Networks1st Home
News
    Networks1st Update
    Notices
Networks1st

54 Manor Place
Edinburgh EH3 7EH
Tel: 0131 220 4104
Fax: 0131 539 9999
networks@senscot.net
 
 

 
   

Notices

Submit a notice to appear here, visit http://senscot.net/networks1st/submitnotice.php


Vital Stats Financial Year 2009-10
 Vital Stats surveys have now been completed for Dundee, Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Coalfields and Sport. ...more

MSc in Social Enterprise
The MSc Social Enterprise is the only postgraduate degree in Scotland designed specifically for the growing Social Enterprise sector, developed through the collaboration of Glasgow Caledonian University and the Social Enterprise Academy....more

CRNS 6th Annual Conference & Awards
CRNS 6th Annual Conference & Awards will be a packed day of networking opportunities, inspiring topics to ponder and discuss, practical issues to mull over, reflection on the bigger picture, and an uplifting reminder of what’s great and essential about the world of sustainable community resource management...more

Aspire to Enterprise
Aspire to Enterprise is a programme providing a range of Business Support Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland. Since 2008 the programme has supported 200 social enterprises from the Borders to Aberdeen....more

Deadline nears for Scottish Communities to Scoop £60,000 Jubilee Awards
Groups across Scotland have just four weeks left to enter a TV Lottery funding competition that could see them winning up to £60,000 to improve their communities in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, 2012...more

The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship Forum for Social Enterprise
The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship is hosting a Forum for Social Enterprise onTuesday 18th January 2011, 4-6pm. Achieving Sustainability - The Challenges of Social Enterprise....more

The Planning Mentoring Scheme
The Planning Mentoring Scheme is a new programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA), linking Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) with CVS organisations and third sector "Interfaces". This will provide planning advice and guidance to community led development projects across rural Scotland....more

Request for expressions of interest for programme to support local development of community capacity building
Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) are seeking expressions of interest from areas or partnerships who wish to participate in a programme of support for local community capacity building (CCB) practice. We aim to provide development support for up to six areas and/or projects across the country over the coming months....more

Sponsors Needed for Scottish Art
Blair Consulting has been asked to create a new collection of contemporary Scottish art - 120 artworks are needed (all media) for a brand new building by Andy Law (Reiach & Hall).   The collection is for a healing environment, a space for people recovering from strokes and for older people - it is a rehabilitation unit at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow. ...more

Village store at Longside to be taken over by Community Initiative
Community Food Initiatives North-East (CFINE) struck a deal to take over the Fruit Mart at Longside. The village store is the first to be sold as part of a pioneering scheme aimed at helping private businesses become social enterprises. The sale was backed with a £25,000 award from the Aberdeenshire Fairer Scotland Fund and was brokered by Social Firms Scotland, which is spearheading the new Acquiring Business for Good programme, funded by the National Lottery....more

S2S Fair
Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition are pleased to announce that opening the 2011 Fair will be one of the world's leading social entrepreneurs, Mel Young, founder of the Homeless World Cup. ...more

Social Enterprise Awards 2011
1st Nov 2020
You have less than two weeks to submit your application for the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards 2011 ...more

The Social Enterprise Ceilidh 2010: Report
Here's the evaluation report of the 2010 Ceilidh...more

East Coast Gathering
East Coast Gathering taking place Friday 14th & Saturday 15th January 2011 at Edinburgh University, 5 Forrest Hill, EH1 2QL...more

Regulator to train charity advisers
 Scotland’s charity regulator is to take its message across the country to develop the support available to charities. OSCR, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, has announced today, Monday 6 December, that it has begun a dedicated Outreach Programme of training aimed specifically at those advising charities on their responsibilities.  Two dates in January have been announced for Edinburgh and Perth with a further seven training sessions to take place before the end of June.  ...more

Training Programme - February - March 2011
CVS Training Initiative have their training programmes for February and March including The Art of Marketing, Early Years and Children's First Aid, Core Skills for Business...more

Workshops & Tender Training
Supplier Development Programme (SDP) has free workshops, a number of training sessions and events kicking off in January 2011, places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment....more

Franchising is way forward for social enterprise Suited & Booted
Ayrshire based Suited & Booted (part of registered Scottish charity Real Work Skills) started up in 2009 with the help of a £4000 grant from social enterprise support organisation Firstport. Suited & Booted provides interview outfits free of charge to people from low incomes and helps with their job search skills.  Suited & Booted have launched their search for individuals across Scotland to take on the franchise in their local areas including...more

Design work - Invitation to Tender
Dumfries and Galloway SEN are looking for a designer to develop a new logo, materials and website.  If you know of anyone, a local social enterprise or other third sector organisation who might be interested?...more

Project OsKar & Caring Christmas Trees
A new Kibble furniture recycling initiative, working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, Project OsKar & Caring Christmas Trees where the young people at Kibble thoroughly enjoy the experience; learning about warehouse distribution, customer service and delivery  ...more

Charities pull together to help the homeless this Christmas
Two local charities are working together in a bid to help feed the city’s homeless this Christmas. The Bread Maker, Aberdeen, has agreed to supply bread and mince pies throughout the month of December to the soup kitchens of local homeless charity, The Cyrenians, Aberdeen...more

The Eden Project Study Visit – 23rd and 24th March 2011
In partnership with CEIS Events, the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is delighted to offer a 2 day study visit to Cornwall’s world renowned social enterprise, the Eden Project. Tim Smit, Chief Executive and Co Founder says this is a social enterprise ‘built out of innocence!’  The Project cost £130m and has already put £800m back into the Cornish economy, with 90% of everything consumed at Eden being locally sourced...more

Rural fruit and veg shop official opening postponed… but the food is getting through.
The official ministerial ribbon-cutting for an Aberdeenshire fruit and veg shop may have been postponed but vital food supplies are still making it to the shelves. Residents in the small village of Longside have recently been thrown a lifeline that will secure the local fruit and veg shop … come rain or snow … well into the future....more

Blantyre Community Cinema
Funded by The Big Lottery and the Fairer Scotland Fund and managed by Blantyre Miners Welfare Charitable Society. With a massive 7m by 5m screen and 16 speaker surround sound Blantyre Community Cinema at the town's Miners Welfare complex takes film seriously...more

Hot Desk Through Networks 1st
All SEN members have FREE access to their shared office, shared resources, informal meeting space and new soundproof ‘Melting Pod’ meeting space (sits up to 5)...more

Social Vision: business at its best
Finding the images that best capture the work of social enterprise. Now in its third year this photography competition is run by Triodos Bank and the Social Enterprise Coalition in association with Social Enterprise magazine and the regional social enterprise networks of England.  ...more

MECOPP Suites Room Hire
MECOPP Suites are conveniently located close to Edinburgh city centre on Leith Walk. The lower ground floor of this traditional Victorian building is dedicated to providing adaptable and flexible training and meeting rooms....more

Social Enterprise Day Internation Visit Programme
On UK Social Enterprise Day CEiS are delighted to attach details of the upcoming International Visit Programme to South Africa in April 2011. The visit will incorporate attendance at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Johannesburg which has an incredible programme including visits to enterprises in Soweto, where their world class innovation is making a difference in disadvantaged communities....more

Thrive General Business Networking Events in Edinburgh
Thrive General Business Networking Events in Edinburgh for B2B SMEs.  If you are interested in more than one event, we have a Trial Package at reduced rates for visiting companies. ...more

