Tender opportunity for social economy research in Coventry
The City of Coventry has been invited to submit a proposal to the Local Access Programme, a new fund created by ACCESS – The Foundation for Social Investment and Big […]
Marketing and Communications Officer at Social Enterprise Mark CIC
The City of Coventry has been invited to submit a proposal to the Local Access Programme, a new fund created by ACCESS – The Foundation for Social Investment and Big […]
A student at the University of Northampton used his personal interest in strokes and stroke rehabilitation to win a place at a prestigious competition and talk about his own research. […]
The University of Winchester has been awarded the National Union of Students’ (NUS) Responsible Futures accreditation for its commitment to embedding sustainability and social responsibility in its teaching and other […]
The Partnership of East London Co-operatives (PELC) has had its Out of Hours services rated as ‘good’ across the board by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This builds on its […]
By Alexandra Lens, Digital Marketing Officer at Chocolate Films YouTube is not only the most popular video hosting platform in the world, it is also the second largest search engine. […]
We are proud to announce a new partnership with Social Value UK, the national network for social impact and social value. Our mutual aim is to create a ‘coalition’ with a […]
Sometimes in the social enterprise world it can feel like we are talking into an echo chamber. We all want to change the world, but we are talking to ourselves! […]
Integrated Care 24 (IC24) has recently published it’s first ever social impact report, which is designed to showcase the breadth of contribution that the organisation makes to the healthcare economy, […]
Following a significant turnaround of the Emergency Urgent Care Centre (EUCC) at the King George Hospital in Ilford by the Partnership of East London Cooperatives (PELC), a recent staff survey has […]
Our Making a Mark competition is back for another year! This annual competition for Social Enterprise Mark/Gold Mark holders celebrates and promotes the vast impact that accredited social enterprises make […]
Are you unsure how to make a first corporate video? Or have you done video marketing before, but are you looking for new ways that drive better results? Learn how […]
By Brian Jones, Chief Executive of Partnership of East London Co-operatives As a Social Enterprise delivering healthcare services, we are committed to the principles upon which we were founded, however, […]
Following a full inspection of the Emergency Urgent Care Centre (EUCC) at the King George Hospital in Ilford, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has, in an exceptional move, upgraded its […]
Social Enterprise Mark CIC is proud to launch a new standard for Supported Businesses and social enterprises that support disabled people to find and maintain meaningful employment. The Social Enterprise Disabilty Employment […]
Earlier this year, we conducted a comprehensive survey of our Mark Holders and other key stakeholders, to help shape the future direction of Social Enterprise Mark CIC and our growing portfolio […]
What an amazing experience. My recent trip to Siberia, for the second leg of the Euclid Network PeerEx exchange, far surpassed expectations and well and truly dispelled the myths – […]
The University of Winchester’s pioneering work in sustainability and social responsibility has earned the institution a place in the top 100 of the first-ever global University Impact Rankings put together by Times Higher […]
Nearly 300 guests, finalists and sponsors from across the South West, attended the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner of the Devon & Cornwall 2019 Venus Awards, held at the St […]
Nearly 300 people gathered in central London this week to hear who had won the top spots in this year’s NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards. Seven awards were made to […]
In the final of a short series of blog posts on sustainable leadership and team-work in social enterprise, leadership coach and social entrepreneur Tim Segaller explains why strong working relationships can […]
1000 Londoners, a Chocolate Films project, has had the first two screenings of its brand new series of Movie Nights ‘Goodbye Europe’, an anthology of new short films featuring Londoners from […]
In the second of a short series of blog posts on sustainable leadership and team-work in social enterprise, leadership coach and social entrepreneur Tim Segaller explores the importance of mental resilience for […]
Leading housing association and developer L&Q has partnered with two leading not-for-profit organisations to ensure it is offering the best service to its disabled staff and residents. As part of […]
In the first of a short series of blog posts, leadership coach and social entrepreneur Tim Segaller explores how social enterprises can sustain energy, creativity and inspiration for the long […]
By Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University In higher education (HE), we are certainly fond of the old acronym! I’m not sure how many people outside […]
In January I was lucky to be invited to Sri Lanka by Lanka Social Ventures, to address the 2nd International Conference on Social Enterprise and Social Finance. It was an […]
Environment Secretary Michael Gove MP has welcomed a group of Ambassadors, who have pledged to champion and promote the Year of Green Action; a year-long drive to help everyone get […]
Social Enterprise Mark CIC is pleased to be supporting the UK Social Entrepreneur Index , a BQ campaign sponsored by UBS, designed to celebrate those entrepreneurs doing things a little differently […]
Do you want to be part of a new and exciting pilot programme? Be part of the National Union of Students’ new programme – Placements for Good – and work […]
By Kat Luckock, Founder of Share Impact So, you’re starting to think about developing your Social Impact Report and what you might need to include in it. Like all documents or […]
At a splendid cream tea hosted at Pentillie Castle on 8th February, more than 100 guests from the local business community gathered to celebrate the Devon & Cornwall 2019 Venus […]
