Dear ,

In terms of SENScot’s current situation, there is not too much additional information to share this week. Discussions are ongoing with both the SENs as well as, of course, with Social Enterprise Scotland. As soon as we are in a position to say more, we will do so. Certain internal processes are also underway in keeping with our responsibilities as an employer. Last week, we mentioned our survey to members. Next week, we expect to be able to share the findings of this survey. In the meantime, and until we have further information to share, here’s a link to the recent SENScot Board statement and, for those who may have missed it, a joint statement from Glasgow SEN and Edinburgh Social Enterprise in response to SES’ recent open letter to the sector. Lastly, again, we appreciate and are grateful for the ongoing messages of support.

As readers will be aware, SENScot’s work began in 1999 –for those with an interest - The SENScot Story provides a timeline, charting significant milestones and developments across the Scottish SE community from 1999 up until 2020..

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Last year, SCVO commissioned research on the impact of the Covid pandemic on the third sector – with Wave One Findings, covering the summer of 2021, published late last year. SCVO has, this week, published Wave Two Findings, covering the winter period of 2021/22. The research - Scottish Third Sector Tracker - has involved over 600 third sector organisations and explores the ongoing challenges faced by the sector – but also highlights its ability to adapt and create new services to meet increased demand and emerging needs. It is intended that this ongoing research will inform and direct the way support is provided to the third sector organisations in the coming years. If you’d like to participate in the research, see link above.

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Yesterday (Wednesday) saw Scottish Govt host the National Economic Forum in Edinburgh.  This annual event brings together senior figures from across business, the third sector, trade unions, government and the wider public sector to debate how to grow Scotland's economy – with the main focus being on the implementation of the Govt’s Strategy for Economic Transformation. See speeches from First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and, also, Finance Minister, Kate Forbes. Here’s the twitter link.

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In November 2021, Manchester University Press published a book titled, ‘How Blair killed the Co-ops’. The book was written by former Senscot Trustee, Les Huckfield, and charts the major shifts in social enterprise and co-operative policies in the UK over the last 20/30 years, and, in doing so, miscasting the role of social enterprise. Les has followed up on this theme in a recent paper, The Challenges Facing Britain’s Co-operatives - citing the increasing ‘marketisation’ of the sector resulting in so many co-operatives and social enterprises veering away from the sector’s original objectives.

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Last week’s Scottish Community Alliance (SCA) Briefings reflected on a gathering held at the Scottish Parliament in April 2013 – The Future is Local. The event was a day of debate and celebration with Community Voices from all over the country and from every part of the sector being heard that day. It was a day of optimism – and paved the way for the community sector’s 2016 Vision. Almost 10 years down the line, the SCA Briefings ruefully reflect that ‘much has changed and nothing has changed’ – but wonders if a similar gathering could be done again. At around the same time, work was going on within the SE community to shape our own SE Vision 2025 – that laid much of the groundwork for the SE Strategy for Scotland 2016-26 and its supporting Action Plans – and also was a time of optimism for the sector. As the SE Strategy passes its halfway stage – irrespective of the obvious consequence it has had for SENScot – would the ‘much has changed/nothing has changed’ maxim similarly apply to the SE community?

The Scottish Land Commission, together with DTA Scotland, have produced this useful guide for community-led organisations with an interest in bringing vacant or derelict land back into use:

Congratulations to the community of Knoydart in finally being able to complete the purchase of their local pub – The Old Forge. The community raised the funds to purchase the pub through a community share offer in September 2021 – where they raised over £300k. Seems the purchase was big news in New Zealand too!:

On the subject of community shares, Community Shares Scotland has put together this helpful interactive guide - outlining every step of the process of issuing community shares:

Also, the Nature Accelerator Programme is inviting applications.  The Nature Accelerator is a 6 month programme for early-stage nature-based ideas and enterprises, based in Glasgow, that could create positive environmental, social, or economic change in the city. Closing date of Friday, 15th April:

Glasgow and Cultural SEN member, Eco Drama, is looking to recruit a General Manager. Main duties would include Financial Management, Fundraising, Company Management, HR and Governance. Founded in 2007, Eco Drama’s productions, projects and workshops are delivered in schools, theatres, community venues and festivals across Scotland and the UK. Closing date for applications is Monday, 18^th April 2022:

With various SEN meetings scheduled over the coming weeks, we’ll be listing core details – dates, times, guest speakers etc – to keep people up to date with what’s on and when

Tuesday 5^th April 2022 (10.30am) - Employability SEN Meeting –- An informal session, connect with other social enterprises who have an employability focus, discuss common issues, and relevant policy areas/developments and share your successes.  We’re also keen to hear how you are (or are not) engaging with No One Left Behind and your Local Authority.  Email Jayne to register:

Thursday, 7^th April 2022 (2pm) - Health SEN Meeting - an informal session to connect with other social enterprises who have a health & wellbeing focus, discuss common issues, and relevant policy areas/developments and share your successes. See link to register: