Thought Leadership

SEUK is campaigning in support of the Community Enterprise Growth Plan – a plan which will support social enterprises get access to the suitable and affordable finance they need to develop and grow. We’re calling on all social enterprises to support the campaign by writing to their MP using our simple template letter and online portal. The letter asks MPs themselves to write to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ask the Government to invest dormant assets in social enterprises and community businesses through the Community Enterprise Growth Plan. Click here to contact your MP The Community Enterprise Growth Plan is part of a wider campaign to direct dormant assets towards social enterprises. Dormant assets are financial products, such as bank accounts, which have not been used for many years and which have proven to be impossible to reunite with their owners. Over the next decade the value of these assets could be worth as much as £700 million and we’re calling for these to be used to help drive more inclusive access to social investment, to reform the market and ensure social enterprises are able to access the finance they need. We are campaigning for this money to be invested into social enterprises and supporting communities develop stronger local economies. You can find out more  in this blog by SEUK’s Director of External Affairs, Andrew O’Brien. Please do take 5 mins to send our template letter to your MP. All you need to do is enter your postcode and our campaign tool will do the rest! Click here to take action We need to put social enterprise front and centre of the minds of political decision makers – as a way to help level up the country, to reduce inequalities in health and opportunity, and as a means to grow a more inclusive economy. Contacting your MP will help raise the profile of your work and the work of the broader social enterprise community as well as giving them a concrete action to take to Government calling for better support for the sector. If you write to you MP and they get back to you please contact Andrew with the response andrew.obrien@socialenterprise.org.uk

The 17th of November marks Global Social Enterprise Day – a day to recognise and celebrate organisations who are implementing the social enterprise business model to address problems such as the unemployment crises faced by refugee communities or the ongoing homelessness crisis across the UK.Together, TRAMPOLINE, Breaking Barriers and TERN are hosting an event to bring their networks together to celebrate their trainees, clients and social entrepreneurs they support. Throughout the evening we will be hearing from budding entrepreneurs, and the volunteers and business leaders who support their ambitions. The event will be taking place on 17th November at the TRAMPOLINE cafe in London - 27 Camden Passage N1 8EA from 17:30 onwards BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE

One of SEUK's main jobs is to raise the profile of the social enterprise sector amongst decision-makers and also to respond on behalf of our members to policies that affect social enterprise. In this webinar our Director of External Affairs, Andrew O'Brien, looked back at the latest political developments and how they will impact the social enterprise movement. 1 November 2022

October 2022 Charity Bank was officially launched at 11 Downing Street by then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, on 17 October 2002. Since then, Charity Bank has continued to be owned by and committed to supporting the social sector, making more than 1,100 loans totalling over £400m to housing, education, social care, community, and other social purpose organisations. During the evening, Charity Bank unveiled a new brand video “Where You Bank Matters” showcasing the impact that the bank continues to have on charities and social enterprises. Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said “I want to offer my congratulations to the Charity Bank for years of service to the people of the United Kingdom. Thank you for the important work you do and the difference you have made. It was my pleasure and my privilege to launch the social impact bank in Downing Street in 2002. “And since then, through thick and thin, the bank has been instrumental in assisting and helping charities and social enterprises flourish, with loans and savings accounts that deliver real social impact in communities across the country. You deserve our thanks, and you deserve our best wishes.” Alan Hodson, Chair at Charity Bank said “One of the great things about Charity Bank is that while we all have different roles to play, we share common values and a desire to use finance to make a difference. We’re celebrating not only our history and heritage but also the success of a bank for good and our vision for the future. “With the current pressure on people and communities across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we continue to do everything we can to support the charities and social enterprises making a real difference in their communities.” Ed Siegel, CEO at Charity Bank said “We’re delighted to be celebrating, not only 20 years of Charity Bank but two decades of investment in social impact. Charity Bank is not your average bank; we’re a community of people committed to using money to tell a better story. “One thing we know is that where you bank really does matter. We know that the charities we support will be needed more than ever in the years ahead and that’s why it’s so important that Charity Bank continues to grow in order to support our borrowers and the immense impact they are able to have on the communities they serve.” ENDS About Charity Bank Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank for charities, social enterprises and people who want to make the world a better place. It uses its savers’ money to provide much needed loans to UK organisations working to drive positive social change – bringing benefits for people, communities, and the environment. Since 2002, Charity Bank has made more than 1,100 loans totalling over £400m to housing, education, social care, community, and other social purpose organisations. Charity Bank is owned by social purpose organisations and aims to use its expertise, commitment, and flexible approach to lending, to help charities and social enterprises get the support and funding they need. www.CharityBank.org