In the days that the UK leaves the EU, 1000 Londoners (a Chocolate Films project) invites the people of London to join ‘Goodbye Europe’ – a unique film screening created […]
Over the last few years, we have held an annual ‘Making a Mark’ competition for Social Enterprise Mark/Gold Mark Holders, to help promote and celebrate the social impact they have. […]
As we enter our tenth year of providing clear and credible standards for the social enterprise sector, we are conducting a comprehensive stakeholder survey, to ensure our services address the […]
Today (1st February) marks nine years since the national launch of the Social Enterprise Mark. We are proud of how far we have come since then – from what was […]
Over the last year, we have been working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Supported Business Steering Group to develop two new quality marks for businesses that […]
Get your organisation put forward for inclusion on quotation and tender shortlists by UK Public Sector buyers. Bloom Procurement Services has a different approach to professional services procurement; they specialise in […]
We are currently seeking new board members to help move the business forward and support the introduction of new services and growth in new markets. The commercially focused board meetings […]
Last week, Plymouth Gin hosted 100 applicants, guests and sponsors at their venue, for the announcement of the names of those progressing to the Semi-Finalist stage of the 2019 Devon […]
Challenging work goals for 2019? But not sure where to start? Do you know what success looks like? But unsure how to achieve it? Personal changes to make in 2019? But […]
As we begin a new year, I am sure I am not alone in reflecting on 2018 and looking ahead to what 2019 may bring. With continued political, economic and […]
As we start a new year, there are undoubtedly both challenges and opportunities ahead for social enterprises. Whatever the next 12 months brings for the UK economy, it is likely to […]
We are delighted to announce that our Managing Director Lucy Findlay has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for ‘services to social enterprise’. Lucy founded Social Enterprise Mark […]
Here we are again, fast approaching the end of another year… before everyone logs off, we wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and […]
Staff at Integrated Care 24 (IC24)’s head office have got in the festive spirit this year, by donating hundreds of sanitary items to The Hygiene Bank charity. For the last […]
By Shaziya Somji, Managing Director of Harris Accountancy This is the third in a series of posts Shaziya is writing for our guest blog. Once an organisation decides to pay individuals, it […]
By Shaziya Somji, Managing Director of Harris Accountancy This is the second in a series of posts Shaziya is writing for our guest blog. An organisation can look for loans and investments […]
Evenbreak, a pioneer in disability specific recruitment, has secured support from UnLtd, the UK’s foundation for social entrepreneurs. The funding and tailored support package will help the organisation continue to […]
We are proud to accredit a number of UK universities as social enterprises, which are committed to enhancing the social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of their communities, society and the […]
In response to feedback from our network of accredited social enterprises, we have reviewed the fee structure for the Social Enterprise Gold Mark, with a view to reducing potential barriers […]
By Shaziya Somji, Managing Director of Harris Accountancy This is the first in a series of posts Shaziya is writing for our guest blog. It is a common misconception that Social […]
Charity Bank Chief Executive Edward Siegel has commented on a recent Guardian investigation which found that some of the country’s worst care homes are owned by companies that are turning over […]
I was recently asked to be part of a panel session at the GuildHE conference, which looked at how universities (and other institutions) can deliver regional social and economic growth. […]
In a major achievement for CLARITY-The Soap Co., the social enterprise announces that in time for the busy Christmas period, high-end department store, John Lewis & Partners, is to sell […]
This is a follow-up to my previous blog from September 2018 Last month I shared my reflections from the Social Enterprise World Forum, which I had recently attended, ten years […]
As an accredited Living Wage Employer, we are proud to support Living Wage Week (5th – 11th November), a UK-wide celebration of the campaign for a real Living Wage that meets […]
By Kat Luckock, Founder of Share Impact This is the third in a series of posts Kat has written for our guest blog. Why does social enterprise matter? What does it really […]
START is excited to announce our new Common Room creative workshops, open to everyone. The Common Room is a programme of public workshops at The Make Space, START’s studio in Walkden. The […]
By Steve Hawkins, CEO of Pluss The UK is due to leave the EU in six months. There are many questions still unresolved, but one thing is clear. Whatever decisions […]
By Julie Hawker, Joint CEO of Cosmic Cosmic was Social Enterprise Mark holder number one. Although that position was very closely contested by the Co-operative Group South West! In those […]
This year was the 10th anniversary of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in Edinburgh. I attended the first in 2008 (also in Edinburgh). So much has changed since that […]
In a brand new series of 15 short films, the multi award-winning documentary series 1000 Londoners , the flagship project of Chocolate Films, discovers the lives of 4 generations of Londoners with […]
Bristol based social enterprise BS3 Community Development has started an ambitious campaign to make Bristol the first Dementia Friendly City in the UK. Friday 21st September is World Alzheimer’s Day […]
Leading ethical bank, Charity Bank, has launched a campaign to encourage charities, businesses and individuals to move some of their savings or reserves to an ethical provider. The Follow the […]
