Sustainable benefits of Social Enterprise
Those involved in social enterprise see sustainability differently. Sustainability to us means achieving changes in society, people that are long term and permanent. Social enterprises are trading organisations governed by social objectives. Invariably these objectives are to create benefits that involve changes in behaviour and attitude. When we talk about change we are not only thinking about our stated beneficiaries, we are also thinking about the nature and structure of our own enterprises and those involved within it, the workers, the governors and the volunteers.
This is an accredited two day course that examines what we mean by benefits and change, and importantly how we can make sure that within our structures we have the capacity and skills to set objectives and measure and manage change without endangering our ability to trade competitively.
Benefits of attending
Students will be introduced to Social Enterprise Europe’s unique mythology of social auditing; a comprehensive system of using a social action team to ensure that the enterprise stays true to its social purpose, is inclusive and involves its stakeholders in the democratic governance of the enterprise.
Students will also be introduced to models of change in the context of actual case studies. They will be introduced to the complex issues around change and some of the dangers as well as the rewards that such intervention can bring.
Social Enterprise Plan
New ways of working and thinking require new formats. For those either setting up a social enterprise or changing an established organisation this course is the fifth part of 5 modules that enable students to put together a social enterprise plan that will cover all aspects of establishing a sustainable enterprise.
Course duration and style
This is a two day workshop. The course is a mixture of theoretical input and participative working. Participants will be introduced to the actual practices recommended for democratic working and you will be introduced to OPERA, positional analysis and other techniques used by social enterprises and especially social action teams to enable good management and governance of the businesses.
Target User
Those either already involved in social enterprise or looking to become involved as:
Managers or Governors of a social enterprise
Managers or Governors of a voluntary sector organisation
Social Entrepreneurs Social Enterprise Advisors
Those funding or supporting social enterprise
Those managing or governing organisations governed by social objectives
Course specifics
Understanding sustainability, the difference between a sustainable organisation and sustainable benefits
Understanding the social audit process and nits role, context and implications within a social enterprise
The tools used by social action teams including positional analysis and the roles and tasks matrix
Dealing with externally set quality standards Understanding change and the models we use
Change for society and community, for the organisation and for individuals within the enterprise; implications on the structure and focus of the enterprise
Accreditation
The course is accredited through the Univeristy of Hull. Successful completion of the course and a written submission being part of the participants social enterprise plan will gain the students 10 credits at level 4 of a foundation degree.
