Bringing diverse communities together with Jim Minton of Toynbee Hall

15 October 2019

In episode 58 we talk to Jim Minton, CEO of Toynbee Hall. Toynbee Hall is the UK's oldest university settlement and an East End of London institution that has also played a key role in wider social reforms. We discuss the role of local civil society organisations and the opportunities and challenges that come with place-based philanthropy. Including:

The history of Toynbee Hall
Are enough charities today playing a role as drivers of social reform?
Have recent changes such as the Lobbying Act or the use of advocacy clauses in grant contracts made this harder?
Can the successes of place-based initiatives inform activities or policymaking at a regional or national level? How can organisations based in one place ensure they ‘influence upwards’?
Is “place” more complex than it is sometimes presented? I.e. at what geographic level do we feel a sense of belonging or identity?
How do you coordinate philanthropy and voluntary action in a particular place without stifling it?
Are place-based organisations particularly well-suited to adopting participatory approaches?
What is the particular importance of shared physical space and community buildings in a local area?
Does taking a place-based, rather than cause-based approach make it easier to address the multiple, cross-cutting needs of people and communities?
Do you think people and communities always have the best answers to their own problems, or do they sometimes need organisations to act for them in their own best interest?
What role can philanthropy and voluntary action play in building bridging social capital, bringing diverse communities together or fostering wider civic engagement?

About the Giving Thought podcast

The Giving Thought podcast is an exploration of trends in global philanthropy and civil society. Launched in 2017 it is recognised as an insightful and influential source of philanthropic debate. Rhodri Davies director of our Giving Thought Think Tank hosts the podcast, discussing contemporary issues and interviewing sector experts. Episodes are also available free on iTunes and Libsyn.

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Rhodri Davies

Head of Policy

Rhodri leads Giving Thought, our in-house think tank focusing on current and future issues affecting philanthropy and civil society. Rhodri has spent nearly a decade specialising in public policy around philanthropy and the work of charities, and has researched, written and presented on a wide range of topics. He has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Oxford. Read more about Rhodri

E: givingthought@cafonline.org

@Rhodri_H_Davies