At the Mini Marathon Trials, organised by Epic CIC, young people will compete to represent the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at the 2019 London Youth Games and London […]
By Kat Luckock, Founder of Share Impact This is the second in a series of posts Kat has written specially for our guest blog. It’s true that balancing social and environmental […]
Roots HR CIC has launched its best ever recruitment offers, available for September only. £100 off your recruitment campaigns Up to £100 off recruitment and selection training Recruitment toolkit for […]
By Kat Luckock, Founder of Share Impact I like to think of social entrepreneurs as innovative ground-breaking, revolutionary AND tech savvy. The type of people who want to create change […]
Epic CIC has introduced Strong Young Minds; a programme which provides a one to one outreach service that is led by the child or young person to help access the […]
The new Civil Society Strategy explicitly sets the direction of government, by widening the strategy of the traditional third sector to include the private sector agenda. It has been going […]
By Flora Davidson, Co-Founder of Supply Compass Some certification badges are instantly recognisable as a mark of assurance when purchasing a product. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, 97% of Millennials […]
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, has today announced increased funding and other measures to support businesses that provide extra employment support for disabled people with the […]
The School for Social Entrepreneurs Dartington is delighted to announce that applications are now open for two innovative new courses for social entrepreneurs in Devon and Somerset. The courses are […]
For businesses to grow, there is not an option to stand still. Of course, this is also true in the Social Enterprise world. The social mission may remain the same, […]
Cardiff Metropolitan University, which was the first university in Wales to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, features in a recent report published by HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for […]
By Ed Whitelaw, Head of Enterprise & Regeneration at Real Ideas Organisation We need to talk about anarchism. Once you get past the often mis-leading, negative, bomb-chucking stereotypes of the proceeding […]
Many thanks to Social Enterprise Mark/Gold Mark holders and other partners and stakeholders who took the time to participate in our recent stakeholder consultation as part of a review of […]
By Jonathan Alder, founder and Co-Director of Alder and Alder Your brand is a powerful communication tool that has the potential to differentiate you from competitors, and make you interesting […]
A brand new hand-care range that puts real change in people’s hands How to Share With Just Friends How to share with just friends. Posted by Facebook on Friday, December […]
Want to find out more about how Design Thinking can benefit your organisation? Come to our FREE workshop in Bristol to gain a hands-on introduction to Design Thinking for Sustainable Social […]
By Wray Irwin, Head of University Centre of Employability and Engagement at The University of Northampton Last year, the University of Northampton joined a growing list of universities and organisations […]
Cosmic is running a number of free half-day workshops across the South West to help social and community enterprises make the most of their digital marketing A Dose of Digital […]
The audience at our recent annual conference were universally shocked to hear from our keynote speaker Erinch Sahan (of the World Fair Trade Organization), that just 8 wealthy individuals now […]
The University of Winchester contributes over £266 million a year to the regional business community, according to a new report launched this week. The Economic Value of the University of […]
By Heidi Fisher, Director of Make an Impact CIC OK folks, let’s start off with something we could all benefit from doing a little more of – something I call ‘Positive […]
We are now already thinking ahead to next year’s conference and welcome your input to help us make it even better than this year. In particular, we would like to […]
How to influence your senior management in addressing air quality Join Global Action Plan on Clean Air Day 2018 (21st June) for a lunchtime webinar (12.30-1.30pm) that will focus on […]
Partners for Possibility (PfP), the flagship programme of Symphonia for South Africa, was named as the winner of the 2018 Social Enterprise Mark CIC ‘Making a Mark’ competition at a […]
Social Enterprise Mark holders are invited to attend Charity Bank’s Impact Awards in London (N7 6PA) on Tuesday 26th June 2018. This is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary work […]
Leading Welsh politician Jane Hutt AM is calling on people in Wales to join her in making the country a ‘credit union nation’. Speaking after her appointment as Patron of […]
Charity Bank has appointed Edward Siegel as its new Chief Executive. He replaces Patrick Crawford, who will retire and step down as Chief Executive after almost six years. Ed, who […]
Chocolate Films Director Rachel Wang recently received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Law as part of a Graduation Ceremony held for more than 900 students at the Barbican […]
Blogging, Vlogging and Flogging A couple of talks on change have recently got me thinking. We live in such uncertain times at the moment, and it often feels like the […]
We are currently working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Supported Business Steering Group to develop a new framework to enable supported businesses to prove their credentials […]
By Heidi Fisher, Director of Make an Impact CIC It’s easy to assume because there’s purpose, profit will swiftly follow, but you and I both know that only works if you […]
Charity Bank, the loan and savings bank owned by charities and social purpose organisations, today announced it has lent over £15.2 million to the social sector in the first three […]