Networks 1st New Website
Networks1st New Website Front Page...more

Leadership Event
Kibble is hosting a one day leadership event on 9 December 2010 at St Mirren Park in Paisley.  This event will be ideal for aspiring, new or experienced leaders in your organisation. ...more

Measuring Social Impact. Elgin, Feb 23rd
The Academy is offering a one-day programme in ‘Measuring Social Impact’ at Elgin Youth Cafe on February 23rd. This day is free of charge, 10am – 4pm, all welcome!  The programme looks at the Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Social Accounting and Audit, comparing their processes, applications, outputs and ultimately suitability for your needs....more

Friday Night Curry Night
Wooden Spoon Catering Co are now in their 3rd week of 'Friday Night Curry Night' delivery service and would like to say a big thank you for your continuing support and for forwarding our service to your friends and colleagues. Last week they served 67 meal deals across the city, this was a little bit less that the previous week however it's still a good number...more

The Eden Project Study Visit – 23rd and 24th March 2011
In partnership with CEIS Events, the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is delighted to offer a 2 day study visit to Cornwall’s world renowned social enterprise, the Eden Project. Tim Smit, Chief Executive and Co Founder says this is a social enterprise ‘built out of innocence!...more

2014 Communities
Glasgow is hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Big Lottery Fund Scotland wants to ensure that we are providing support to groups who want to benefit from this once in a lifetime opportunity for people and communities across Scotland....more

Focus Group for financial services support needs of Social Enterprises
Ci Research has been commissioned by a major UK bank to run a discussion group with senior representatives of Social Enterprises.  The objective of the discussion will be to assess the financial services support needs of Social Enterprises and the extent to which these are currently being met....more

Press Release: Social Enterprise Networks thriving in hard times
New research by Senscot, Scotland’s network for social entrepreneurs, shows that clusters of social enterprises in Scotland are thriving and providing vital jobs despite the challenging economic conditions....more

Spruce Carpets; From Sympathy to Solution
 Spruce Carpets presentation from the Dumfries and Galloway Conference SEN "Opportunities and Challenges for Social Enterprises" November 2010....more

Office Furniture going Spare
Rocket Science are moving offices and likely to have some surplus office furniture going spare, which they’d be delighted to donate to a social enterprise in need.  It’s likely to include desks, bookshelves, tables, swivel chairs, etc....more

New Website Launch
This month Culture Enterprise Office reveal their new website with a new look eBulletin to keep you up-to-date. We hope you enjoy the new concise layout and just click on the titles if you want to know more...more

Minority Ethnic Carers charity Room Hire Facilities.
MECOPP Suites are conveniently located close to Edinburgh city centre on Leith Walk. The lower ground floor of this traditional Victorian building is dedicated to providing adaptable and flexible training and meeting rooms...more

Raising Awareness of Social Enterprise
BRAG’s next Raising Awareness Session on Thursday 25th November, 11am – 2pm (Tea & Coffee available, light buffet for lunch) at The Scores Hotel, St. Andrews, KY16 9BB. This is an excellent opportunity to kick start your idea...more

Ready for Business
the public social partnership to help social enterprises win public sector contracts is now attracting significant interest from public sector procurers as well as private sector companies.Community Benefit Clauses are begginning to extend outside of Scotland, see here for a contract from our friends down under....more

The Art of Community Regeneration
A SURF cinematic event in cooperation with Fablevision and the Scottish Wave of Change.  Wednesday 10th November, Pearce Institute Glasgow  ...more

Labour announces Scottish Future Jobs Fund
Scottish Labour shadow finance secretary Andy Kerr announced his party's commitment to create 10,000 jobs or training places for young people if Labour wins power at Holyrood next May.  ...more

An Audience With Biog
This year's entrepreneurs are all previous Dragon's Den Winners - Angie Foreman of Wooden Spoon Catering Co., Bosco Santimano of You Can Cook and Gregor Cameron of Our Power....more

Social Enterprise Stand at Expo
This FREE Expo’10 event on Tuesday, 2nd Novemberpresents an exciting opportunity for business people, policy makers and 3rd sector organisations to access the latest cutting edge research from Strathclyde academics....more

Photography Competition - Coalfields Regeneration Trust
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) is launching a photography competition to celebrate the community spirit of coalfield areas in England, Scotland and Wales....more

Mid Argyll community Enterprises Ltd Vacancies
Pool Manager Vacancy - Fixed Term 2 year.  We are looking for a dynamic, passionate individual to lead the team at Mid Argyll Community Pool and help drive the business forward to the next level.  The post is initially for a two year period with the possibility of extension thereafter....more

Coalfields Leadership Programme
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust in partnership with Linked Work Training Trust and the Social Enterprise Academy are recruiting Community Leaders who would like to gain a qualification in Community Leadership....more

Special Events this Saturday
Out of the Blue Arts Market, 11am – 5pm, 80p entry. A chance to buy unique art and crafts directly from the artist in the relaxed atmosphere of the OOTB Drill Hall. Some 45 artists and makers will be selling their work which ranges from painting and photography through fashion and textiles to furniture and design...more

Social Enterprise Skills Exchange
As your company is known to be interested and proactive in supporting your local community, we would like to invite you to a pre-launch event to introduce the Social Enterprise Skills Exchange...more

2010 Ceilidh Programme
See Social Enterprise Ceilidh Programme 2010 here...more

Learning to Change the World
We believe passionately in the power of learning and development to deliver positive change for you, your organisation and your community. On our Open Learning Modules you will learn about social enterprise, reporting your social impact, and managing finance in an engaging and enjoyable way....more

Theatre Nemo Celebrating 10 Years “Of creative Interventions”
Our creative projects in the community, hospitals and prisons have a proven track record and have given many people a new outlook and the confidence to take responsibility to change their lives for the better....more

The Happening
Social enterprise Trade Fair The Happening will offer something for everyone. For those involved or interested in social enterprise there’s the opportunity to learn something new at a series of workshops, make new contacts, discover more business opportunities, visit other companies and see how they operate or simply relax and socialise with like-minded others while browsing the stalls at the Trade Fair to make a start on your Xmas shopping....more

Accounting for Change – a new era in social accounting and audit
Welcome to the SAN Conference 2010 heralding a new era in social accounting and audit, and a new guide to the process....more

Salford Study Visit
I really enjoyed my visit to Salford last week. It was great to see organisations which are making a genuine difference to the lives of people in their communities. Everyone I spoke to was so enthusiastic and seemed to take great pride in the work they do. The ideas seemed simple but effective....more

Raising Awareness of Social Enterprise!
BRAG Enterprises is one of Fife's largest social enterprises and over the past months its Motivate to Innovate Team have been hosting a series of Raising Awareness Events of "How to set up a Social Enterprise"....more

Placement Opportunity for Student
Enterprise Childcare aims to be one of the leaders in the social enterprise sector. Established in 1991, it provides high quality, flexible childcare support, in community based venues, to improve the lives of parents & carers and their children in Inverclyde and surrounding areas, with funding obtained from self generated funds, grants and prudent financial management....more

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland
Don't miss your opportunity to be inspired by Mark Beaumont - The Man Who Cycled The World, sponsored by Capita Symonds, Architrail & Dinsdale Moorland Services Limited, and Lesley McKenna - triple Olympic Snowboarder and keen mountain biker - giving a talk on the power of alternative sports to engage women...more

Ready for Business
Ready for Business, the public social partnership to help social enterprises win public sector contracts is now attracting significant interest from public sector procurers as well as private sector companies.  These companies are keen to hook up with social enterprises to deliver parts of larger tenders. ...more

