Social Enterprise

The task group was set up to explore what social and community enterprises (including co-operatives) are, and explore the role that they can play to:

• deliver services more effectively and efficiently;
• create employment opportunities; and 
• build self-esteem and confidence among people and create ownership in the delivery of services.

Representative from Voluntary Action and Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, who are both working towards becoming social enterprises, were part of the group.

The group:

• made a request for social enterprises to come forward and interact with the group by a general press release and specific articles in relevant local publications;
• received details of the meaning of social enterprise and the activities of social enterprises both nationally and locally;
• received details of the support provided for those setting up a social enterprise both locally and nationally;
• received details of the experiences of a chief executive of a successful social enterprise in Stoke-on-Trent. (Bentilee Community Housing);
• received details of two organisations who are making the transition from a voluntary organisation to a social enterprise;
• visited enterprises in the city that work with the ethics of social enterprise; and
• certain members of the group have visited Telford United Football Club and attended an informative conference on social enterprise in Sheffield.
• visited The Bridge Centre in Birches Head.
• Explored the council procurement position to make ensure that social enterprises have an opportunity to bid for Council contracts.

Councillor Knapper chaired the group.

The Scrutiny Officer supporting the task group can be contacted on 01782 232723 or  at scrutiny@stoke.gov.uk