The Making a Mark competition is back for a third year! This annual competition celebrates the vast impact that accredited social enterprises make through their diverse activities, highlighting examples of how accredited social […]
Are we heading for ‘Hard Times’? Today’s political and economic climate reminds me of an episode in Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Hard Times’. At the beginning of the novel, Mr Gradgrind […]
To mark International Women’s Day earlier this month, 1000 Londoners (a project of Chocolate Films) released a women-only produced film. Twelve girls and women with no previous experience in filmmaking, guided by […]
International Women’s Day was on 8th March. Reading my social media feed that day, it seemed to have much more prominence than in previous years. I think it was probably […]
We are excited to be launching a new Twitter chat in April, to provide an open platform for social enterprises to connect with each other. During our many years of […]
Last weekend the Labour Party held a conference, where it launched a report highlighting Alternative Ownership Models. It criticised the prevailing model of public service delivery and highlighted some of […]
The Big Issue has launched a new online shop, to provide a retail platform for organisations that create social impact through the products they sell. The organisation, famed for its magazine […]
Make sure that you are paying your staff an appropriate salary by taking advantage of Roots HR’s offer of free salary benchmarking. Receive free salary benchmarking for 1 role when […]
Hope Enterprises CIC has launched a Crowdfunding appeal to raise money for its innovative new Food Club project. This project is a food club, not a foodbank; it’s based on membership, a […]
As we celebrate the 8th anniversary of the launch of the Social Enterprise Mark, I am proud of our progress, and how we have remained true to our original aim […]
Alexis Bowater, Regional Partner of the Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards 2018 was host to over 100 people at the Treasury in Plymouth earlier this week, welcoming guests that included […]
In 2018 Business Launchpad will be running a new series of events, which will showcase social enterprises across a number of industries. Social Lab is a great way to learn from […]
Former ACEVO Chief Executive Asheem Singh hit the nail on the head in his recent piece in the Guardian about the collapse of Carillion. I have written many times on […]
Innovative and high-impact solutions for social problems The first phase of the Social UP project has been completed, and a research report is now available, which analyses the needs and challenges […]
I am sure many of you have recently set new resolutions for the year ahead, be they personal goals (e.g. eating healthier or exercising more) or a commitment to make […]
CLARITY-The Soap Co. was named winner of the Environmental Impact Category in the PwC Social Entrepreneurs Club Awards, which were announced at the annual PwC Building Public Trust Awards lunch on 30th […]
Back in 2014, I predicted that we would, in the future, question the values that are used to make public spending decisions. However, we now seem to have reached a […]
A new piece of public art has been unveiled in Bristol to mark completion of a new community centre and nursery, the Chessel Centre, run by social enterprise BS3 Community […]
This summer Chocolate Films Workshops were in residence at the Royal Botanics Gardens Kew, to produce an animation about pollination and pollinators called Love Bug. The film broke the record […]
Every year 1 in 4 parents go into debt at Christmas trying to buy the perfect presents. Crazily, only 1% of the materials that go into making the stuff we […]
Rachel Wang, the Founder and Director of South London social enterprise Chocolate Films, has won the Women in Social Enterprise Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2017, which were […]
London’s largest documentary web series 1000 Londoners is handing the reins to young people in the capital for the next 5 months, during which it will release short films made […]
Art4Space is continuing their popular mosaic and tile making classes in Stockwell, London on Tuesday evenings in January. You decide what you want to create… for example – mosaic mirrors, […]
As an accredited Living Wage Employer, we are proud to support Living Wage Week (5th – 11th November), a UK-wide celebration of the campaign for a real Living Wage that meets […]
The Big Issue’s social investment arm, Big Issue Invest, has teamed up with Connection Crew to launch Canvas in Brixton – a co-working space with a social purpose. The space […]
We are delighted to welcome Investors in People as a partner in the Beyond the Badge campaign, which aims to make it easier for consumers to identify businesses that are […]
Clinical staff from care provider Integrated Care 24 (IC24) administered vaccinations to homeless people in Eastbourne this week as part of a flu prevention initiative. On the evening of 17th […]
Every Friday a group of excited pre-school children from Bristol don their hi-vis waistcoats ready to take their walking bus down to see their friends at the Amerind Grove residential […]
We were interested to see a social enterprise pitching on Dragon’s Den recently. It’s always good to see alternative forms of business profiled in the mainstream media. However, it was […]
We were delighted to discover last week that Lucy Findlay, Managing Director of Social Enterprise Mark CIC, is included on the inaugural WISE100 (Women in Social Enterprise 100) index, which recognises inspirational […]
In the latest interview released on Tony Loyd’s Social Entrepreneur podcast, Lucy Findlay talks about the development of the unique social enterprise accreditation offered by Social Enterprise Mark CIC, which provides […]
The Pluss Organisation CIC is delighted to have been awarded the Work and Health Programme contract for Southern England by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This result will […]
To mark Good Money Week (8th to 14th October) Charity Bank, the savings and loans bank with a mission to use money for good, is challenging charities and businesses to consider […]