New Social Enterprise Initiative from I.E.
Interested in improving your service user involvement? I.E. is a Scottish social enterprise initiative from Alcohol Focus Scotland and Glasgow Homelessness Network....more

Hot Desking at The Melting Pot
Senscot's Associate Membership at The Melting Pot: At present your remaining allowance = 25 hours. Please remember all network members are able to attend all The Melting Pot Members events for free and can book the Meeting Pod separately by requesting a booking form, so it won’t use up all your office / workspace hours. ...more

ABSEN’S Third Conference – 29th, 30th and AGM 1st October 2010
 ABSEN’s third conference was held in Campbeltown, Argyll this year over three days which culminated in their AGM held on the 1st of October. ...more

Infrastructure and Capital Investment in Scotland: Innovative ways to fund capital projects
Conference on 3rd November 2010 at the King James Thistle Hotel, Edinburgh with keynote speaker John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, Scottish Government...more

Aspire to Enterprise
The aspire to enterprise team are pleased to announce details of the following NEW event we are holding in Glasgow in November 2010:...more

East Lothian AGM & Network Meeting
The East Lothian Network is changing to respond to your needs and the wider business community in East Lothian. With Phil Cockburn now as a colleague we have some fantastic dynamic plans and initiatives, which we want to share with you at our AGM and network meeting on Tuesday 26th October, 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm at The Rocks Hotel, Marine Road, Dunbar...more

Moray Social Enterprise Network Press Release
Hot on the heels of consistently excellent reports from HM Inspectorate / The Care Commission and in 2010 becoming the first childcare provision in Moray to achieve Investors in People status, VIP Childcare has just been awarded the Moray Chamber of Commerce Award for Social Enterprise 2010 at their Annual Dinner held at the Mansefield Hotel, Elgin on Friday 24th September.  ...more

Scottish Government Contracts: Outcomes
Scottish Government Contracts: Outcomes...more

Review of Third Sector Action Plan
As SEN Members will be aware the Scottish Government's Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan (2008-11)...more

Procurement Services - Meet The Buyer 2010
You are invited to attend our 2010 Meet the Buyer event to be held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Wednesday 13th October 2010.  The event will include information on tendering and a practical workshop, led by Scottish Parliament purchasing staff.  The event aims to assist you in improving bids for Public Sector Contracts....more

Work Programme Consultation Event Edinburgh
The Wise Group has registered its interest to the Department for Work and Pensions to be considered as a Framework Provider for Scotland and the North East of England, as part of the process of bidding for the upcoming Work Programme....more

Flexible Training Opportunities
This is an opportunity for  small businesses with under 50 staff to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs....more

The Sporting Chance Initiative Launch
The Sporting Chance Initiative has recently been launched to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Scotland to exploit the wide range of opportunities in the growing sports sector. ...more

Steiner Initiatives Day Saturday 2nd October 2010
Steiner Initiatives Day on Saturday 2nd October 2010 at 10:30am to 4:30pm at The Engine Shed with Talks from Christian Maclean of Rudolf Steiner, Dr Stefan Geider from Anthroposophical Medicine and many more, also to take place are Artistic Workshops with Singing, Form Drawing, Painting and more see...more

Scotland’s National Community Energy Conference: What is next for Community Energy Development?
This conference will be both a celebration of the achievements of communities we have assisted so far and a participatory session for communities with experts in the field.   We hope that the output from this will be a clear message from community groups to decision-makers on what help is needed to make community energy projects happen at a local level. ...more

Professional Development at Learning Link Scotland
Learning Link Scotland's 2010 Annual Conference in Professional Development at 'Creative Times' on Thrusday 30th Sept, 9.30am - 4.00pm in Glasgow featuring key note speaker Dr Carol Craig (Centre for Confidence and Wellbeing) and more see...more

Social Audit Network Conference 2010
Accounting for Change – a new era in social accounting and audit.  Friday 3 December at the Castlegate Centre, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne...more

Ignite Residential
Are you running a social enterprise that's full of potential? How can this potential be unlocked? Is it worth a weekend of your time to find out?...more

SVA (Supporting Voluntary Action) Change Champions
 The Change Champion Project Scheme is a strand of the SVA programme whose aims involve taking current best practice from within the Third Sector Interface network and replicating it across the network. ...more

Inaugural Stirling Workshop in Social Enterprise to take place on October 6th 2010
 The Stirling Workshops in Social Enterprise, to be held twice a year, have the broad aim of uncovering the significance of the social in the economy, the importance of different forms of social enterprise, and their impact on the working of economies....more

Moray Food Festival this weekend
All are warmly invited to come along this weekend to experience an abundance of delicious food prepared as much as possible from locally-sourced ingredients with events at both Cluny Hill College, Forres and The Park , Findhorn - our contribution to this first Moray Council-sponsored Moray Food Festival....more

Working with your bank?
Come and join the FSB, SCVO & RBS for a morning of real discussion, debate and discovery on how to work better with your bank & learn some of the top tips that may help in your relationship....more

The Happening 2010
 The Happening is a one day Social Enterprise Trade Fair which will provide the opportunity to buy and sell goods from Social Enterprises from all over the West of Scotland and network with other social entrepreneurs. There will also be the opportunity to attend workshops, visit local social enterprises and visit the cafe supplied by local social enterprises. ...more

SkillsActive Scotland conference A Workforce Fit for the Future
 SkillsActive Scotland  is hosting its annual conference on 30th September at Stirling Management Centre.  The keynote speakers will be talking about proposals for a Chartered Institute for Sport and I thought that members of the Cross Party Group might be interested in attending....more

East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF)
East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) is a consortium of nine east of Scotland Local Authorities working together to provide loan finance to new and growing small to medium sized enterprises within the east of Scotland....more

ASEN to discuss Procurement Policy with Council
Aberdeen Social Enterprise Group to meet with Aberdeen City Council heads to discuss Procurement Policy. On Wednesday 15 September local social enterprise group, Aberdeen Social Enterprise Network (ASEN),  will meet with City council chief executive, Sue Bruce and Council department heads  to discuss Aberdeen City Council’s Procurement Policy for Third Sector organisations....more

Leadership Residential
The Social Enterprise Academy is holding a Leadership Residential at Coul House, Contin from Nov 9th – 12th. This is free of charge, including accommodation at the four star country hotel....more

Larderbytes.com
Want to make a difference? to the local economy? the environment?  Then visit Larderbytes.com, CFINE’s e-shopping site where you can buy, pay on-line and have delivered to your home local (wherever possible) produce - NB Aberdeen city only presently and there is NO delivery charge!...more

National photography competition to capture business at its best
Images which show business at its best are being sought as part of a photo competition for social enterprises.  ‘Social Vision: business at its best’ is looking for images that capture the unique and transformative work of social enterprise. Now in its third year, the photography competition is for the first time being jointly run by Triodos Bank and the Social Enterprise Coalition, in association with Social Enterprise magazine....more

Successful Consortia Bid
 Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire put the contract to support the third sector in rural south Lanarkshire out to tender.   This is an interim support contract up to March 2011 until the Interface is up and running and able to absorb that into its core delivery. ...more

Learning Link Scotland's Annual Conference 30th September
Learning Link Scotland are holding our national event in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall this year. With a mixture of policy and practice it will provide a space for participants across the sectors to network and catch up with the latest developments in adult learning and CLD....more

Call for Contributions: Special Edition of Journal of Arts & Communities & Amnesty International
Call for Contributions:  Special Edition dedicated to critical examination of Arts and Human Rights to be published September 2011.This is in partnership with Amnesty International as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Amnesty International....more

