SiGMA Foundation and HSF lead the charge for a better tomorrow

A conversation with Paul Jackson isn’t just about business or charity – it is a thought-provoking exploration of someone whose mission is to meaningfully impact people and the planet. Seamlessly blending his professional expertise in health plans with a passion for supporting charitable causes, Paul offers the iGaming sector valuable insight into corporate social responsibility and leadership, and discusses the impact of a recent collaboration with the SiGMA Foundation .

As the Group Chief Executive of the The Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) and Chair of the The Manta Trust (the largest manta ray charity in the world), Paul’s approach surpasses the traditional boundaries of corporate leadership. His work spans a range of philanthropic initiatives. From providing life-changing mobility aids to supporting environmental conservation efforts, this exclusive interview with SiGMA News explores Paul Jackson’s mission-driven approach, key charitable efforts, a valuable partnership with the SiGMA Foundation, and vision for a more compassionate, sustainable world.

From finance to philanthropy

The first question delved into Paul’s journey into leadership and what drew him to HSF. He says, “In 1994, I entered the charity sector by sheer chance working for an educational charity. Soon, I received a sponsorship offer to study for an MSc in Charity Finance and Governance. I really enjoyed it. I met many interesting people and made a lot of contacts.”

Shortly after, Paul saw an advert for a Finance Director at HSF. The rest is history. After eleven years in that role, Paul became Chief Executive. He explains, “I thought the HSF had something about it that could improve things in the charity set and the grants. However, there was also an excellent opportunity for the charity to have an influence.”

He explains HSF was a mutual insurance company when he joined with a small associated charity bolted onto the side. Gordon Brown (the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer in the early 2000s) removed mutual status from many organisations, HSF being one of them, thus forcing them to consider a different model. So, Paul felt the best way forward would be for HSF to become a charitable group where the Hospital Saturday Fund (the charity) become the sole owner of the Health Insurance Company, which gifts its annual profits to the Hospital Saturday Fund. In turn, the Hospital Saturday uses these profits to make donations to medical charities. This returned HSF to its charitable roots of its foundation in 1873!...[Read More]