UBS: Philanthropy can have a social impact in Jersey and around the world

Monday 23 March 2015

A number of high-net-worth Islanders have learned about the potential for their philanthropic activities to have a measurable social impact and make a real difference to the island and the wider world.

The group of potential philanthropists heard about the work of UBS’s Optimus Foundation while attending an event held on Tuesday evening at Banjos in St Helier. The event was hosted by UBS Jersey and addressed by UBS Head of Philanthropy UK, Tom Hall, who appeared alongside guest speaker, Professor Philip Wilson, Director of the Centre for Rural Health at the University of Aberdeen.

The aim of the event was to show that philanthropists can use their wealth to create social good that is both measurable and sustainable regardless of whether the charitable funds are used locally or further afield.

At the event, Philip Wilson presented a report, which was commissioned by UBS, into early childhood development in Jersey. The report provides an insight into childhood development provisions in Jersey and while praising much of the Island’s approach and resources for childhood development, it also found that a number of areas can be improved in order to give as many children as possible, the very best start in life.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Ian Gorst welcomed the report and explained that it will provide a useful foundation for Jersey’s Early Years Task Force.

“I very much welcome the UBS Optimus Foundation’s clear commitment to helping enhance early child development in Jersey,” said the Chief Minister.

“As mentioned in the UBS report, Jersey has made significant strides forwards in helping support children and their families during the critical early years. There is already much that we do very well. That said, we acknowledge more needs to be done if we are to ensure that all children get the best start in life.

“In January this year, I announced the establishment of an Early Years Task Force that will report directly to me and that will be responsible for analysing need, identifying gaps in our existing services and bringing forward proposed solutions. Solutions that are right for our Island, and which also have the potential to stimulate change in other jurisdictions.

“This report provides a very strong foundation for that work. It also highlights the potential power of tri-sector partnerships; the sharing of knowledge, skills and resources from across the public, private and voluntary sectors for the benefit of our whole community. I would like to thank the UBS Optimus Foundation for their work.”

The Optimus Foundation offers a route for wealthy islanders to make their money work hard for the social good and Tom Hill, Managing Director of UBS Jersey, was delighted that islanders responded positively to its work.

“Jersey has a reputation for generosity and the Island’s community is always willing to fund projects that will deliver social benefits. Tom Hall and Professor Wilson, along with his superb report into early child development in Jersey, showed how UBS is able to work with expert partners to ensure that money directed towards philanthropy is able to create measureable and effective social benefits both here in Jersey and across the globe.”