Lucy Findlay responds to the 2017 State of Social Enterprise Report The 2017 State of Social Enterprise report was launched by Social Enterprise UK last week. The findings around profitability got me […]
Following a spike in interest from the Higher Education sector over the last 12 months, we are delighted to announce we now accredit ten Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as independently […]
Following the news in the summer that Sainsbury’s are replacing the established and trusted FAIRTRADE Mark with their own in-house certification scheme, there seems to be a general trend in […]
Charity Bank, an ethical bank with a mission to use money for good, has been named among companies that are Best for the World in 2017, selected from more than 2,200 […]
Social Enterprise Mark CIC, the body responsible for the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation, has recently awarded the first Social Enterprise Mark in the African continent, to a Non-Profit […]
Lucy Findlay blog for the Regulator of Community Interest Companies Upholding the standard for social enterprise For more than 7 years, Social Enterprise Mark CIC (and formerly RISE, the umbrella […]
With research showing that public trust in business is declining, we have teamed up with other independent Standard Bodies that set and assess genuine and transparent standards that help consumers cut through the barrage of […]
Art4Space has launched a new programme of mosaic and tile-making classes, to run in Stockwell, London on Tuesday evenings from 12th September. The classes are run by artists with over […]
As part of the Enhance Social Enterprise (#EnhanceSE) programme, Cosmic is delighted to be delivering two series of free workshops, focussing on Leadership in Social Enterprises, and Getting to Grips […]
We have recently renewed the Memorandum of Understanding with The Regulator of Community Interest Companies, symbolising an ongoing commitment to co-operation & collaboration. The agreement enables both parties to exchange information […]
As the authority responsible for implementing the robust standards and independent accreditation processes of the Social Enterprise Mark and Social Enterprise Gold Mark, we were very sad to hear of […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Charity Bank, the ethical bank that uses savings to make loans to charities and social enterprises, today announced that its book of drawn loans has exceeded […]
New Social Enterprise Gold Mark holder The University of Northampton has recently achieved a second Gold – it was given the Gold Award in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the […]
New Honey Blossom Eco Foaming Hand Wash from Social Enterprise Mark holder CLARITY, is launched into large organisations and the government to support the employment of blind, disabled and otherwise […]
Three UK Higher Education Institutions have become the latest organisations to be awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Gold Mark, in recognition of their social enterprise excellence. Plymouth College of Art, The University […]
Ealing Community Transport, part of national charity ECT, was named as the winner of the 2017 Social Enterprise Mark CIC ‘Making a Mark’ competition at a celebration at our recent conference […]
Charity Bank announces strong start to the year as Big Society Capital invests a further £2.5 million Big Society Capital has invested £2.5 million in the share capital of Social […]
Another bonanza for the shareholders? This blog follows on from a previous blog on this subject, published in 2014 My family and I have recently been subject to the vagaries […]
Nominations for the first NatWest WISE100 (Women in Social Enterprise) have recently opened to recognise 100 leading women in social enterprise. Created by the NatWest SE100 Index, the WISE100 highlights […]
Following the success of the Making a Mark competition last year, which celebrated the vast impact that accredited social enterprises make through their diverse activities, we have decided to repeat the competition […]
By Caroline Bartle, Managing Director of 3 Spirit UK I started to write this blog at the start of the year. Normally this is a time most people take stock and ask […]
An innovative device, which will improve the quality of life of thousands of people with double vision, has received £20,000 after winning a top award. Social Enterprise Mark holder The […]
As part of the Social UP project, which aims to improve the sustainability, social impact and scalability of social enterprises, to enable them to achieve their societal mission in a […]
Although it is heartening to see that consumers are increasingly looking at sustainability and ethical issues in their purchasing decisions, as evidenced by a recent international study by Unilever, I […]
Many thanks to all Social Enterprise Mark/Gold Mark holders and other stakeholders who took time to participate in our 2016 stakeholder survey. We have now analysed the responses and are pleased […]
Social Enterprise Mark CIC has partnered with several well-respected standard setting and accreditation bodies to encourage consumers to challenge ethical labels and sustainability claims that are used by brands they […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Cosmic is an advocate when it comes to apprenticeships. They took on their very first apprentice, Ben, in 1998 and he is still a valued member of […]
The British public wants banks to lend to organisations and projects that benefit society, but most people do not know what happens to their savings while they are deposited with […]
Rachel Wang FRSA, a black business leader and social entrepreneur from Wandsworth, has been nominated for the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award at The National Diversity Awards 2017. The Breathtaking Liverpool […]
Makers’ engagement with Cockpit Arts’ Business Incubation equals greater success Social Enterprise Mark holder Cockpit Arts has recently published its Cockpit Effect Report on the growth and development of craft businesses […]
The impending Fairtrade Fortnight (27th February – 12th March) led me to reminisce that the Fairtrade movement inspired the roots of our own accreditation system, back in the late 2000’s. Fairtrade […]
