Embedding social enterprise into HEIs: The Social Enterprise Mark Lucy Findlay FRSA Managing Director Social Enterprise Mark CIC

Definition of social enterprise A social enterprise is an independent business that ploughs the majority of its profits back into a strong social or environmental mission (No legal definition)

What is the Social Enterprise Mark? The only internationally available social enterprise accreditation, enabling credible social enterprises to prove they trade for people and the planet License acts as guarantee that a social enterprise commits 50% to social/environmental benefits Shows how a social enterprise is making a difference Protects social enterprise principles through impartial and independent assessment process

How is Social Enterprise Mark certification different? NOT a membership body – approval not automatic Renewal not automatic – we review Mark Holders’ continuing eligibility on annual basis Proof that applicants have been assessed against sector-agreed criteria Subject to independent Certification Panel

How are HEIs developing social enterprise agenda? Identifying themselves as social enterprises Identifying spin outs/trading subsidiaries Curriculum in business schools & other depts. Student business support e.g. UnLtd programme Working with local communities in partnership Innovation space

Benefits For Your HEI Embeds social enterprise into your university – not just one department Differentiates your organisation by: – Guaranteeing & demonstrating your social impact – Demonstrating your commitment to reinvesting profits towards social/environmental purposes – Cutting edge of ethical business Campaigns to raise profile of your HEI with students e.g. film Access to exclusive tools and resources Recognised ‘badge’ = increased exposure

Social Enterprise Mark Do you qualify? The criteria: Have own constitution and governing body Have social/environmental aims enshrined in constitution At least 51% of profits are spent on socially beneficial purposes On dissolution, all residual assets to be distributed for social/ environmental purposes Earn at least 50% of income from trading Evidence of how the company has ‘Made a Mark’ over the last year (social impact statements)

Application Process 1.Submit a Registration form via website.Registration form 2.A member of team will follow up to arrange a telephone appointment to discuss 3.Team member will then fill out application and check for accuracy/terms. 4.Assessment team/certification panel will assess application and report back within one month 5.If successful, provisional approval sent with an invoice. Annual fee is dependent on turnover (fees from £350-£4500). 6.Welcome as a fully approved Social Enterprise Mark holder once payment received 7.Annual renewal assessment light touch) and fee

The Social Enterprise Gold Mark: the route to business excellence Offers enhanced accreditation to Social Enterprise Mark holders who can show best practice in proof points across 3 areas: Governance Business ethics Financial and social impact transparency

Gold Mark application process 1.Submit a Registration form on our websiteRegistration form 2.Invoice (fee varies dependent on circumstances and turnover) 3.Team will follow up to arrange a telephone appointment to discuss further and then you will be sent an application form 4.You will then be asked to conduct employee & stakeholder questionnaires 5.We will carry out an on-site assessment 5.All evidence is then submitted to our panel and you will receive a panel report to develop your action plan with us with 6 weeks. 6.Full renewal every 3 years with annual meetings to check progress

International influence 3 international Mark holders including FLOCERT Provided the template and support to set up the Social Enterprise Mark in Russia Advised the British Council and academics in China to write manual for Chinese equivalent Currently working with African networks to bring the Social Enterprise Mark to Africa

Find out more: Look at our website Or ring helpline 