Apparently, when it comes to complex strategic decisions, a shorter thinking time is associated with a higher quality of decisions. The study is limited in as much as the study is about chess, and the implication is extrapolated out to all aspects of decision making. I’d take this with a pinch of salt, but there is something interesting to consider. See the LMU Munich website for more details. Read more »
Here’s an interesting piece from New Philanthropy Capital on the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). What new SORP guidelines mean for trustees – and why this moment matters. The guidance moves impact reporting from ‘nice to have’ to a core responsibility. Drop me a line if you’d like to know more. To discuss financial compliance and general accounting requirements contact my colleague Uday at Red Ochre. Read more »
Here’s an interesting piece on the ethics of AI in the workplace and in society more generally. The Young Foundation is a think tank so the perspective and language reflects that, but there are some interesting points here. AI in the charity sector: ‘How organisations can be both people-powered and tech-enabled’ For a more pragmatic approach to human and machine collaboration, once again in organisations and in society, have a look at Superminds: The Surprising Power of People and Computers Thinking Together, by Thomas Malone (ISBN 978-0316349130). Most people read this for the aforementioned AI section, but there is also Read more »
People give lower priority to improving moral traits because they think they’re highly moral already. This is a key finding from Jonathan Berman (Associate Professor of Marketing at London Business School) in his exploration of how people balance self-interest with prioritising others for the greater good. It seems that we’re more interested in improving those traits that we think will make us happier or help us achieve our goals. It’s an interesting read, but one I take with a pinch of salt. Read more at the LBS website. Read more »
Here’s an interesting piece from NPC (New Philanthropy Capital) on the size and story of the UK impact economy. Depending on your definition of the impact economy the size varies from quite big to substantial and takes in a multitude of organisational types. Read more »
Last week friend of Red Ochre, Magic AI, was awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, which is given to just 50 British businesses per year. Fewer than 8,000 businesses have ever held it. Congratulations Varun. See the Magic AI website for more about what they do. Read more »
UKGrantmaking, is a free interactive platform that collates and analyses information on grants made during the most recent year when published statutory accounts information was available. There is lots of interesting and useful information here, including a list of grant making trusts and foundations. An especially useful page is the section on Methodology and Data. Read more »
Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund The Museums Association, funded by the Julia Rausing Trust, is providing grants to enable the development and continuation of groundbreaking health and wellbeing programmes in UK museums during a time of financial crisis and increasing demand for services. Deadline for enquiries 20th May. See the Museums Association website for further details. Friends of the National Archives FNA help regional, national and specialist libraries, archives and museums acquire books, manuscripts and archives that they could not otherwise afford. See the FNA website for further details. National Archives Project Grants Project Grants of up to £30,000 Read more »
Data is the evidence that we use to convince people that our activity has genuine impact. In this hands-on, practical course you’ll learn tried and tested techniques for creating engaging data communications for reports, slide decks, websites or social media. Appropriate presentations of quantitative or qualitative data are proven to be more effective at engaging audiences than simple text or tables of numbers. Learn how to present data clearly and compellingly to engage stakeholders across reports, websites and social media in our half-day online course. This course is scheduled for 20th May 2026. See the DSC website for more details. Read more »
Red Ochre is running a free half-day sustainable business course at the British Library BIPC on the 30th October. The session will run 1000-1300. To learn more and to sign up check out this link Read more »
Robert is running a course on Impact and Social Value for DSC on 9th July. This is a course for anyone who works in the charity, social enterprise or voluntary sector that needs to demonstrate the value and outcome of their work. See the DSC website for more details. Read more »
Client and friend of Red Ochre, Magic AI is now the fastest growing consumer company in the UK as per Sifted’s 100 list. A short 18 months since launch Magic has Q1 Revenues of $4,365,401 (£3,389,707) and 250.9% YoY growth. Congratulations to Varun and all of the team from your friends at Red Ochre. Read more »
This is an interesting note on risk, performance and financial stability, even if you’re not interested in racing. See the CFO website for the article. Read more »
Congratulations to friend of Red Ochre, MAGIC AI Mirror. They have made Time Magazine’s annual list of the 200 Best Inventions in the World. One of only 3 British companies to do so. See Time Magazine for more details. Read more »
Friend of Red Ochre, Esin Akan, is launching a range of ethical, sustainable and desirable Olive Leather Bags. The material is luxurious, plant-based, and biodegradable! It’s an innovative hardwearing material that looks and feels like leather, and not plastic as many “faux” leather alternatives tend to. These guilt-free luxury bags are suprisingly affordable as they don’t come with the large markups of other brands. The range is multi-purpose and designed for the modern and conscious urbanite. You can learn more (and get a big discount) at the Esin Akan pre-sale website. Read more »