The Cornerstone Professional Conference 2010 ‘Attracting Social Investment'
The Cornerstone Professional Conference 2010 entitled ‘Attracting Social Investment' will be the first of its kind in Scotland and will inform delegates from the voluntary and public sector on how to change from a grant and statutory funded environment to embrace investment-led and business-like approaches that deliver growth, accountability and sustainability....more

Sir Martin Holdgate lecture - Edinburgh - 28 Sept 2010
What cultural, heritage and environmental legacy will our generation leave for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren? What influences might be debated and actions implemented? What might be the best interactions between the public, private and voluntary sectors? The RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network is working in conjunction with the 1970 Club in respect of a lecture to be given by Sir Martin Holdgate CB on Tuesday 28th September at 5.30pm. ...more

Ignite Residential: Scaling up your Social Enterprise
Are you running a social enterprise full of potential? How can this potential be unlocked? Is it worth your weekend to figure it out?  On Ignite, you and 20 other social entrepreneurs will identify your key motivations, clarify your goals, and plan the next steps of your organisation’s growth. Ignite is not for start-ups....more

Aberdeen College Social Enterprise event
An event to be held at Aberdeen College on the 29th September at 12 - 5pm is designed to raise student awareness in regards to potential opportunities within social enterprise projects and businesses....more

Network members access of The Melting Pot
Senscots’s staff/members have SHARED access to The Melting Pot, a socially innovative, shared office space, which offers a bright, accessible, flexible and friendly work environment in the heart of Edinburgh....more

Calling all Social Enterprises in Moray!
Moray Chamber of Commerce has very generously announced a Social Enterprise Award of £500, sponsored by Fred Olsen Renewables and two tickets to the seventh Annual Dinner of the Moray Chamber of Commerce which takes place at 7.00pm at the Mansefield Hotel Elgin on Friday 24th September.  ...more

Training Opportunity - Understanding Social Enterprise
Voluntary Action Moray (VAM) formerly known as MVSO are working alongside the Social Enterprise Academy on delivering a 2 day event on Understanding Social Enterprise....more

Social Enterprise Networking Event in Aberdeenshire
Date for Your Diary: Friday 8th October.   A Networking Event for Social Enterprises in Aberdeenshire...more

Social enterprise helps housing associations support tenants
Edinburgh based social enterprise, With People, launched its Alternative Formats service this week. Alternative Formats gives housing providers a quick and efficient way of offering their tenants information in braille, large print and on audio CD....more

Leading in Change Shared Learning Events
 Strategic Business Plans will inform decisions on funding support from the Scottish Government for Single Interfaces. These plans are likely to be required within the next 3 months....more

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland go head to head in SE100
Social enterprises in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can strut their stuff in Social Enterprise thanks to the new regional focus of the RBS SE100 Index....more

Grant Scheme
'see me' is Scotland's national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill health. 'see me' is looking for ideas which can change people's attitudes towards mental ill health....more

“MAJOR INCIDENT” TRAINING COURSE
This one day training course will enhance the knowledge of  HR, Local Authority & Health Managers, Mental Health Practitioners, Faith Leaders, Media, Security and others who may be deployed to, or be required to Manage staff in the event of a Major Incident ,or manage Business Continuity and Community Resilience...more

Tender Writing Training
The 3 day course will be held over the following three consecutive Thursdays in September : Thursday 2nd September; Thursday 9th September and Thursday 16th September 2010...more

Invitation: Work Programme Consultation
The Wise Group has registered its interest to the Department for Work and Pensions to be considered as a Framework Provider for the Work Programme for both Scotland and the North East of England, and is currently putting together a bid....more

Social Enterprise Networks: Some observations on Govt letter re third sector interfaces
...more

Interface and Leading in Change
Interface and Leading in Change ...more

CTA Scotland Conference 2010
CTA Scotland Conference 2010 to take place on 7th/8th September at Stirling Management Centre, Stirling University Keynote Speaker: Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure & Climate Change....more

NHS staff put ‘in the driving seat’ in 15 new social enterprises
A London GP practice, mental health services in Salford and community services in Bristol are just some of the new social enterprises being set up under the Department of Health’s right to request initiative....more

Association of Community Health Partnerships Annual Conference
Association of Community Health Partnerships Annual Conference to take place on the 9th/10th September 2010 at Crutherland House Hotel, East Kilbride.  See programe here ...more

Free Business Mentoring Support
At the Realise Mentoring programme you can access free, confidential mentoring support from experienced mentors with expertise in the areas of greatest interest to you. Whether it's winning new contracts, managing cultural change or developing your organisation's sustainability, we can match you with the right mentor for your needs...more

Social Enterprise Saturday Market
 Have you got something to sell?  Then bring it along to our Social Enterprise Saturday Market...more

Youth Outreach
 Firstport and Scotland UnLtd are looking for young entrepreneurs in selected areas across the country with innovative ideas that will make a positive difference to people and communities! ...more

Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme
The Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Scheme was launched in March 2008. The scheme is part of Scotland's Rural Development Programme and will run until 2013....more

Attracting Social Investment
The Cornerstone Professional Conference 2010 entitled ‘Attracting Social Investment' will be the first of its kind in Scotland and will inform delegates from the voluntary and public sector on how to change from a grant and statutory funded environment to embrace investment-led and business-like approaches that deliver growth, accountability and sustainability....more

Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS)
4 Places Left!  Our refreshed course is run by Glasgow University's Training and Employment Research Unit, with the first day being headlined by its Director and respected Professor of Economic Development, Alan McGregor....more

Publication of progress report on the Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan
The Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan 2008-11 has helped create the environment in which an enterprising third sector in Scotland can grow and develop, enabling it to effectively carry out the role outlined for it in the Government Economic Strategy....more

CashBack for Communities
 Youth projects throughout Scotland are invited to apply for funding from a £2.5 million pot of cash created from the proceeds of crime...more

Have you got the right support to meet Scottish Government’s deadline for ‘interface’ development?
The Scottish Government 3rd Sector team have now published the path which they expect voluntary sector, volunteering, and social enterprise support networks to follow as the sector is asked to move towards establishing Third Sector Interfaces....more

BIG information days
  The BIG Scotland outreach team will be coming to a venue near you over the coming months as part of a series of BIG information days.  ...more

Social Enterprise Marketing Service
 The third sector is becoming increasingly competitive. Grant providers are making tough choices how to distribute diminishing project funds. Service Level Agreements have to be competitively tendered for and clients have many options for how they spend their time and the lifestyle they lead....more

Investing in Communities
 As you may already know, we will be re-opening our Investing in Communities programme on the 30 June.  Following our national consultation and the publication of our Strategic framework last year, new programmes will provide continuity from our previous programme. In particular, Investing in Communities will now:...more

Launch: Scottish Orchards
 Scottish Orchards  is a new organisation for anyone interested in promoting and developing orchards in Scotland. We want to encourage people to join who share our vision of a more fruitful Scotland. Our aims are:...more

SE100
Each month a top five list showing annual growth, turnover and social impact for a different geographic region of the UK will be published. The index is ongoing and you can sign up or nominate at any time....more

2010 SURF Awards, Scotregen 50 and Forthcoming Events
Entries are now being accepted for the SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration. The SURF Awards are supported by the Scottish Government's Scottish Centre for Regeneration (SCR), and independently judged by a panel of representatives drawn from relevant national organisations and community groups....more

