Equal - Digital Repository

• Log in
• Register
• Search
• Advanced search
• Help

Social economy

Definition: Strengthening the social economy (the third sector), in particular the services of interest to the community, with a focus on improving the quality of jobs

Theme D partnerships concentrate on creating opportunities in the social economy and span work in both urban and rural areas, and with groups and organisations resourcing many social sectors. This has involved work on local sourcing, research into social enterprise success factors, community work training and the development of social accounting tools. Products include website directories, waste and recycling relating to community enterprises, learning materials on children and play, a guide on how to make access to public procurement real for social firms, toolkits, websites, research, case studies, training courses and occupational standards and good-practice models.

Further Information:

• ECOTEC Thematic update paper: Theme D
• Theme D mainstreaming strategy

ACE - Alliance of Communities and Enterprise Aim This DP has raised the profile of social enterprise in the County, with decision makers in both the public and in the voluntary sector, by raising the concept of social enterprise as a route to sustainability and deliverability and gaining recognition for the right environment and support structures needed to allow social enterprises to flourish.

Agora Background  In ancient Greece, the agora, or marketplace, was the lively focal point for the town/city's commercial, political and social activities. Projects (5)

BEST (Benefiting the Economy and Society Through) Procurement Background BEST Procurement is a major initiative led by Social Enterprise East Midlands (SEEM), bringing together a partnership of agencies from the public sector, social enterprise support organisations and experts, and social enterprises themselves. Projects (5), products (26)

Black Country Communities in the Lead Background Black Country Communities in the Lead (LEAD) is about developing the skills needed for people to live, work, and develop within their geographical or interest community. Projects (10), products (4)

C3: A Competitive Confident and Credible Third Sector Background The UK Government in general, and Bristol City Council in this instance, have recognised that third sector organisations (e.g. Projects (4), products (9)

Cultural Shift South East Background The South East has the lowest International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment rate in the UK, yet the region also has the second highest number of people registered as unemployed, second only to London. Projects (5), products (11)

EQUIPE - EQUal In Play and Enterprise Aim Our aim was to bring childcare, playwork and social enterprise together to provide better services for communities by strengthening the childcare/playwork sector’s ability to provide a comprehensive, high quality service that meets the needs of the community, and improves the quality of the sector’s jobs. Projects (3), products (13)

Inspire Background Social enterprise can be a very powerful and effective alternative to private and public sector, delivering both social and economic benefits. Projects (7), products (8)

Powys Equals Partnership Background The Powys Equals Partnership partners have come together from both voluntary and statutory sectors to develop pathways to work for groups who often face persistent barriers to employment. Projects (6)

REALISE - Real Employment and Livelihoods in Social Enterprise Background Britain's social enterprise sector is one of the most successful and vibrant in the world. Projects (1), products (3)

SEASY - Social Enterprise Action South Yorkshire Background The Social Enterprise Action in South Yorkshire Development Partnership (SEASY) brings together a number of cutting edge social enterprises from across South Yorkshire and is led and co-ordinated by SCEDU (Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit). Projects (5), products (14)

SEEM - Social Enterprise East Midlands Aim The aim of the SEEM DP was to test and promote new means of combating discrimination and inequality in the labour market.

Social Economy Scotland Background  The Scottish Government has recognised the important role which social economy organisations play in supporting the regeneration of communities, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Projects (14), products (16)

Solent Community Development Partnership Aim The aim of the Solent Community Development Partnership was to strengthen the social economy in the Solent area of SE England through employment, training and support.

SSEER - Support for the Social Economy in the Eastern Region Aim The aim of the SSEER (Support for the Social Economy in the Eastern Region) DP was to develop the social enterprise sector in the region.

Strengthening the Scottish Social Economy Aim The aim of the Strengthening the Social Economy in Scotland DP was to improve the social economy in the three thematic areas of Funding and Finance, E-business, and Careers and Leadership. Projects (7)

Thames Gateway Development Partnership Aim The aim of Thames Gateway London DP was to take existing voluntary organisations and develop them into Social Enterprises, to reduce their dependency on grants. Projects (7), products (10)

The Social Enterprise Partnership Aim The Social Enterprise DP aimed to develop infrastructure and build capacity in the social enterprise sector. Projects (4), products (3)

2Access The 2Access project was a European Partnership funded through the Equal ESF Community Development Fund, which came to an end in June 2007.

Acknowledged Lived Experience Underpinning activities of the whole DP is the hypothesis that those with acknowledged lived experience have particular knowledge and skills that can enhance the development, management and delivery of services, enterprises and other community initiatives.