October 2022 Impact investing is on the brink of becoming a mainstream investment channel that will create finance for a new wave of impact entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups to deliver urgently needed solutions to social and environmental challenges, according to qualitative research released by global legal and advisory practice, Taylor Vinters.  Research based on hour long interviews of a panel of 36 key figures representing impact investors, investee companies, independent experts and public bodies working within the impact sector, reveals impact investing is already entering the mainstream with heavyweight private equity investors, including Apollo, KKR, Bain and TPG entering with funds targeting positive social and environmental impact, and that angel investors and VCs are also seeing impact as an important driver of commercial potential.  The research found that there is a need to let go of the view that impact investing is the preserve of smaller, boutique and specialised investment houses. The study highlighted that impact investors are on the hunt for ‘solution seeking’ investments that support positive, intentional impact from products and services that demonstrably make the world a better place from a social and environmental standpoint.  Findings point to the potential of the impact sector to provide solutions to major social challenges such as housing, homelessness and social care, and that there is an opportunity for government and impact investors to work together in these areas suggesting a combined strategy coming from government, business, public sector and the third sector. An example given is linking sustainable housing to tackling the housing shortage and homelessness, and how impact investors can play a full role in delivering on targets relating to these areas.  Also identified is the potential for the role of impact investing to support government’s Levelling Up Agenda (and any successor), through to the need for government to carefully consider those areas of economic, social, and cultural activity where a fully catalysed impact investment community could play a vital role in successfully addressing social challenges.  The wider belief revealed by the research, is that unlocking this potential requires vision from government. For example, if government sought to link greener housing with attempts to tackle the housing shortage and homelessness, and set ambitious and stretching targets, consideration could be given to how impact investors could play a full role in delivering on those ambitions. In light of adopting such an approach, government could then consider how it would need to act in terms of providing incentives, or seed capital for new innovation.  Impact investing and ESG are not the same, but are complementary The study finds that a major factor for the growth of impact investment in the mainstream of investing, is the need to have a clear recognition of the distinct roles and opportunities of impact investing and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reporting.  The key distinction between impact investment and ESG monitoring is considered to be that impact ventures are founded on clearly defined, high levels of intentionality, and that ESG monitoring is rooted in compliance and reporting.   A key observation is that impact ventures can offer quicker, more innovative solutions to major global challenges, such as environmental degradation and renewable energy, compared to ESG compliance and reporting, which is more focused on describing the status quo and also subject to risk from confusing metrics, and to claims of 'green-washing'.  Market innovation required  The second identified necessary factor for impact investing to become grounded in the mainstream of investing, is market innovation. This involves understanding that the impact element of business models has real intrinsic value. Participants in the research identified a growing awareness and realisation that intentionality of impact is an essential indicator of sustainable value. At a time of change in a more uncertain world, impact has become a long-term indicator of worth, and that the impact element of businesses should be considered an asset with financial value.  However, it is also considered that a situation needs to be created that allows stakeholders to determine a more precise spectrum of intentionality and return for investors seeking highly scalable, deployable propositions with market rate returns. ‘Impact first, investment first’ strategy Research participants highlighted the fact that already this has led to what is becoming more commonly known as the ‘impact first, investment first’ model, in which impact and finance is in a lock-step relationship.  Another important element required for successful market innovation is marketisation. That the right rewards have to be created to generate results, how best to price externalities, and to incentivise investment and corporate behaviours. For example, innovations in shareholder agreements and other legal documents that underpin company formation and venture founder benefits. The research identified that networks within the impact investing sector are considered vital to market innovation as they will help educate, and ensure impact assessment and due diligence in investment practice. The networks and organisations named include: VentureESG, Diversity ESG, GINN's Gender Lens Investing Hub, Responsible Investment Network – Universities (RINU), the Impact Investing Institute and Big Society Capital.  Impact ventures can solve the biggest global challenges  There is a view that there are very significant financial return opportunities from highly intentional impact ventures that address major challenges such as global warming, energy supply and inequality within societies. And in addition, momentum can be accelerated in the impact investment sector to significantly drive economic growth by increasing the rate of innovation across all business areas leading to a new phase of businesses creation, new products and services, productivity improvements, increases in GDP, increased employment, as well as generating positive impact.  ‘The results of this report are simple. If we accelerate innovation in the impact investment ecosystem, we will accelerate innovation across the whole of business. It would create extraordinary dividends by enabling growth and urgently needed solutions to the economic, energy, environmental and social challenges,’ comments Taylor Vinters CEO, Matt Meyer. ‘Unlocking the potential of impact investment could not be more timely in terms of the need to address the major challenges we face. There is a real opportunity to make a significantly positive difference through commitment to what is the investment channel of the future.’  Interviews with research panel members were one hour in length, and conducted independently by market strategy consultant and author, Dr John Knell. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT   taylorvinters.com

