Social Enterprise
What Is A Social Enterprise?
"A business with a social purpose, that through its activities generates surpluses to re-invest in sustainable activities within an accountable framework."
The key factors being that it is a sustainable business operated with the intention of making surpluses which are re-invested for the benefit of its social mission. An accountable framework existing to audit and control the operation in the three main areas of social outputs, environmental impact and financial probity.
The reinvestment is ensured by means of an "asset lock" which prohibits distributions to shareholders. This ensures surpluses, when earned, are retrained within the enterprise to reinvest.
For more information about social enterprise, click here.
SCA Group As A Social Enterprise
The SCA Group's social purpose is to improve peoples' lives by providing innovative solutions to health and social care needs. Trading for over seventeen years, the SCA Group derives 99% of its income from "trading" and is one of the most mature social enterprises in the UK.
With a well established constitution, experienced Board and well defined social and environmental audit processes in place, the SCA Group treats each element of the triple bottom line" with equal importance.
The "asset lock" is established throgh its constitution as an Industrial & Provident Society with charitable status, regulated by the FSA.
Social Enterprise "Making a Difference" - a Guide to the "Right to Request" (SCA Group is one of the case studies featured, see Page 29)
Social Enterprise Action Plan - To read the Government's plan for Social Enterprise click here
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CALENDAR FOR 2009/2010
Social Enterprise Coalition Health and Social Care Forum: The sixth meeting of the Coalition's Health & Social Care Forum takes place 30 June and will look at new developments in health and social care markets and the opportunities these present for new and existing social enterprises. The event is free for Coalition members, £50 for non members. To register for the event, visit the Coalition's website.
Social Enterprise - More for Your Money - click HERE for details
The North West Social Enterprise Trade Fair - click HERE for details
Latest Social Enterprise News
- Caring Capitalism - a Focus on Enterprise (Guardian Article)
- Brian Strevens to represent SCA Group & Social Enterprise in the Social Enterprise Coalition Council
- New Institute puts the Heart into Business in a Post Credit-crunch World
Recent News
Social Enterprise Delivers Medical Supplies to Africa
March 31st 2009
An enterprising environment for social change
March 31st 2009
“Italian Football Fans to Stage Social Enterprise Takeover”
March 31st 2009
“Last orders? Locals fight back”
March 31st 2009