Our impact

SSE has supported thousands of leaders of social change, who in turn have help millions of people in need.

They tackle a huge range of social and environmental problems, while creating meaningful jobs – often for the people who are most disadvantaged in the labour market.

Social entrepreneurs multiply the impact of support they receive.

In a year of SSE programmes, the 1,321 social entrepreneurs we supported in turn helped 754,837 people.

Championing inclusion & diverse leadership

We believe diverse leadership can create a more equitable society. We accelerate this shift by supporting social entrepreneurs from marginalised and minoritised communities.

16% of we support are disabled.

One in five people are from racialised and/or minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

89% have first-hand “lived” experience of the issue they address.

More than two-thirds are women (including trans women).

Growing the skills of the sector

In 2022 – 2023 we delivered 23 programmes to 58 cohorts of social entrepreneurs. Students reported a 26% increase in the skills that they need to lead their organisation across four key areas: business skills and entrepreneurialism, leadership and emotional resourcefulness, social impact measurement and networks & networking.

Better leaders, building stronger organisations

We support people to become better leaders of social change.

In one year, we significantly increase the skills, strengths and networks people need to tackle society’s biggest problems.

As a result, the organisations they build have a significantly higher five-year survival rate than pure-profit businesses in the UK (66% versus 44%).