Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan Update
North Lanarkshire Council · 12 May 2023
Back to Enterprise and Fair Work Committee — 12 May 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref PH/YW Date 12/05/23 Social Enterprise Framework Action Plan Update (PO22.1(2)) From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail weiry@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Yvonne Weir, Enterprise Manager: 07508001238 Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to inform the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee of activity and progress relating to actions in the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan 2021 – 2026. The report also highlights and seeks approval for how funding allocated through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is proposed to assist the development and growth of the Social Enterprise sector in North Lanarkshire. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Notes the status and recent progress of North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan 2021 - 2026 (2) Approves the proposed UKSPF activity to deliver Social Enterprise Development Support in North Lanarkshire The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy
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1. Background Definition of Social Enterprise 1.1 Social enterprises trade in many markets – selling goods and services to individual consumers, local authorities, government and private businesses. They aim to make a profit just like any private sector business. However, their profits or surpluses are reinvested back into their social and/or environmental purpose. 1.2 There is no single, legal definition of social enterprise in the UK. Within the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework the definition adopted is from the Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprise in Scotland. This sets criteria for the definition of a social enterprise and 5 key values/behaviours. The Code can be viewed at: www.senscot.net/projects/se-code/read-the-code/. Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2021 1.3 The Social Enterprise sector in North Lanarkshire is considered to be growing, but considered to be significantly underreported in the Social Enterprise census figures. The Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2021 was published in early 2023. It is undertaken every 2 years and is a comprehensive account of social enterprise activity in Scotland. The 2021 Census notes there are 114 organisations in North Lanarkshire, which is an increase from 109 organisations in the 2019 census. This represents 2% of the social enterprise in Scotland and 3 social enterprises per 10,000 population. This is the lowest percentage in Scotland where there is an average of 11 social enterprises per 10,000 population. Higher percentages are in general more prevalent in rural and island local authorities across Scotland. 1.4 The partners in the Strategy Group believe the Census is under-representing activity and organisations in North Lanarkshire and work is underway to raise awareness of the sector, to encourage more organisations who meet the definition to identify as a social enterprise and to take actions to grow the number of social enterprises operating in the area. The Technical Report which accompanies the Census provides the names of all 114 organisations identified in North Lanarkshire which will enable the partners to identify any organisations not captured. 1.5 The North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework 2021-2026 was developed by the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework Strategy Group alongside consultation with the sector and Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SENScot) and was approved on 3rd February 2022 by the Enterprise and Growth Committee. The full Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed at: Social Enterprise Framework.pdf (northlanarkshire.gov.uk) 1.6 The Strategy Group is a partnership consisting of Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL), North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network (NLSEN), Inspirent (formerly Lanarkshire Enterprise Services Ltd), Lanarkshire Business Gateway and North Lanarkshire Council. The Strategy Group is also supported as required by Social Enterprise Scotland which is the representative body for social enterprise in Scotland. North Lanarkshire Council is also a member of Social Enterprise Scotland. 1.7 The shared vision within the Framework is for a competitive and dynamic Social Enterprise sector in North Lanarkshire which supports inclusive and green growth, delivering innovative solutions and proactive responses to local needs and to maximise local public and private procurement opportunities.
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1.8 The Framework recognises that achievement of this vision will improve economic opportunities and outcomes; contribute to net zero carbon emissions by 2030; and enhance participation, capacity and empowerment across our communities to achieve our shared ambition of a place where: • Social enterprise is a well-known, understood and respected sector delivering valued services within North Lanarkshire • Opportunities are developed in partnership with the sector • We have a clear understanding of the contribution that social enterprises make to their communities and to the local economy • Social enterprises are able to make the most of locally important assets, and procurement opportunities and act as a catalyst for wider community regeneration • Social enterprise development is supported by the council, its partners, the wider community and voluntary sector 1.9 The North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework 2022-26 and associated Action Plan seek to support the direction and delivery of Scotland's Social Enterprise Strategy 2016-2026; the Plan for North Lanarkshire, and our joint vision for social enterprise clearly setting out the methodology utilised to stimulate, develop and grow the sector in North Lanarkshire. The development and delivery of the Framework was also a key action identified within the North Lanarkshire Economic Recovery Plan and will align with ongoing Community Wealth Building activities. 1.10 The Framework identifies the following three key themes which are aligned to Scotland's Social Enterprise Strategy 2016-2026: 1 Stimulating the Sector • Grow the social enterprise sector in North Lanarkshire by stimulating an enterprising community and voluntary sector 2 Developing Stronger Organisations • Develop stronger social enterprise organisations 3 Realising Market Opportunities • Help the social enterprise sector to respond to market opportunities which support an inclusive and green economic recovery 1.11 An action plan was put in place around the 3 themes and is reviewed annually by the Strategy Group to ensure it continues to achieve the vision outlined in the Framework in the short, medium and long-term. This report updates on actions delivered since the launch of the strategy. 1.12 The approved UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan for North Lanarkshire has identified funding through Intervention 22: “Support for growing the local social economy, including community businesses, cooperatives and social enterprises.” A total of £210,000 (£140K in 2023/24 and £70K in 2024/25) has been allocated within the Investment Plan to help support the growth and capacity building of social enterprise in North Lanarkshire. This report highlights the procurement activity being developed in relation to this intervention to engage an organisation to work with the Strategy Group to deliver the support to further develop the social economy. 2. Report North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Strategy Action Plan 2022/2023 2.1 An update to the action plan for the period 2022/2023 has been undertaken and the key achievements are presented below. A copy of the action plan can be provided to members on request.
