on the 17th -21st October 2007 and will include work by all of the Action Space groups to be exhibited and sold. 

Pilotlight General | 12 September 2007

The launch of Pilotlight Scotland

Pilotlight Scotland launched last week and is now operational in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Five charities are undergoing assessment and we have signed up 20 Scottish members already, including corporate membership from HBOS, Scottish Power, PWC, Openreach (part of the BT Group), Aegon, BDO Stoy Hayward and Adam & Co. We are very excited about our first project meetings which are due to take place in October.

Pilotlight Scotland | 12 September 2007

Read about Pilotlight on BBC online

Pilotlight was featured in BBC Online on the 29th August 2007.  The article outlines that Pilotlight has developed a way for business professionals to give their strategic skills and experience in an effective way to charities instead of just writing a cheque.  Two of the charities that Pilotlight has worked with, Fine Cell Work and Centre of the Cell, outline what the ‘useful criticism’ of business experts has done for their charities.

Pilotlight London | 29 August 2007

Summer news from Pilotlight

We are happy to announce that we have taken on seven new charities since the Spring from a wide range of areas.  HBOS have also joined us as a corporate member in London, and we have a number of new individual members joining in the next few months including a marketing specialist and lawyer-turned-author.  Of all of the charities now evaluated, nearly 90% of them have seen an increase in at least one major area of their capacity through working with Pilotlight. 

Pilotlight London | 31 July 2007

New changes in Member Communication

Member Feedback Lunches have been very useful and insightful and have had good feedback.  These sessions are an opportunity for you to share experiences across charities and share with us if we could be doing things differently.  However, to make it easier for you to attend we are changing these to Member Feedback Breakfasts - these will be held bi-monthly from 8.30am - 10am. 

Pilotlight London | 31 July 2007

Wales and West Country Office Planned

Deborah Green will shortly begin a feasibility study on the suitability of Wales and the West Country as our next Pilotlight office.  If you have any contacts we could speak to about Pilotlight in this region please do let us know.  These could be businesses, charities or personal contacts with knowledge of the corporate or voluntary sectors in the region.

Pilotlight General | 17 July 2007

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