Charities and businesses across Scotland are joining forces in a first-of-its-kind event on “civic leadership”.

The one-day event brings together The Open University, TSB Bank and the Edinburgh Cyrenians as well as the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in a bid to unite the skills and common drive of both third sector organisations and businesses looking to shape the future.

The event, held on 10 October at the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel, will see 50 select delegates combine their skills and experience to drive forward a positive social agenda in Scotland that aims to help the economy and wellbeing of Scots.

The Edinburgh Cyrenians are one of the partners in this innovative project and work with the homeless and vulnerable to help transform their lives.

“Businesses in Scotland are not separate from the communities they serve.” said Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive Officer.

“Their staff and customers are part of those communities. Business people often find roles as leaders in all sorts of organisations but especially in youth and social care roles. The advantages are many. Not only does the organisation, and its members, benefit from the service provided but there is also benefit for the volunteer in terms of skills developed and contacts made.” he explained.

Another partner in the event, TSB Bank, have recently made a bid to return to their founding principles and demonstrate what learnings can be gleaned from the ten years since the economic crisis of 2007.

“TSB Bank was founded on the principles of Reverend Henry Duncan, who wanted to address the economic needs of his parishioners as well as their spiritual ones. He used his professional position to offer support to his community and clearly enjoyed himself in the process.” said Business Historian, Professor Charles Munn OBE FCIBS.

Director of The Open University in Scotland, Susan Stewart said she was “delighted to be a lead partner in such an exciting event that will help make Scotland a stronger society. This fits in with our ethos of making use of The Open University’s academic expertise for public good.”

‘Reimagining civic society. A new paradigm for Scotland’ is a free event that will be held on Tuesday 10 October from 12.15pm to 5.00pm at the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel. Tickets are limited but may be booked via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reimagining-civic-society-a-new-paradigm-for-scotland-tickets-37447288849