31 October 2022 Homeshare services across the UK are raising awareness this week of how they can support their local community by safely matching older people living alone with those seeking affordable accommodation. The news comes as the true scale of loneliness for all ages in the UK is becoming understood.1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely[1].Many people in mid and later life are also finding themselves without affordable housing options due to the increasing cost of living. Homeshare, works by matching people together for mutual support; a person who has a spare room and is looking for company and a bit of practical support, shares their home with someone looking for affordable accommodation. Both people benefit from the companionship and having a friendly face at home. The householder typically receives 10 hours per week of practical support provided by the homesharer such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, gardening or even enjoying social activities together, but no personal care is involved. Younger people are being priced out of the villages, towns, and cities they want to live in, for work or study. Latest figures again show that the average age at which people can leave home even to rent is rising along with the proportion of income spent on housing. Across the UK, local Homeshare providers offer more people the opportunity to live sociably and affordably whatever their age, with the right support structures in place to make it safe and enjoyable. They are supported by Homeshare UK – the UK network for local Homeshare providers. This week is Homeshare Aware week, where organisations across the UK are calling on older people and their relatives to get in touch and not face another quiet winter if they’d prefer some company at home. As the darker nights draw in, more people feel safe and secure having the reassurance of an overnight presence and someone to share a meal with. Catherine Ambrose, Homeshare UK Service Manager from Homeshare UK said, “Whilst practical support in the home is beneficial for older people in our area, we find that the majority of our Homeshare matches say that having companionship and a safe place to live is the top benefit for them. Just hearing the key in the lock as the night draws in, as someone comes in from work, is reassuring. “Family and friends of an older relative feel much more at ease knowing their loved one has someone in the home with them, who has their best interests at heart. Younger people also benefit from the companionship and learn new skills from someone of a different generation.” Homeshare matches are facilitated, supported and closely monitored by their local Homeshare provider. As members of Homeshare UK, they draw on established national good practice guidance and a quality assurance framework from Homeshare UK to ensure safety and quality, including face-to-face and ongoing support. A daughter of a householder with Homeshare Living said, “Homesharing has made such a difference to my mum’s life. She is much happier as she is not alone in the evenings, and she has someone else to chat to, share meals with and care about. It has also given me immense peace of mind that someone is there in case anything happens. Mum is well in to her 90’s now and I feel sure that things would have been very different, and she would probably not have been able to stay in her home these last few years if she hadn’t had a sharer.” Deborah Fox, Head of Homeshare UK, who are organising the campaign says, “We know that winter is a time when we naturally see even fewer people during the shorter days, more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member. With the cost of living constantly on the rise, we’re experiencing more unsettling times, however having someone at home to provide companionship, reassurance and support has a positive impact on the well-being of those in Homeshare arrangements. “This year during Homeshare Aware Week we’re asking older people and their relatives to get in touch with one of the 20 Homeshare organisations across the UK, who offer wonderful opportunities for older and younger people to connect and help each other out – whether it’s practical, offering a spare room, or companionship. We all need real life company more than ever in our society today. “It's a safe and enjoyable way to relieve the pressure of living alone and bring peace of mind to everyone involved.” To find out more about Homeshare and enquire with your local provider please visit https://homeshareuk.org/ If you are interested in setting up a Homeshare UK social franchise visit https://homeshareuk.org/franchise-opportunities/ About Homeshare UK Homeshare UK is part of Shared Lives Plus, the membership charity for a kinder, stronger society built on sharing our lives and our homes. We build communities where everyone lives a full life, regardless of the support they need. Homeshare UK is a vibrant network of likeminded individuals who are passionate about delivering Homeshare in a safe and effective way. We also help anyone who wants to start a Homeshare service with bespoke advice, training and consultancy. We are members of Homeshare International, and proactively work with Homeshare providers across the world. In 2021 Homeshare UK secured a 1.2 million pound grant to support the scale up of Homeshare across the UK. This money will be used to incubate two large scale programmes across the north of England and a franchise model that will be suitable for delivery in smaller towns and rural locations. Find out more at www.homeshareuk.org [1] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/policy-research/loneliness-research-and-resources/

24 October 2022 Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, said: As Rishi Sunak becomes the new Prime Minister, we look forward to hearing his plans to bring stability and clarity for business in the coming months. The Prime Minister has stressed the economic challenges the UK faces. It is time for a reset of Government economic plans. We urge the new PM to address the challenges we are facing as a society and unlock the potential of social enterprise in tackling the issues facing our communities and our planet.

Sally Callow, Managing Director of social enterprise Stripy Lightbulb CIC, hosted a webinar on how to identify and support the challenges faced by staff with invisible disabilities within working environments.  The webinar covered Definition of an invisible disabilityTypes of invisible disabilitiesHow workplaces may be challengingWhy is nondisclosure an important issue?How can employers support employees with invisible disabilities? Watch the recording below: 19 October 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJfMR-nQylc