Today’s presentation Introduction to advant~age Our new model: – How it works – How it can help

So what is advant~age? Core aim - to enable charities & social enterprises to help vulnerable people, their families & carers and supporters obtain access to safe and reputable products and services, while at the same time generating valuable unrestricted income for the charity or social enterprise and minimising reputational risk.

advant~age Social Enterprise Work with over thirty-five charities across England & Wales Distributed over £280,000 to partner charities Sold over 8000 products Finalist for Social Enterprise UK ‘Buy Social – Market Builder’ award 2014, 2015

What does advant~age help to solve? Charities and social enterprises are regularly being asked for services that they are either unable to provide or don’t want to provide themselves Reducing options for service users due to austerity Still a need for income diversification Impact of changes in regulation

advant~age Product providers Charities, social enterprises and other not for profits Customers; supporters or service users

What products and services do we offer? Two types of product: Equity ReleaseFuneral plans Financial AdviceTravel insurance Flowers and GiftsPersonal Alarms StairliftsEnergy Home insuranceDomiciliary Care insurance Commercial insuranceCharity insurance to service users, supporters, families & staff alike!

The core principles behind advant~age Signposting Not for profit Choice and Control Due Diligence Reputation - ethical Develop according to partners needs Personal relationships

So what is our new model & how did it come about? advant~age, through due diligence has selected its provider partner for each relevant product. advant~age’s partner charities are provided with everything they need to signpost to this reputable organisation. Following receipt of an enquiry, the partner charity either directly or by signposting, offers the self-funder assistance from the wide range of local services available. Thus providing a more holistic approach and adding social value. advant~age and local charity affiliate are one of the framework of organisations that the local authority signposts self-funders and other service users to for independent financial advice and other support.

How the model works (cont.) If a purchase is made, then the charity receives a donation, via advant~age, at no extra cost to the self-funder. Thus enabling them to continue to provide vital services and adding further social value. The affiliate charity then makes the referral to the advant~age preferred regulated financial advice provider. The provider then provides any advice necessary to the self-funder. An advice fee is only charged if a product is purchased.

Key elements of solution Third sector partner Social value Advocacy Flexibility Due diligence and provider selection

What other support is available? Training Clinics/events/seminars Literature/material to increase awareness Local adviser

Case study

Questions?