Social Enterprise Prospectus : Partner Engagement Penny Shimmin – Sussex Community Development Association
Social Enterprise & SELEP: Context There are between 4,500 and 6,300 social enterprises trading in the SELEP area They employ between 44,000 and 62,000 people. They contribute a minimum of £2.3 billion to the economy This demonstrates that social enterprises are a significant business sector and that they have sizeable economic impact in the South East. Social Enterprises also have an important role in ensuring inclusive growth is maximised. Uniquely, their economic outcomes also support social goals that benefit communities
What is SELEP doing to embed SE and support Inclusive Growth? In 2017 SELEP Strategic Board agreed the need for a focus on the sector and to appoint a Social Enterprise Board Champion SELEP Social Enterprise Working Group was formed to effectively coordinate the social enterprise work stream. It seeks to ensure that there is a voice for the sector, but importantly to provide a platform for social enterprise to build momentum and a network across the South East. The SELEP role in championing the sector is very much in relation to coordination and encouraging collaboration The Board Champion Chairs this group
Progress in embedding SE within SELEP Step 1: SE Working Group priority planning exercise to identify the role of SELEP its added value. A series of short, medium and long term activities were identified by partners but to substantiate these an evidence base was needed Step 2: Creation of prospectus to provide an evidence base for the SELEP geography, to: Set out the scope and opportunities of the sector in our area Present case studies to illustrate its range and value Present consultation findings and review of provision to assess what is required to strengthen and support SE to flourish It is intended that this evidence based prospectus can be used to draw down funding and encourage collaboration to bring forward a series of activities to support existing and build the potential for new social enterprises across the SELEP area but this can only be realised if it is fully supported by our partners
A summary of our findings This prospectus, underlying consultation and evidence presents priorities for action that are required to build a stronger, more impactful social enterprise sector in the South East In summary, these priorities are: Providing a wide range of business support Coordinating information on the sector Promoting networking opportunities Engaging the procurement and commissioning agendas Encouraging access to suitable finance Improving promotion of the sector Understanding social impact The prospectus outlines how these can be addressed
Implementing this Prospectus & Improving Social Enterprise As a partner led initiative, the South East LEP will look to call our stakeholders to action on supporting the priorities identified It will be presented to our Strategic Board in December 2019 for their consideration Once approved a launch will be held Moving forward it is intended that this document will be used as an evidence base to attract investment in services and support for the SE sector and to facilitate partner collaborations. But we first want to engage with our partners to ensure that the findings and benefits are well understood and supported across our region and will be consulting widely during the period up to December 2019
Group Discussion Your thoughts on the prospectus How can the SELEP utilise its influencing role and encourage partners to embed this prospectus and support the SE sector in their communities?
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