We are excited to be involved in a new EU co-funded project, which aims to improve the sustainability, social impact and scalability of social enterprises, to enable them to achieve […]
On the 7th anniversary of the launch of the Social Enterprise Mark, I am reminded of how far we have come as a sector in that time, but also of […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Southville Community Development Association (SCDA) and Triodos Bank have launched a bond offer to help raise £280,000 towards the cost of the Chessel Centre, a new £1.19m […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Big Issue Invest has today launched Impact Loans England, a new £5 million lending scheme aimed at enabling social enterprises to access loan funding of between […]
Theresa May’s recent announcement of a ‘Shared Society’, after all the fuss about the Big Society when it was launched, has been greeted with a healthy degree of scepticism, but […]
By Steve Hawkins, CEO of Pluss Pluss has over 45 years experience of working with some of the most disadvantaged people in society. However, the fact is that today, we are […]
As a global champion of social enterprise standards and the body responsible for the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation, we are delighted to have recently expanded our international network of […]
Channel 4 has announced that it will advertise all of its future vacancies on Evenbreak; a specialist job site run by and for disabled people. Channel 4 hopes the initiative will […]
cial Enterprise Mark holder RIO – the Real Ideas Organisation – a social enterprise based in the south west has won the Inspiring Youth Enterprise award at the UK Social […]
By Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark As TrustMark nears a close on its 10th Anniversary year, we nostalgically look back on how we got to this point. This year we’ve been […]
Work will start next week on a new community centre in Bedminster, Bristol, which will house a 54 place nursery, offices for the management charity and a new community centre. […]
Now in its 7th year, the leading market intelligence resource for social ventures, the NatWest SE100 Index, has announced the shortlist for its 2016/17 Social Business Awards. Revealed at the annual Good […]
Students, staff and visitors at Social Enterprise Mark holder Plymouth University will now be able to enjoy local artisan bread and baked goods on campus thanks to a landmark deal […]
I write this on a day when Donald Trump has been announced as President Elect of the USA. There are many questions being asked and much soul searching for answers […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Real People HR has been shortlisted for Consultancy of the Year at the Personnel Today Awards 2016. These annual awards celebrate talent in Human Resources, and the Consultancy of the […]
We were delighted to see so many Social Enterprise Mark holders shortlisted for the upcoming 2016 UK Social Enterprise Awards, including long-standing Mark holder Connection Crew, which is shortlisted for the […]
On Thursday 24th November 2016, Social Enterprise Mark CIC will moving into office space at the HQ Business Centre, managed by Social Enterprise Mark holder Millfields Trust. Millfields Trust provides a […]
Public sector commissioners are coming under unprecedented financial and political pressure to make huge savings, particularly in the health service. Unfortunately, this type of pressure only leads to short-termism rather […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Beacon Centre for the Blind has launched a pioneering competition to improve the lives of those living with sight loss and or other sensory loss. Inventors across the […]
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) last week announced West Midlands-based Social Enterprise Mark holder Roots HR CIC as a Trusted Supplier for HR services, including the provision of free […]
Ingeus and Social Enterprise Mark holder Pluss have announced a joint initiative to help people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into sustainable work. The collaboration brings together Ingeus’ proven expertise […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Unlimited Potential has been shortlisted by the Living Wage Foundation for the Living Wage Champion Awards 2016, which recognise Living Wage employers that have made great contributions […]
CEO of Cosmic and Social Enterprise Mark Ambassador Julie Hawker has recently been presented with a new role, that of Society of Leadership Fellow of St. George’s House, Windsor Castle. […]
Social Enterprise Gold Mark holder University of Salford has been recognised for its efforts in engaging students in enterprise activity, at a prestigious awards ceremony. The Enterprise team in Student […]
UK consumers, especially the younger generation, would pay more for products/services with a clear social purpose, according to a recent report from communications agency WE. The report, based on a a study […]
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, we are experiencing an increasing interest in social enterprise accreditation at an international level. Since 2015, almost ¼ of all visits to […]
As the champion of social enterprise standards and the body responsible for the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation, we are delighted to have announce that we have recently expanded our global network […]
By Social Enterprise Mark holder Pluss If you haven’t seen it yet, you will soon. And when you do, it’ll blow you away. It’s the ‘Superhumans’ trailer for Channel 4’s coverage […]
Two universities that have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark have scored highly in the 2016 National Student Survey (NSS). University of St Mark and St John in Plymouth (Marjon) has shot […]
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I was recently interested to hear about an innovative new movement focused on collaboration between practitioners, businesses, and communities, to improve and support health and social care services. World Health […]
