Social Enterprise Coalition UK SEC is currently working with the Round 2 Theme D Development Partnerships drawing on their expertise and experience to influence the national policy agenda. Through collaboration with the partnerships they aim to mainstream key findings, facilitate shared learning, share good practice and raise the profile of the programme.
SEC issues a quarterly bulletin which summarises activity in each of the four mainstreaming programme objectives - influencing policy; facilitating networks; raising the profile of lessons learned; building up a knowledge base.
Social Issues in public procurement The Scottish Procurement Directorate have now published their policy note on social issues in public procurement. The document provides guidance to public sector bodies in Scotland on how and when social issues may be taken into consideration in public procurement. The note has been issued to all local authorities and other public bodies in Scotland by the Scottish Procurement Directorate.
Sustainable Scotland Network - Local Authorities working together for a sustainable Scotland. The Best Value and Sustainable Development Toolkit, which SSN has developed is downloadable from the SSN website. The Toolkit provides information on corporate and service-specific implementation and it complements and builds on existing Scottish Executive guidance. As well as being supported by the Scottish Executive, the Toolkit is also supported by the Sustainable Development Commission in Scotland, WWF Scotland and COSLA
Responsible Purchasing Strategy Consultation on the Responsible Purchasing Strategy of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB). The SPCB has responsibility for a wide range of issues to do with the running of the Parliament including the procurement of goods and services, which is taken forward on its behalf by Procurement Services.
Procurement Services will demonstrate leadership in responsible purchasing, putting it at the heart of procurement decision making by addressing four broad themes:
Professionalism
Environmental impact
Ethical and social issues
Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Scottish suppliers
Risk capital investment fund for social enterprise The Office of the Third Sector is consulting on a risk capital investment fund for social enterprise. In the social enterprise action plan published in November 2006, the Government committed itself to working with the finance and social enterprise sectors to develop a scheme that improves the ability of social enterprises to access the finance they need when seeking to expand their businesses.
The main purpose of the consultation is to gather further evidence to strengthen the case that social enterprises encounter an equity gap when looking to expand their businesses, and to give you a chance to comment on the proposed structure of the investment fund.
Shared Research database This online resource provides a one-stop-shop for research and evidence-based policy on and by Scotland’s voluntary sector. Developed for researchers, policy makers and voluntary organisation staff, the database already pulls together over 600 documents in one easy to search location.
Evaluation Support Scotland Evaluation Support Scotland works with voluntary organisations and funders so they can measure the impact of their work. We provide practical support and access to resources and tools. We take action to build evaluation and learning into funding and policy-making processes. With our support you can find out what you do well and what you can improve, to deliver better services.
Social Enterprise Academy The Social Enterprise Academy is an ILM Centre offering a range of qualifications and awards in leadership and management. The Academy can help to build a personal development plan and achieve your full potential through learning.
Social Enterprise Network - NHS The Social Enterprise Network is the only national network for those with an interest in social enterprise and social entrepreneurship in health and care.You can discuss all aspects of social enterprise within the health and care sector on the NHS Networks Social Enterprise Discussion Board
EQUAL Works Equal-Works is disseminating the experience and products of DPs. Each DP has a microsite providing an overview of its work and links to all its products. Interactive features such as live debates with speakers such as Trevor Phillips, blogs and peer reviews encourage users to 'Get Involved'.
The Scottish Objective 3 Programme website This website covers both the Objective 3 European Social Fund Programme and the Equal Programme and through it you will be able to access a range of information relating to both Programmes and download relevant documentation such as guidance and application forms
