The Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers programme supports socially innovative businesses, providing them with a package of support to help them grow to scale and become investment-ready. In total over £1m a year is invested in this ground breaking programme which utilises the skills and capabilities of Deloitte people to support social business.

An independent evaluation of the Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers programme carried out in 2013 by Social Enterprise UK shows that, on average across the 12-month period, turnover of the Pioneers increased by 45 per cent, and 83per cent increased employment, equating to 80 full-time and 41 part-time roles. The social businesses say there is strong evidence that the programme is helping them grow and increase their social impact. In comparison to the wider market, the rate of growth exceeds the average for the social enterprise sector (38 per cent) and is far higher than the 29 per cent growth seen by UK SMEs.

Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive at Social Enterprise UK says: 

“This is not Corporate Social Responsibility, this is Deloitte doing what they do best – using their skills and expertise to be a catalyst for growth across this dynamic sector.”

Aside from the impact on the Pioneers themselves, is the impact on Deloitte people and the firm more broadly. The SEUK report highlights that many of the Pioneers have either entered a supply chain agreement or partnership directly with Deloitte helping to reshape Deloitte thinking on responsible procurement. We expect the number of social enterprises in our supply chain and the volume of services provided by social enterprise and SMEs to increase year on year.

More than 1,000 Deloitte people contributed over 4,000 hours of volunteering time in the first year of the programme and many have improved skills as a result of involvement with the Pioneers.

Janet McGuigan, Senior Manager, Consulting says:

"Taking up the role of Relationship Manager for the Social Innovation Pioneers programme was one of the most inspirational and developmental activities I have ever undertaken at Deloitte. The role empowered me to take on a lead client relationship for my Pioneer, The Brightside Trust. I became their trusted advisor and led the development of a client service plan, managed key relationships, organised and directed a broad team of people to support them whilst at the same time building my own eminence in the social enterprise and education sectors."

The impact of the first year of the programme has also been recognised through the Prime Minister’s Big Society Awards, which acknowledge individuals or organisations across the UK that demonstrate Big Society in their work.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

"Deloitte's Social Innovation Pioneer programme harnesses the skills and expertise of big business to help small social companies grow. The support of Deloitte has seen some great businesses become investment-ready, as well as getting the team more involved in their local communities. I'm delighted to be recognising Deloitte's achievements with this Big Society Award."