We recently submitted a response to a public consultation from the Cabinet Office, which is seeking opinions on proposed new policy directions for the allocation of Big Lottery Funds in […]
Social ventures across the UK encouraged to offer experience and insight to maximise impact A landmark Social Impact Survey, designed to uncover awareness and attitudes to impact measurement and maximise […]
WANTED: Bosses on a mission! Hunt is on for UK’s most inspiring social enterprise leaders – as entries open for NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards 2016/17 A talent search with a difference […]
We are pleased to announce that Social Enterprise Mark CIC has been confirmed as a new partner of the Forerunner Prize, which was launched in May by Social Enterprise Mark holder […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Pluss was recently named the winner of the Disability and Health Employment Award at the annual ERSA Employability Awards. The Employability Awards, now in their fourth year, showcase and […]
By Gareth Presch, Founder of World Health Innovation Summit We now have the tools and the will to inspire, innovate and share knowledge to support our health services. World Health Innovation […]
Those of us who run social enterprises and charities collect and use lots of data for all kinds of purposes. Many would argue there’s too much. Business experts tell us […]
During my 15 odd years working in the social enterprise sector, I have been asked countless times to explain what a social enterprise is. Like many others in the sector […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Charity Bank is holding a free 45-minute webinar on 14th May 2016, designed for trustees and senior managers of charities and social enterprises considering loan finance,or for those […]
We are excited to unveil a new look for Social Enterprise Mark CIC and our accreditation Marks – the Social Enterprise Mark and the Social Enterprise Gold Mark. Our objective in […]
Social Enterprise Mark holders Cosmic and Pluss have worked closely together for several years, through project work, development of a new Pluss website and, most recently, the creation of a new video to […]
Dorset based charity Help & Care was named as the winner of the Social Enterprise Mark CIC ‘Making a Mark’ competition at a celebration at our recent conference in Salford. They […]
In July, Social Enterprise Mark holder Chocolate Films launches a large scale media and film-making programme in the heart of Woolwich for disadvantaged residents of the borough. They are are offering people who have complex […]
At a special award reception at our annual conference on 8th June 2016, we announced the winner of our Making a Mark competition, celebrating the vast and diverse social benefits created by […]
As the only international accreditation body for social enterprise, we have witnessed the growing interest in social enterprise from around the world. Almost a quarter of our website hits come […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Westway Trust are giving young people aged 16 – 24 the power and the money (up to £400) to bring a creative project to life. The Trust […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Pluss has been successful with five stage one applications for the ‘Building Better Opportunities’ programme across South West England and West Yorkshire. ‘Building Better Opportunities’ is a project jointly […]
Social Enterprise Network (SEN) recently welcomed Rob Wilson MP, the Minister for Civil Society, to address its new Social Economy Panel in Liverpool, on Thursday 12th May. Leading figures in […]
…The step change needed to halve the disability employment gap By Steve Hawkins, CEO of Pluss First the good news, then the maths. The good news is the government’s unequivocal commitment […]
Last night saw the launch of the NatWest SE100 Social Business Club, the new business support club offering insight, inspiration, expertise and peer learning for social enterprises on the NatWest […]
The public and press have short memories. Today and over the last few weeks there has been flurry of scandal and comment about corporate greed. Even the right wing press […]
By Richard Cobbett, Assessment and Compliance Manager Last month I had the great privilege of visiting Beijing, China, where I had been invited by the British Council to talk about the development […]
By Cara Aitchison, Vice Chancellor of University of St Mark & St John Our students and graduates are increasingly reporting that they seek employment and lifestyles that enable them to […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Cosmic recently announced the launch of their new Digital Leadership training programme. Cosmic has launched this new programme in response to research carried out both locally and nationally looking […]
On 7th April 2016 The Big Issue celebrated 200 million sales in Britain. In almost 25 years since its founding, the iconic magazine has changed the publishing landscape and the […]
By Gareth Hart, Co-founder of Iridescent Ideas “So you’re a social enterprise, eh? What does that mean then?” How many times have you been asked that question? How many times have […]
I recently stumbled upon an American blog which talks about whether competitions are good for social enterprises. They are indeed all the rage – from social enterprise ‘Dragon’s Den’ style […]
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we are supporting the #PasstheTorch campaign. Social Enterprise Mark CIC took on our first Apprentice in December. Lara Wylie, who joined the team as Customer Relations Assistant, […]
100 Change Makers will be out at air pollution hotspots across six central London boroughs on the 9th and 16th March to ask drivers to turn off their engines when […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Cascade has recently published their Spring training programme. Workshops include: Personal Effectiveness: Emotional Intelligence & Communicating with Impact Attracting, Recruiting & Managing Volunteers Writing a Winning […]
