(2021) Left The King’s Trust to set-up successful ‘for purpose’ consultancy

We’re revisiting one of the early Purposely episodes, a conversation with Steve Wickham, founder of The Giving Department (which is till going strong) and a long-time leader in philanthropy, corporate responsibility, and social impact.

Steve has spent more than two decades helping companies and philanthropists connect their resources with the people and organisations that need them most. Before launching The Giving Department in 2010, he held senior roles at Macmillan Cancer Support and The King's Trust (then the Prince’s Trust), shaping programmes that enabled businesses and donors to support young people and communities across the UK.

• How he made the jump from major national charities to starting his own social-purpose business.

• Why he built The Giving Department as a for-profit impact company, and what that model makes possible.

• The early projects that put the business on the map, including corporate partnerships that changed how companies think about doing good.

• His belief that generosity starts with people, not campaigns and why personal connection still drives most giving.

• Lessons from his time at The King’s Trust and Macmillan, including what strong partnerships look like behind the scenes.

• The influence of his family, particularly his late father, on his approach to work, kindness, and community.

• The pressures charities face today and why some organisations will adapt while others won’t survive.

Steve’s blend of experience, honesty, and practical insight still lands today. The conversation strips philanthropy back to what really matters: relationships, trust, and people showing up for each other.