Charity Bank Increases Funding to Charities and Social Enterprises
The strength of Charity Bank’s support to charities and social enterprises has again been confirmed by record loan growth announced today....more

Sustainable Saturday
Friends of Volunteering Clydesdale (FOVC) are staging the ‘Powering to the future’  Sustainable Saturday event and record attempt. FOVC are a not for profit voluntary organisation based in Lanark who are trying to positively influence economic, social and environmental prosperity throughout the Clydesdale area of South Lanarkshire....more

Press Release: New study will assess the impact of social enterprise in Scotland’s food and drink sector.
A pioneering study to calculate the contribution that social enterprises are making to Scotland’s £10bn food and drink industry has been commissioned by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition...more

Major Incident - Training Course
This one day training course is aimed at preparing  HR/Occupational Health Managers, Senior Local Authority & Health Managers/Mental Health Practitioners, Faith Leaders or others who may be deployed to, or manage major incidents and business continuity....more

LEADING IN CHANGE – LEARNING PROCESS AND EVENTS
The Supporting Voluntary Action programme is aimed at developing those organisations involved in the developing Single Interface Partnerships. It is comprised of seven interconnecting strands covering all aspects of organisational development and change management. The strands are at various stages of development. ...more

Polha Spearheads Community Benefit Programme
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has developed a guide for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to help them to include community benefit clauses in their procurement contracts....more

Underground-Overground: How small things can make Big Society
On Wednesday 30th June was the launch of the latest Bearhunt Thinkpiece Underground-Overground:How small things can make Big Society. It provides some simple ideas that local people can use in their neighbourhoods to begin to move towards their own kind of Big Society, including Opportunity Mapping; Talent Mapping; and unleashing 'The art of the animateur'.  ...more

Food Directory
The Transition Towns network aims to help towns, neighbourhoods, cities and communities to find solutions that will make them more resilient.  One of Transition Town Forres’ initiatives is to create a Food Guide promoting local food. Our goal is to encourage people living in the area and people visiting to buy and eat more locally produced food.    ...more

Funding for Rural Areas and Communities in Renfrewshire
 LEADER provides grants for projects that will benefit the rural areas and communities of Renfrewshire.  LEADER is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme aimed at improving environmental, economic and community prosperity within rural areas....more

Up coming Leadership Development Courses
 On Purpose are taking bookings for their September courses, so be sure to book now to guarantee a place....more

Private member's bill from Chris White MP would require public sector contracts to include 'social clause'
Public Services (Social Enterprise And Social Value) Bill would make tenders spell out positive social impact.  A private member's bill introduced in the House of Commons this week would require all public sector contacts to carry a 'social clause', asking bidders what positive social outcomes their tender would create....more

Increase III Awardees
 Six community recycling reuse projects in Scotland have received a cash boost after Zero Waste Scotland yesterday (July 6) announced the latest round of funding awards from the Scottish Government's £7.5 million ‘INCREASE III' fund....more

Guinness Bring it to Life Awards
The Guinness Bring it to Life Awards in association with Firstport, Scotland UnLtd and Rathbone is open for applications. We are looking for 25-35 year olds who have a brilliant idea to make their communities a better place to live....more

GKS IMPACT Awards
 The IMPACT Awards have been running since 1997 and are designed to recognise and reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health. They are funded by GlaxoSmithKline and managed in partnership with The King’s Fund. ...more

Support for Grassroots Sport
 The Wells Sports Foundation supports projects that develop sport at grassroots level. We have created two unique and exciting schemes designed to motivate young people to participate in sport at all levels....more

Coutts Launches New Social Business Service For Entrepreneurial Clients
 Coutts, the private banking arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland, is launching a social enterprise advisory service to assist its 20,000 successful-entrepreneur clients to develop social enterprises – a service the firm says is unique within the UK....more

Acquiring Business for Good
 The Acquiring Business 4 Good Programme has a series of events planned. There are 3 different types of events:...more

Food & Drink Research
At our recent intermediary members’  meeting,  I mentioned that the Coalition and Queen Margaret University   were trying to get some funding to do a piece of research scoping the size of the economic contribution  social enterprises make to Scotland’s food and drink industry. ...more

Press Release: Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition Launches Search for Snapper
 The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition today (30 June) launches the search for an inspiring photographer to visually capture social enterprises in Scotland, telling their stories through imaginative pictures...more

BIG Launch Investing in Communities Funding Programme
The Big Lottery have this week launched their new Investing in Communities funding programme with 3 streams including Growing Community Assets, Life Transitions and Supporting 21st Century Life....more

Co-operatives Fortnight Reception Scottish Parliament 23 June 2010
An invitation to the reception which is being held to celebrate Co-operatives Fortnight in the Scottish Parliament.  Speakers at the event will include Willie Coffey MSP, Eric Calderwood from the Co-operative Group and Co-operatives UK, Louise Scott from the mediaco-op and Stephen Kelly from Highland Wholefoods and Co-operation and Mutuality Scotland.  ...more

Transforming Lives
 Plans by the Big Lottery Fund to invest £50 million in helping to transform the lives of young people leaving care and individuals with dementia and their carers across Scotland have moved a step forward with the announcement that BIG’s Scotland Committee have agreed to establish a new independent trust to deliver the investment....more

Wanted: Chair (Non-executive position)
Spruce Carpets, the award-winning Glasgow based social enterprise, is seeking a new Chair to lead its Board of Directors.  Now five-years-old, Spruce Carpets provides training and development opportunities for socially excluded people through the refurbishment and resale of flooring which was otherwise destined for landfill.  ...more

Comic Relief Grant Making Cycle
The Comic Relief next grant making cycle re-opens on June 14 2010 - this includes the Sport for Change programme....more

Aspire to Enterprise - Seminar Series - 2010
As a key part of the aspire to enterprise programme we are offering a series of FREE to attend seminars on crucial aspects of social enterprise activity. We are now pleased to announce details of two further workshops we are running in June...more

Please Vote For CCI
Clydesdale Community Initiatives have been nominated for a national award in the HEALTH CATEGORY of the UK Lottery Good Causes Award. Please show your support by voting see details below......more

Invitation to tender : Laughter Therapy programme
The Centre of Health and Wellbeing (CHWB) seeks proposals, from individuals or organisations, to deliver its Laughter Therapy programme. This project requires a suitably qualified individual / organisation to develop, disseminate and test new tools associated with laughter therapy, in order to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals living in Edinburgh and the Lothians....more

GRoW - fabulous pews and wooden things... 11th June 5pm
Denise Horn and Julie Ellam of Room 108 are working with Greyfriars Recycling of Wood (GRoW) to help them develop their marketing strategy and online activities (website to be launched shortly).  A small social firm, GRoW take discarded church furniture and either refurbish it or make it into beautiful new handcrafted wooden products......more

Achieving Community Benefits in Public Procurement
Is your organisation an enterprising third sector body?  If so: Find out about  Scottish Government support, Find out how you can win public contracts by participating in Tender Writing Training Register for free on the Public Contracts Scotland website...more

2008 Scottish Government Social Entrepreneurs Fund to support economic growth
In 2008 the Scottish Government set up the Social Entrepreneurs Fund to support economic growth, Firstport administer this fund and is an organisation set up specifically to provide advice and funding opportunities for new start social entrepreneurs....more

Local Viewing Power: Highlands and Islands community invited to shape television services for the future
Community representatives from across the Highlands and Islands are being invited to play their part in shaping the television services they receive locally in the future at the annual Local TV Forum in Inverness....more

