Company Directory - The Big Issue
Company Details - The Big Issue
The Big Issue
WebsiteUnited Kingdom
A social enterprise and magazine sold by the homeless and vulnerably housed in the UK. It aims to empower individuals through the opportunity for self-employment, helping to provide financial stability.
CCI Score
CCI Score: The Big Issue
55.76
Latest Event
Big Issue Publishes Investigative Report on Migrant Care Worker Exploitation
Big Issue, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities, published an investigative report detailing the exploitation and homelessness of migrant care workers in the UK, and it called for urgent reforms to address employer-tied immigration vulnerabilities.
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LEADER
The Big Issue is currently rated as a Leader.
Latest Events
- APR232025
Big Issue, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities, published an investigative report detailing the exploitation and homelessness of migrant care workers in the UK, and it called for urgent reforms to address employer-tied immigration vulnerabilities.
+80
Media Influence and Propaganda
June 16
By using its media platform to expose the exploitation faced by migrant care workers and to advocate for systemic reforms in the visa sponsorship system, Big Issue underscores a commitment to championing marginalized voices and worker rights. This proactive use of media for social justice aligns with anti-fascist principles and serves as an effective counter to authoritarian practices that exploit vulnerable workers.
Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' by UK employer
- FEB202025
CFH Docmail has announced an expanded Gold Corporate Sponsorship of The Big Issue, reinforcing shared values focused on social inclusion and empowering vulnerable communities through renewed financial support and collaborative initiatives.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
June 16
The renewed Gold Corporate Sponsorship partnership underscores The Big Issue's commitment to ethical business practices and community empowerment. By reinforcing financial support for a social enterprise that aids vulnerable populations, this action aligns with anti-authoritarian values and progresses social equity.
- MAY082024
On May 8, 2024, Big Issue Group issued an open letter to UK political leaders, including Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, demanding the implementation of five urgent poverty prevention policies. The letter outlined measures such as increased social housing, universal free school meals, reformed job-seeker benefits, regulation of high-interest lending, and investments in worker reskilling in green energy as part of a broader strategy to dismantle poverty.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
June 16
The Big Issue Group’s open letter represents a clear exercise of public and political behavior aimed at demanding social justice policies to address systemic poverty. By advocating for measures that target social inequality and reinforce public services, the group aligns with anti-authoritarian, progressive values which support marginalized communities.
- FEB262024
Big Issue has partnered with Specsavers since 2022 to offer magazine sellers vouchers for free eye tests, health checks, prescription glasses, and ear wax removal. The initiative also features Big Issue founder Lord John Bird working alongside Specsavers CEO John Perkins to advocate for a National Eye Health Strategy for NHS England, thereby supporting marginalized communities.
+50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
June 16
This partnership demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical business practices by enhancing the well-being of vulnerable magazine sellers. Providing free eye tests and health services reinforces Big Issue’s mission of supporting marginalized communities, aligning with progressive, socially responsible business practices.
The Big Issue and Specsavers: A Visionary Partnership for Change
+30
Public and Political Behavior
June 16
The involvement of Big Issue’s founder in advocating for a National Eye Health Strategy for NHS England underscores a proactive stance in public policy. This political engagement supports public health initiatives that benefit vulnerable populations and counters authoritarian neglect of marginalized communities.
The Big Issue and Specsavers: A Visionary Partnership for Change
- APR192023
The Big Issue joined over 90 organizations in urging UK political party leaders to reform Universal Credit so that it covers the basic essentials of living. By backing this call, the organization aligns itself with calls for social justice and protection of marginalized communities.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
June 16
The Big Issue, known for its social enterprise model that empowers individuals in vulnerable situations, has supported a coalition that demands reform of Universal Credit to cover essential living costs. This action is aligned with anti-fascist and progressive values, as it challenges austerity measures that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
- MAR272023
Mark Simms, who serves as a Non-Executive Director of The Big Issue Invest, was appointed as one of three new board members to the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The appointment, effective from 27 March 2023, follows a rigorous governance process under the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code, requiring disclosure of any significant political activity. This move underscores a commitment to transparency and public accountability, aligning with broader progressive and social justice goals.
+20
Executive Political Engagement
June 16
The appointment of Mark Simms, a representative from The Big Issue Invest, to the board of a key regulatory body is seen as an engagement in public governance that adheres to strict ethical standards. His role brings a perspective grounded in social enterprise and community empowerment, which supports progressive values. Despite the finding that one other appointee declared political donations to the Conservative Party, the overall process to ensure transparency and accountability reflects well on the company’s broader social mission.
Three new Board Members appointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales
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