If you have applied for, or received funding from grant-making trusts and foundations, Foundational Thinking invite you to complete their short survey, based on emerging themes from a literature review of the practice of […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Co-wheels car club has launched a new scheme to enable low emission travel in and around the Lake District. Hybrid cars with roof racks can now […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Global Action Plan won the Community and Education Award at the recent Waterwise Water Efficiency Awards for its Water Explorer Project. Water Explorer is a free programme for schools […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder The Selby Trust in Tottenham was announced as runner-up in the Building Sustainable Communities category at the City of London Sustainable City Awards. These awards are given […]
Part 2 By Richard Cobbett, Assessment and Compliance Manager Last month, I started to consider how social enterprises should be distinguishing themselves when compared to other business models looking to validate ethical […]
New figures released this week by the NatWest SE100 index highlight impressive growth from the UK’s social enterprise sector this year, with an average growth in turnover of 80%. Now in […]
The Living Wage Foundation is pleased to announce that Social Enterprise Mark CIC is now accredited as a Living Wage employer. The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Social […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Help & Care has recently launched a new timetable for its free carer workshops for carers. There are over 50,000 people caring for loved ones in […]
Two Salford services dedicated to giving people the tools to make improvements to their health and wellbeing have been selected to take part in a national programme funded by NHS […]
The Institute for Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London is holding a social enterprise lecture series, showcasing Social Entrepreneurship across sectors, and from around the world. The series started […]
Part 1 By Richard Cobbett, Assessment and Compliance Manager “Social enterprise”, “Social business”, “Social Entrepreneurism”, “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR). How many people must be left scratching their heads when trying to determine the difference between […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Ideal for All has been shortlisted for the prestigious “People’s Choice Award” in the Sandwell & West Birmingham CCG 2016 Equality Awards. Ideal for All (IFA) empowers and […]
By Kate Pierpoint, Deputy Chief Executive of Manor House Development Trust As we continue to face social and economic challenges, the need for value for money and maximised social impact continues […]
…and is part of a record breaking social enterprise investment Social Enterprise Mark holder The Phone Co-op has won the Best Consumer Facing Social Enterprise Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards […]
By Steve Hawkins, CEO of Pluss So now we know that a new Work and Health Programme will replace the two current DWP employment programmes when they end in 2017. Just […]
Julie Hawker, CEO of Social Enterprise Mark holder Cosmic and a Social Enterprise Mark Ambassador, was awarded the honour of Women’s Social Enterprise Champion of the Year at the UK Social […]
From January 2016, UK communities will be able to work together to measure air pollution on their streets. This crowdfunded initiative is being set up by Social Enterprise Mark holder […]
Following the recent departure of a couple of our founding members, Social Enterprise Mark CIC is currently seeking people to join the independent Certification Panel, which oversees the assessment of applications […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Big Issue Invest has revealed the social businesses who have successfully secured investment through its Corporate Social Venturing (CSV) Programme. CSV is an innovative business support and investment […]
Following on from my post in September, looking at how the Social Enterprise Mark differs from other accreditation/certification schemes, it occurred to me that a key differentiator for us is the […]
Many thanks to all Social Enterprise Mark holders and other stakeholders that participated in our online survey and follow up telephone interviews earlier this year, conducted on our behalf by Gareth […]
By Steve Hawkins, CEO of Pluss The Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee have just published their report on the Work Programme after interviewing a series of expert witnesses and taking a mountain […]
Rachel Wang, co-founder and Director of Social Enterprise Mark holder Chocolate Films was recently awarded the honour of the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Black British Business Awards 2015. The […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder Gateway Family Services CIC is celebrating after winning two prestigious awards this week. On Tuesday they won a Three Year Health and Wellbeing award from the Royal Society for […]
By Isabelle De Grave, Charity Bank (originally posted on Charity Bank blog on 1st October 2015) The most important week for the Good Money campaign is fast approaching. Here’s what […]
The Institute for Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London is holding a social enterprise lecture series, showcasing Social Entrepreneurship across sectors, and from around the world. The series started […]
Social Enterprise Mark holder TheGivingMachine was once just an idea between 4 friends; it started as a social enterprise and then became a registered charity last year. Now it has reached […]
Social Enterprise Mark holders BITA Pathways and FRC Group, and Gold Mark holder John Taylor Hospice have been shortlisted for the NatWest SE100 Awards 2015. The winners will win a share of over […]
Social Enterprise Mark CIC is an award-winning international social enterprise accreditation authority, which recognises and builds the capabilities of social enterprises as competitive, sustainable businesses, dedicated to maximising social impact.
We provide clear standards to assure the business model remains ethical, credible and commercial.
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