The People's Project
“The People’s Project” has put Dumfries forward to compete in the above awards THIS SUMMER, and it means that we can all play our part.  How can we do this?  1) We could all put up a hanging basket, - or window box of flowers, - or even just a plant pot outside our business premises and our homes. See.....more

Achieving Community Benefits in Public Procurement
Scotland is already doing a lot of good work in the area of public sector procurement with the promotion of Community Benefit clauses and opportunities for consortium building....more

Future Jobs Fund - may soon be "Former Jobs Fund"
The DWP has begun the process of transition from the Future Jobs Fund. An announcement was posted today which says that "with the new DWP Ministerial Team still taking shape, there will be a further short delay in communicating decisions about the awarding of FJF funding."  The freeze decision applies to three categories of bids.....more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 21.05.10
In ReadyforBusiness this week: Angus Council looking for Intensive Support and Monitoring Service for young people & their families, Fife Council for Modern Apprenticeship & Skillseeker training delivery and...more

Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme (MiDAS)
The Banffshire Partnership Ltd will run MiDAS courses at the Boyndie Centre near Banff on 12 July, 23 August, 20 September, 18 October and 15 November.   To gain a licence to drive an Aberdeenshire Council minibus a driver must complete a MiDAS course. The course is in 2 parts, each lasting up to 4 hours....more

Supplier Development Programme - Meet The Buyer
Meet the Buyer, June 10th 2010, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. Supported by Business Scotland, the Supplier Development Programme is hosting its 5th annual Meet the Buyer event. Meet The Buyer gives your business the opportunity to meet the buying personnel from over 35 major public sector organisations. Every sector is represented with buyers interested in all types of services and products...more

Supplier Enquiries - Single Point of Enquiry (SPoE)
Supplier Enquiries - Single Point of Enquiry (SPoE) has been set up to provide suppliers to public sector or publicly funded bodies with an impartial point of contact where they can ask for advice or raise concerns about public procurement practices in Scotland.  ...more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 14.05.10
Ready for Business – Opportunities through Ready for Business this week include: Moray Council looking for a contractor to manage the Citizens Panel, Renfrewshire Council looking for provider of support services for homeless people residing in short stay accommodation and more...more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 07.05.10
Business Opportunities through Ready for Business this week include: Clackmannanshire Council seeking portable appliance testing, Glasgow Council seeking training accommodation for workshops...more

Guide to the Future Jobs Fund
What is the Future Jobs Fund?  The Future Jobs Fund is a fund of around £1 billion to support the creation of jobs for long term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market....more

Business Acquisition: Getting Ready to Buy
Social Firms Scotland, in partnership with the Development Trusts Association Scotland, are running this seminar for existing and emerging social businesses and community enterprises....more

Wanted: Smoothie Making Bicycle
Twechar Community Action are looking to purchase a smoothie making bicycle.  Are there any social enterprises out there who have one for sale or could they tell us where to purchase one....more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 30.04.10
Business Opportunities through Ready for Business this week include: Angus Council looking for provision of transport for 2010 Angus Glens Walking Festival, Aberdeen Council seeking a service provider for mental health support...more

Strengthening Social Enterprises through Marketing
Community Enterprise has been working with Social Enterprises for the past 20 years to identify new opportunities and gain the skills needed to build successful organisations. We are delighted to announce that we have launched a new marketing service to complement our existing business development support....more

The Institute of Learning and Community Management Community Interest
The Institute of Leadership and Community Management (ILCM) is proud to launch it's new online capability assessment system for VCOs. The assessment will help organisations to focus on the central principles for operating a voluntary or community organisation - and we have managed to make it free to everyone who uses it....more

Manifesto for People with Long Term Conditions
The Long Term Condition Alliance attended the Fit for Purpose conference in Perth last week and have asked for us to highlight their manifesto for people with long term conditions....more

Social Enterprise Strategy 2010-2013
The City of Edinburgh Local Social Economy Partnership has updated the Social Enterprise Strategy for 2010-2013....more

Global online competition
In partnership with Ashoka, Nike has launched a global online competition for projects which change lives through football....more

Strengthen Your Business
An online business development resource by Scottish Enterprise - accessible to social enterprises and thrid sector enterprises as to any other kind of business....more

Dinner Lecturs
 Cranfield Trust are delighted to let you know that we are working with Cranfield School of Management to support a major new research programme on third sector performance measurement.  Funding will be provided for a student to study for a PhD under the title of 'Performance Measurement in the Third Sector' starting in Septembe...more

PhD Opportunity
 Cranfield Trust are delighted to let you know that we are working with Cranfield School of Management to support a major new research programme on third sector performance measurement.  Funding will be provided for a student to study for a PhD under the title of 'Performance Measurement in the Third Sector' starting in Septembe...more

Evaluation Support Scotland
 Evaluation Support Scotland, 10am-4pm at Transition Extreme, Links Road Aberdeen. £90+VAT....more

Annual Food Conference
ANNUAL FOOD CONFERENCE - Wednesday 5 May 2010 9.15 am – 12.30 pm at Hibernian Football Club, Edinburgh TWO WEEKS TO GO!...more

Glasgow announces details of 3rd Commonwealth Sports Development Conference programme
Sportscotland are delighted to inform us that details of the programme for the 3rd Commonwealth Sports Development Conference were announced today, with a diverse range of highly qualified speakers from a range of international organisations...more

Community Benefit Clauses in under a Minute
A Community Benefit Clauses are:- a range of social considerations to be built into the delivery of contracts, using specific wordings throughout the procurement process including in the management of contract delivery. Community benefit clauses are one aspect of a wider range of social issues, which form part of the “sustainable procurement” agenda...more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 01.04.10
Contract opportunities are growing significantly through this new initiative. Opportunities being highlighted to those registered for Ready for Business this week include: an electrical contractor for St Andres University, shopping service to vulnerable adults for the Scottish Borders Council and more...more

Invitation to Tender: Project Management
Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified and experience practitioners to deliver the final elements of this build project....more

Ready for Business Tenders 26.03.10
Contract opportunities are growing significantly through this new initiative. Opportunities being highlighted on to those registered for Ready for Business this week include: trainers to run their Leader training course services for The Highland Council, electrical testing contractors for the Moray Council and more...more

Micro Grant Application Guidelines
The Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice (Generations Working Together) wishes to provide funding to stimulate projects that demonstrate good practice and innovation in intergenerational activities in Scotland. There will be a limited number of grants of £250 to £750 through our one-off Micro Grants Programme...more

Free Tender Writing Training
As part of the Scottish Government’s Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan, and as part of their on-going commitment to third sector bodies CEiS, The Supplier Development Programme & Partners are running a series of free tender writing workshops across Scotland. ...more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 19.03.10
Here’s information on contracts highlighted on Ready for Business, a public social partnership (psp) pilot involving Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and CEiS to support social enterprises increase their trading through delivery of tenders for goods and services. ...more

Vancant Shop
There is a vacant shop at 25A Thistle Street available.  It has a front room, a back room and a toilet. If interested please email...more

Ready For Business Tender Opportunities: 12.03.10
 More information on some of the contracts highlighted on Ready for Business, a public social partnership (psp) pilot involving Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and CEiS to support social enterprises increase their trading through delivery of tenders for goods and services  ...more

Upcoming SDP Events
Meet The Buyer, June 10th, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Give your business the opportunity to meet the buying personnel from over 35 major public sector organisations. Every sector is represented with buyers interested in all types of services and products....more

