Since I woke up this morning it appears that we’ve voted to leave the EU, our Prime Minister has resigned, Nigel Farage is declaring Independence Day and Donald Trump has landed in the UK. I’m just back from four days in France watching football and drinking (responsibly, obviously) and I’m beginning to wonder if they put something stronger than alcohol in the beer. It’s the only rational explanation.
In such uncertain times I’ll do what I always do, and turn to a little bit of social enterprise news for reassurance…
Enjoy your weekend
Let’s start with the big issue of the day. Social Enterprise UK Chief Executive Peter Holbrook has penned a respond to the result of the EU referendum. For a wider voluntary sector view, NCVO Chief Executive Sir Stuart Etherington has written his thoughts here.
Moving on, there are a number of job vacancies in the sector this week. At SSE London, we’re recruiting 2 x Development Managers and a new Executive Assistant/Office Manager. In Devon, social enterprise Powerwood CIC (founded by SSE Fellow Simone de Hoogh) are searching for a part time Personal and Communication Assistant. Finally, The Funding Network are recruiting a new Chief Executive, based in London.
Doing Social are hosting Pursuing Inclusive (Social) Innovation & Change through Universities in Cambridge on Wednesday 20th July. It’s free to attend and will act as ‘ a critical discussion on why and how we should enable people from marginalised backgrounds in the UK to meaningfully participate in, contribute to and lead innovation and change initiatives in the UK which impact their lives and their life chances.’
SSE Fellow Andy Heald and his organisation Energise Barnsley are offering the opportunity to become bondholders to members of the public. Energise Barnsley is the largest community energy local authority, community benefit society project in the UK and is currently working to install solar PV on schools and council buildings in Barnsley. You can watch a film about the organisation here and find out more about the bond offer here.
Social enterprise The Restart Project, set up by SSE Fellow Ugo Vallauri, are looking for trustees. They are particularly encouraging people aged under 25 to apply. It’s a really cool organisation teaching people to repair their own electronics and therefore cut down on waste.
If your organisation has involvement with digital technology in the health sector you should definitely investigate Health Foundry, a new a new collaborative workspace aiming to reshape 21st century healthcare. Health Foundry has been co-founded by SSE Fellow Sinead McManus and is working in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.
Sustainable online marketplace Blue Patch have announced the ‘Blue Patch New Business Awards‘ for three social enterprises that have been trading for under two years. Winners will receive a Blue Patch microsite along with marketing support and the chance to participate in ‘Britain’s First Sustainable Department Store for the Day’ on Saturday October 1st.
Some funding / social enterprise support news: Uncaged Ventures are offering grants of between £500 – £1500 this summer to socially minded individuals aged 16-30 in Bristol to ‘develop your idea and create lasting change within your community’. In the North East, PNE Enterprise have launched ‘Get Growing’ a scheme to help 20 firms in the North East to scale-up their operations. It’s open to social enterprises and successful applicants will receive a personal business advisor, workshops and masterclasses by leading business professionals, networking opportunities, and 24 months of access to online support.
Finally, we’re running our ‘Developing A Fundraising Strategy’ workshop in London next Friday and have a handful of places available. You can book your place here.
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What’s on at SSE:
- Developing a Fundraising Strategy, SSE London, 1st July
- Working with Corporates, SSE London, 15th July
- Kickstart Your Social Media Strategy, SSE London, 28th July
- Measuring Social Impact, SSE London, 2nd-3rd August
- Sources of Funding, SSE London, 12th August
