Carrot and stick
21 May 2012
Community isn't led by government, so why wait for it to tell you what to do, protests Robert Ashton....
This year, the anti-bullying sector has inadvertently shone a spotlight on the issue of celebrity patrons.
Both Beatbullying and the National Bullying Helpline have been stung by their celebrity supporters. First, pop band N-Dubz embarrassed Beatbullying by issuing violent threats. Then, the credibility of NBH chief Christine Pratt’s allegations about bullying at Number 10 was called into question when it was revealed that her charity’s patrons and supporters included prominent Tories David Cameron and Ann Widdecombe, among others.
Even outside the sector the stock of celebrity is waning.
With the Noughties introducing cheap and easy fame through reality TV, kiss and tells, and the internet; celebrities’ stock rose and everyone wanted a piece.
But after a decade of WAGs, YouTube ‘stars’ and perfumes showcasing the scent of the celeb of your choice, the tide is turning.
Sponsors are running a mile from shamed pro-golfer Tiger Woods, Jordan can’t sell her Las Vegas wedding photos and this year’s election race is so far free of MPs looking cool with their rock-star friends.
A quick look at the Twitter page of NBH chief executive Christine Pratt, containing last year’s pleas (with an exclamation mark!) to Lily Allen, Peter Andre, Kevin Spacey and Stephen Fry to support her charity by becoming a patron, suggests that for some charities the process of recruiting patrons isn’t as robust as it might be.
Of course a good celebrity patron who engages with a cause has always been a valuable asset to a charity or campaign, but the mere label “celebrity” does not confer credibility on an organisation.
Does the sector need a recommended process for recruiting patrons, or does a quick tweet suffice?
Anti-bullying sector embroiled in 'PR disasters'
Patron quits anti-bullying charity over helpline row
Pratting about - the National Bullying Helpline scandal
National Bullying Helpline attacks patrons who resigned
Charity Commission bans National Bullying Helpline from disclosing further information on callers
Kitemark mooted after National Bullying Helpline debacle
Minogue, Miller and Schiffer bare all for charity
Sugababes and other stars raise £300k for Have a Heart
National Bullying Helpline criticises Charity Commission investigation
21 May 2012
Community isn't led by government, so why wait for it to tell you what to do, protests Robert Ashton....
21 May 2012
How do you solve a problem like a pension deficit? David McHattie tackles the issue.
15 May 2012
David Davison mounts his soapbox to call for pensions reform.

Attending our one day courses is a highly effective way of ensuring new and existing trustees fully understand their role, responsibilities and liabilities.
15 Oct 2012
15 Oct 2012
15 Oct 2012
19 Nov 2012