Big Society, Small Charity – no time for party politics…

Cross-party political interest in New Deal of the Mind has accelerated since the election says Martin Bright, CEO of New Deal of the Mind.

Earlier this month we were delighted to welcome shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper to one of our training sessions for the young people we have put into jobs at Notting Hill Carnival. Ms Cooper was keen to talk to young people about their experiences of the Future Jobs Fund. We at NDotM have had our criticisms of the scheme (brought in last year by the Labour government as a response to the recession and abolished by the incoming coalition). But one thing that all the young people we talk to raise with us is that the scheme has helped break down the culture of free internships that deny access to the creative sector for so many young people. Increasingly, job applicants need experience even to get an (more…)

admin | Wednesday, 21st July, 2010 at 11:01 am | Uncategorized | No comment


Guest Blog: Graduate tax: creatives will have to be more professional

Vince Cable wants to introduce a “variable graduate tax” as the primary means of funding university education but what impact would that have on creative arts graduates whose lifelong earnings are notoriously low, often lower than those without degree-level qualifications? Guest blogger Kit Friend, former campaigns officer of the University of the Arts London Student Union and chair of culture for the Conservative Party’s centre-right Bow Group believes it is the fairest means of HE funding. (more…)

admin | Monday, 19th July, 2010 at 2:28 pm | Uncategorized | No comment


PCG Seminar

NDotM was at the seminar on freelancing organised by the PCG (Professional Contractors Group). Fascinating research from Australia on the happiness ratings of people who work for themselves – far higher than people who are employees. Also interesting input from European colleagues on different models encouraging freelancing while providing social and welfare support. Consensus was that self employed and freelance entrepreneurs are vital to economic recovery but the need for business and financial advice, mentoring on social and networking skills badly needed.

Much discussion about how to actively encourage a “feel the fear and freelance anyway” attitude and the vast differences between people who go freelance after a career as an employee and young people who know from the start they want to work for themselves… particularly artists and creative types which  reinforced NDotM’s Creative Survival report earlier this year. FSB to announce their campaign for recognition of self employment soon.

A valuable exchange of experience, opinions and  research.

Jo Phillips | Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 at 9:02 am | Blog, Uncategorized | No comment


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