Speakers for Schools has acquired the volunteering platform vInspired and aims to grow the service as part of its portfolio of programmes for young people.
The charity vInspired went into liquidation in November 2018, with the loss of 26 jobs. Bob Barbour, the charity’s former head of digital, bought the digital arm and has worked with Matt Haworth and his agency Reason Digital to keep the platform going for two years.
The volunteering service was developed in 2009 and has helped connect 1.4m young people to volunteering opportunities at charities.
Barobour said: “I’m extremely proud to have kept this key part of the vInspired legacy alive for the past two years and to pass the torch over to Speakers for Schools. I’m confident that we’ve now found the right home for the vInspired service including vInspired.com and V awards and that Speakers for Schools will provide an excellent service to charities and young volunteers.”
'Aligned missions to impact more young people'
Speakers for Schools announced today that it had acquired the platform, but, citing commercial reasons, declined to disclose how much it paid for the platform.
The charity says the volunteering service complements its other activities, which are work experience and inspirational talks for young people.
Andrew Law, chair of Speakers for Schools, said: “I am delighted to welcome the vInspired service into the Speakers for Schools family. The service and Speakers for Schools have aligned missions to impact more young people in more ways.
“Volunteering and social action improves mental health, strengthens communities, and can connect young people with further education, employment, or training. As we recover from the pandemic, young people need this more than ever.”
Robert Peston, founder of Speakers for Schools and ITV’s Political Editor, added: “The vInspired service introduced thousands of volunteering, skills and career opportunities to young people and Speakers for Schools will reinforce its mission to help young people and communities to thrive. I am excited by the prospect of vInspired growing as part of Speakers for Schools.”
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