Ready for Inclusive Adventure?
Equal Adventure has launched its Mega Bundle Solutions, as a means of assisting you to work inclusively with disabled as well as non-disabled clients. With discounted pricing available, Mega Bundle Solutions provide a great opportunity for the purchase of equipment, information and training....more

Invitation to Tender
For research and preparation of a guide for community groups on investing for community benefit. This is a collaborative project between Community Energy Scotland, Development Trust Association Scotland  and Scottish Community Foundation....more

Meet the Buyer
The Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone would like to invite you to come along and Meet the Buyer.  This event will provide you with the rare opportunity of face-to-face meetings with procurement personnel from leading public sector organisations including...more

Pilotlight Scotland
Pilotlight Scotland brings together skilled professionals from the business community and harnesses their talents to create growth and sustainability in small to medium charities and social enterprises across the Central Belt, Fife, Tayside and Aberdeen....more

Ready for Business
Here's information on some of the contracts highlighted on Ready for Business, a public social partnership (psp) pilot involving Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and CEiS to support social enterprises increase their trading through delivery of tenders for goods and services....more

Diploma in Organisational Consultancy and Facilitation
The diploma is an ideal opportunity for social entrepreneurs who are developing organisations or leading consultancy on an inter-trading basis.  This will be the 5th Diploma that the Craighead Institute has put on offering a serious opportunity for both experienced and in-experienced consultants to have a deep continuous professional development programme. ...more

Becoming a Public Partner
If you have the experience of NHSScotland as a patient, or through caring for a friend or relative, or have a general interest in the health service, you could help with our reviews of healthcare services. In return for your commitment, we will...more

Financial Management Training for senior staff and board members of Third Sector organisations
As part of their commitment to significantly improve the capacity of Third Sector organisations, CEiS, and partners, are running free of charge financial management training workshops across Scotland that will allow delegates to control finances and engage in high quality financial planning....more

Asset Transfer - demonstration projects
DTAS has received some funding from Scottish Government to promote the transfer of public assets (specifically local authority assets)  into community ownership and I am helping to manage some aspects of this work.  The programme has three main elements to it....more

Tender Writing Training
Delivery of services to the public sector is an important market for enterprising Third Sector organisations.  How do you find out about these opportunities and how do you write a successful tender document?  CEIS, the Supplier Development Programme, and partners, are running a series of free of charge tender writing workshops......more

Ready for Business - Contract Opportunities
Ready for Business (http://www.readyforbusiness.org) is a public social partnership (psp) pilot project to support social enterprises increase their trading through delivery of tenders for goods and services. ...more

Enterprise Europe Scotland: Free Events in 2010!
European Information Clinics - Scottish companies get the opportunity meet with a member of the team on a one-to-one basis to discuss and gain support on a variety of different topics including European Market Info, Legislation & Standards, accessing public sector contracts, building commercial partnerships, European funding, Knowledge and Technology Transfer and much more....more

Future
The Future Jobs Fund was announced as part of the Budget. It is a major new initiative designed to create 15,000 jobs across Scotland between October 2009 and April 2011. The 18 month initiative is focused on young people aged 18 – 24 who have been on JSA for nearly a year but it will also support some long-term unemployed people who have barriers to employment or live in areas with high concentrations of unemployment.    ...more

Draft Model Rules for the Networks
Over the last couple of years, we’ve discussed, with Network Reps, the idea of commissioning a bespoke legal structure to act as a formal ‘wrapper’ for Networks which feel the need. ...more

New development opportunities for Community Learning and Development staff
As part of the CLD Upskilling Programme (which Lifelong Learning UK is managing on behalf of the Scottish Government), new learning opportunities for staff working in CLD will be available during February and March 2010.  These are free and are part of an ongoing programme of investment in the skills of the CLD workforce. http://www.lluk.org/cld-upskilling-programme.htm  ...more

Community of Business Exhibition
Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce have organised a Community of Business Exhibition on Thursday 11 February in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Social Enterprise Network, Senscot and the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition....more

Swashbuckling social entrepreneurs
 Yesterday marked Peter Holbrook's first public speaking engagement as chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition. It was a clearing of the throat rather than a full-blown call to arms. He was nervy, smily, self-deprecating. ...more

New Biz 2010
Perth College UHI and Perth and Kinross Social Economy Partnership are hosting Newbiz 10, Scotland’s Conference for Private and Social Enterprise, please see information on this up-coming event...more

Single Outcome Agreement
A Single Outcome Agreement is the means by which Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) agree their strategic priorities for their local area and express those priorities as outcomes to be delivered by the partners, either individually or jointly, while showing how those outcomes should contribute to the Scottish Government's relevant National Outcomes....more

Fitness to Tender - Winning Public Sector Contracts
Fitness to Tender is a series of workshops aimed at increasing third sector organisation’s knowledge of the tendering process and to support them in bidding for and winning contracts....more

Aspire to Enterprise
Aspire to Enterprise is a Scottish Government programme providing a range of Business Support Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland. In the last 2 years, the programme supported 130 social enterprises from the Borders to Aberdeen...more

Free Mentoring Support
Do you have some enterprising ideas to develop your organisation and its financial sustainability? Perhaps you're looking to tender for new contracts or diversify your income base. Help is at hand with the new Realise Mentoring programme. You can access free, confidential mentoring support from experienced mentors with expertise in the areas of greatest interest to you....more

Your Motivation - Your Innovation - Our Help
Your Motivation - Your Innovation - Our Help. BRAG Enterprises Ltd, one of Fife’s largest social enterprises and based in the central coalfield areas of Fife is delighted to offer a brand new 3 year ERDF funded programme – “Motivate to Innovate”....more

Social Enterprise Academy - Training
The Social Enterprise Academy is offering a number of free learning programmes across the Highlands & Islands this winter. These are open to anyone involved with a third sector organisation – staff, director or volunteer....more

Build a sustainable future for your organisation
Are you ambitious? Do you want to build a sustainable future for your organisation?  Pilotlight Scotland brings together skilled professionals from the business community and harnesses their talents to create growth and sustainability in small to medium charities and social enterprises across the Central Belt, Fife, Tayside and Aberdeen....more

Job: Website/Portal for a Consortium of 7 Organisations
Innovation IT is looking for people with website development experience using Drupal. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in getting involved in this project, then please let me know and I will provide more details...more

Unltd Sports Relief Funding
The UnLtd Sport Relief Awards are funded by Comic Relief and provide opportunities for young people to bring communities together, to help promote understanding and solve problems through sport, arts and recreational activities....more

Vital Statistics Survey Results
Senscot is carrying out a vital statistics survey across the networks to demonstrate the value of Social Enterprise and measure the contribution the Network members make on the both their local economy and Scottish economy as a whole...more

Senscot
A list of publication produced by Senscot/Networks1st in 2009...more

Revised Land Reform Act
The Scottish Government have recently revised the guidance on the Land Reform Act and Communities Right to Buy.  A revised document, mapping tool and application form is available online. ...more

Press Release: Assisted Places Programme
Edinburgh’s incubator for social innovation, The Melting Pot, has announced an ‘Assisted Places’ programme offering free membership to 10 start-up social entrepreneurs....more

Voluntary Action Fund
Community Chest Grant...more

Social Enterprise Network Scotland
ANGUS Social Enterprise Network (ASEN) was launched in an inaugural meeting held at Augment (Scotland) Ltd on Monday....more

