School hosts charity executive education event in support of STV Appeal

The workshop brought together STV Children’s Appeal trustees with delegates from The Hunter Foundation and Appeal’s beneficiary charities, including Barnardo’s, Save the Children, Shelter and Street Soccer Scotland.

Part of the School’s commitment to the STV Children’s appeal, the event gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn how they can make the most of donations from Appeal supporters across Scotland.

Business School Professors John Amis, Chris Carter, Richard Harrison and Brad Mackay joined STV’s Chair, Baroness Ford, CEO Rob Woodward, CFO George Watt and Deputy Director of Channels Elizabeth Partyka to deliver the interactive workshop.

Sessions gave participants knowledge of strategy and governance, strategic thinking, leading strategic governance and entrepreneurial leadership. Malcolm Robertson and David Gaffney, senior experts from strategic communications company Charlotte Street Partners, also provided insights on communications, narrative and messaging.

Professor of Strategy and Organisation, Chris Carter said:

“University of Edinburgh Business School wanted to support delegates in learning how to make the most of the grants they receive. And in thinking about their futures, so that they can continue to do the great work they do for years to come.

“The workshop gave us a fantastic opportunity to help STV Children’s Appeal and its recipients in a way that goes beyond raising money.”

Chief Executive of STV and STV Children’s Appeal trustee Rob Woodward took part in the two-day programme. He said:

“Since it was launched in 2011 the STV Children’s Appeal has raised more than £11million for vulnerable children in Scotland.

"The charities we support want to make the most of the financial input from the STV Children’s Appeal so they can maximise the benefit they provide to communities throughout Scotland.

“We’re extremely grateful to University of Edinburgh Business School for creating a forum which gave us the chance not only to share and build upon ideas that are proven to work but also to hear and exchange ideas on the challenges that face charities every day.”

David Duke, founder and Chief Executive of Street Soccer Scotland was a delegate. He said:

“Street Soccer Scotland provides a range of football-themed training & personal development opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups across the country and the support we receive through charities including the STV Children’s Appeal is vital to our survival.”

“University of Edinburgh Business School has created a great opportunity to meet with peers from different charities so that together we can learn how to enhance the work we do which makes such a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people.”