Mark Bevan of Business in the Community Scotland on what charities can learn from the inextricable link between business and society
What makes a good day at work?
A really good debate with a business leader and their team on the difference between what they do with their profit, which I think is old fashioned philanthropy, and how they earn their profit, which is a much more sustainable approach to responsible business practice.
Why is Business in the Community Scotland relevant to charities?
Our USP is our convening power – we can bridge the gap between the business interests of the private sector and the social motives of charities and not for profits and social enterprises. Ultimately the success of business and society is inextricably linked – you can’t have one without the other.
Do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
Yes, we are a pretty energetic team and we have the good fortune to have built really productive relationships with many of our stakeholders, for whom what we do is driven by real personal conviction and strongly held values.
What’s the worst thing that’s happened this year?
Just in advance of a reception at Clarence House with some of our close supporters and our president, Prince Charles, I received a call from his staff to ask what I was wearing. I was in the bath at the time and said so – engaging my mouth before my brain! You can imagine that’s going to take a while to live down!
What’s your favourite charity or cause?
I was very honoured to be a campaign director at Amnesty International, its work is literally saving the lives of people who would otherwise be forgotten and without hope. It is enormously valuable and based on a simple proposition – all life is of value.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Follow your passions, the rest will sort itself out
What’s do you think about social enterprises?
I think the three objectives – pursuit of personal values, delivering social impact and generating an income – represents a fantastic mash up of private sector and public or third sector. I call it acting out of enlightened self-interest and there is much to learn from the social entrepreneurs we have in Scotland.
What’s the best song ever written?
Cat Stevens – If you want to sing out sing out
What’s the Prince of Wales like?
His commitment, detailed knowledge, passion and ability to put people at their ease is astonishing. He is a very engaged president for Business in the Community and offers more support than I think our organisation could have ever hoped for.
What’s the best thing that’s happened this year?
Sometimes it’s the small things that really resonate and keep us going. Last week whilst on holiday in the Highlands my young son asked if I would take him and his friend fishing, we had a whole day without snapchat and guttural grunts and I remembered what great company he was.
If you were your boss, would you like you?
I hope so! I think integrity is really important and getting things done is not simply about skills and competences, it’s also about understanding people’s motivations and passions and helping them to be the best version of themselves, through their work.
What one thing could businesses do better in Scotland?
Connect better. Scottish businesses need more innovative collaboration which requires a focus on behaviours and government, with agencies investing in connectivity infrastructure, both physical and digital, in Scotland, across the UK and with global trading partners.
What’s your top tip for charities trying to work with corporate partners?
Work out the fit between your values and the core activity of the business you want to target, then match your ambition and confidence to that of the business you are targeting.
Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
The most valuable thing I got from my early life experiences was to be optimistic and view the world as one full opportunity. I have never had a plan but responded to opportunities as they have arisen. I’m sure I’ll move on one day but I’ve no idea when that will be or where to, but it will be to something that I feel is worthwhile, in the company of people I enjoy spending time with.
Which Brian Cox?
The actor – I had a great time in Dundee when a student and Brian Cox is from Dundee, he reminds me of that time.