Social Enterprise Ceilidh Evaluation Report
This year, the ceilidh attracted 121 delegates and members from all 16 LSENs attended, with a total of 96 social entrepreneurs (79% of total), the remainder of the delegates being from intermediary organisations (Senscot, SSEC, Social Enterprise Academy, Social Firms Scotland, Social Investment Scotland), Scottish Government, RBS (main sponsor) and local councils. ...more

Get Ready to Compete
Get Ready to Compete: How your Business can benefit from the London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 Games  ...more

Brief for Website Design and Launch
Community Enterprise is seeking appropriately experienced team to develop an accessible, easily identified and easy to use website. ...more

Social Enterprise of the Year UK Vote
The winning social enterprises from Scotland will go on to compete with winners from Wales, England and Northern Ireland in the grand UK final in December 2009....more

Centre of health and wellbeing advert for Perth and Kinross
Aim -To identify the market to deliver health and wellbeing services and healthy working lives agenda in Perth and Kinross....more

Knowledge & Skills Exchange Fund
Senscot is a partner in the Knowledge and Skills Exchange Fund, provided by Local People Leading (LPL - www.localpeopleleading.co.uk). The Fund supports activities which promote the exchange and dissemination of good practice through study visits......more

Applications Open for 'Do It' Awards
The UnLtd Sport Relief Awards are funded by Comic Relief and provide opportunities for young people to bring communities together, to help promote understanding and solve problems through sport, arts and recreational activities....more

Public Social Partnership project launched
Employment services for disabled people and a project aiming to reduce re-offending are among those which have been selected as pilots for a project to promote the design and delivery of public services through the third sector....more

20:Twenty Leadership Residential
Social Enterprise Academy are hoping to bring 20 leaders (or those working towards a leadership role) from around the Highlands & Islands social economy together at the Knipoch Hotel near Oban.  ...more

Social Enterprise Awards
The first Social Enterprise Awards took place at the Parliament last night.  A number of LSEN members were on the shortlist. ...more

Aspire to Enterprise
Aspire to enterprise is a new programme providing a range of Business Support Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland.......more

Prove, Improve & Account
Social Accounting and Audit (SAA) can revolutionise the way you manage your organisation. It is a process that creates a flexible framework to help your organisation to fully account for its social, environmental, and economic impacts, and to report on its performance to stakeholders...more

Breadmaker announces best year to date
Aberdeen social enterprise, the Breadmaker, has announced its busiest year so far and is on line to becoming fully sustainable after just 3 years of trading as a social enterprise....more

Healthy Working Lives Initiative
The Scottish Government has launched a £1.5 million scheme aimed at reducing ill-health in Scotland's working age population....more

Selling to the NHS in Scotland
The NHS in Scotland spends over £1.5bn a year on the provision of a wide range of goods and services.  This event will help suppliers to improve their understanding of the market and the opportunities that are on offer....more

£800,000 to inspire reuse revolution
PRESS RELEASE -For immediate release.   Plans to increase the reuse of second hand furniture and household goods in Scotland were given a boost today with the launch of a £800,000 investment programme....more

Health staff prescribe comedy for patients with depression
They say laughter is the best medicine – now a group of health professionals are putting that theory to the test by "prescribing" comedy DVDs to patients with depression....more

Shortlist Announced for Scotland’s First Social Enterprise Awards
The search for Scotland’s best social enterprises has reached the final stages, as the shortlist for the first Social Enterprise Scotland Awards is revealed....more

A Christmas tree for life
IT WAS November, the weather was getting colder and Christmas shoppers were beginning to appear on the streets. John Rodgers stood at the top of Waverley Steps looking at the cheerful crowds and the brightly lit shop windows....more

Developing The Food Train Board Project (Expression of Interest)
The Board of Directors identified that changes and improvements are necessary to enable the smooth transition from a regional to national board and that external support would be necessary to help them manage this transition....more

Social Enterprise World Forum 2009
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) and Social Traders co-hosted the 2009 Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in Melbourne from 6-8 October. The purpose of SEWF was to support the emerging Australian social enterprise movement, showcase successful enterprises and raise the profile of social enterprise in the region and around the world...more

Business Acquisition programme
Social Firms Scotland’s purpose is to grow the Social Firm sector in Scotland in order to increase employment opportunities for severely disadvantaged people.  The Business Acquisition programme is one of our activities. ...more

Set up a social enterprise
Community benefit societies (BenComs) are incorporated industrial and provident societies (IPS) that conduct business for the benefit of their community. Profits are not distributed among members, or external shareholders, but returned to the community. For example, a nursery school might use this form to let staff take part in decision-making....more

Search for Social Enterprise Snapper
The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition has launched the search for an inspiring photographer to visually capture social enterprises in Scotland, telling their stories through imaginative pictures....more

Enterprising Third Sector Organisations Zone
Is your organisation an enterprising third sector body?...more

Healthier Lives, Wealthier Communities? Economic Evidence of Community-Led Health Improvement Impact
What is it? How might it be used? Does it matter? The conference will provide a timely opportunity for funders and commissioners of community health improvement and community and voluntary sector health initiatives to come together to learn more about, and take forward the agenda on economic evidence of community-led health improvement impact....more

PRESS RELEASE and PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – see MEDIA INVITATION below
Five pioneering organisations in Scotland have successfully met strict criteria to be the very first social enterprises in Scotland, to receive the Social Enterprise Mark....more

Think Tanks 'Shaping the Future' Conference Report
The Think Tanks Project is one of the cross-cutting strands of the SVA Programme portfolio of work...more

By the Community for the Community: community-led service provision in rural areas
From a leisure centre in Oban, to a shop in Uig; from a football pitch in Kilwinning, to a village hall in Lancashire, rural community groups across the UK and Ireland have found innovative ways to deliver the services they want and need. ...more

Social Enterprise Mark (SEM)
Senscot`s involvement with RISE and the Social Enterprise Mark (SEM) originated last February at Voice 08 in Liverpool where we had arranged to meet up with other Social Enterprise Networks from around the UK. For the past year, Senscot has introduced the `mark` through our weekly bulletin and has been taking soundings from various people within the sector...more

Further support for the Third Sector
...more

Community Energy Scotland wins major UK energy award
A small Highland-based social enterprise has won a major UK renewable energy industry award for its support to communities developing green energy projects.  ...more

SE100 Index
The RBS SE100 Index is an essential new tool that charts the growth and impact of any organisations that deliver social, economic or environmental change including charities, housing associations, co-ops, social firms, community enterprises or ethical businesses....more

Mobilising society’s networks
Local government faces an almost impossibly tough decade...more

Responsible Purchasing
It is SPCB policy that all purchasing is undertaken in a responsible manner that builds on the Parliament’s strategic priorities and contributes to Sustainable Development. ...more

Third Sector and the Community Planning Partnerships
A major programme of change started in March 2008 when the Scottish Government announced that it would no longer fund the networks of councils of voluntary service, the volunteer centres, the local social economy partnerships and the social enterprise networks in their current form from April 2011....more

Social Enterprise Mark- qualification criteria
This document sets out the qualification criteria for organisations applying to access the Social Enterprise Mark....more

New health and wellbeing service for the Conference circuit!
Do you want to increase the numbers attending your conference or trade show? Do you want to improve the content of your conference? Do you want some new and exciting. health and wellbeing products to add that extra zing to your conference?...more

  
Impact Arts

Impact Arts was established in 1994 by Susan Aktemel as a small business. She identified the need for the development of excellent projects that make a difference to individuals and community groups, and the opportunity to create work for freelance artists who are committed to operating within the community environment...more
   



Latest tenders online
Register now to access