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Theme 1: Stimulating the Sector 2.2 The partners have supported new and existing social enterprises. A total of 8 social enterprises have been supported through the Lanarkshire Business Gateway service including new starts, growth advisory activity and delivery of expert help support. VANL has also provided guidance and advice to 12 new start social enterprises in areas such as funding, legal structures, and asset transfer (5 in 2021/22 and 7 in 2022/23). Inspirent through its work with the Just Enterprise programme has also supported 6 social enterprise start-ups. This support includes strategy development, business plans and marketing plans. Inspirent has also provided 8 social enterprises with business support, 3 with leadership and 11 with learning. 2.3 To increase awareness of the services offered, Business Gateway Lanarkshire and the council’s Enterprise Team delivered presentations on the Framework and support available to the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network on 11 May 2022. 2.4 Business Gateway Lanarkshire delivered a Social Enterprise focus month in November/December 2022. The topics covered were: Starting a Social Enterprise, Digital Marketing and Tendering. 2.5 The council’s Business Recovery and Growth Fund and Back to Business Fund both offered support to social enterprises and although application numbers were low, the Strategy Group continues to promote this support to local organisations. 2.10 The council’s Education and Families service has been working closely with the Social Enterprise Academy, a society which provides learning and development training to social entrepreneurs as well as access to infrastructure, finance and networks, to raise awareness of the social enterprise model across North Lanarkshire schools. This has included the Social Enterprise Academy delivering sessions in all 23 secondary schools during Future Fridays. Plans are being developed to invite all secondary schools to a preliminary event in June 2023 to challenge each school to create and develop a social enterprise. They will be given a year to do this and will present their models at an event in June 2024. A social enterprise event similar to Dragons’ Den is also planned for 150 young people in primary schools in May 2023. 2.11 In addition to the Social Enterprise Academy, all S3 pupils are also encouraged to form teams to participate in the council’s annual Dragons’ Lair initiative which is aimed at encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in our young people. It introduces them to the world of business, its importance to the economy and as a possible career option they may not have considered. S3 pupils are asked to think of an innovative business idea and create a business plan for it. The business plans are scored and the top six plans are invited to the Dragons Lair final where the pupils present their ideas to the panel of Dragons who select a winner. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of entries described as a social enterprise as opposed to a traditional business operating model. The 2022 winning entry was from Airdrie Academy for a proposed social enterprise operating an electrical charging station within schools that is powered by renewable energy. Theme 2: Developing Stronger Organisations 2.12 Social Enterprise Scotland (SES) were chosen by the Scottish Government to be the new Single Enhanced Intermediary (SEI) for Scotland from 1st July 2023. The Strategy Group are working closely with SES and the organisation was represented at the networking launch event on 26th October 2022. North Lanarkshire Council is a supporter member and benefits from regular newsletters, events and webinars
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providing insight to the sector. The council and Strategy Group will continue to work closely with Social Enterprise Scotland to disseminate information (via newsletter communications) on local support for the sector and promote information from SES on their 4 key areas: Community Wealth Building, Fair Work, Equality Inclusion and Diversity and Climate emergency. 2.13 A Social Enterprise Networking Launch Event was held in the Glo Centre in Motherwell on 26th October 2022. The event was highly successful with 49 attendees from 30 organisations. There were presentations on the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan, the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network and Social Enterprise Scotland. Two speakers were invited to present their experiences of running social enterprises. The speakers were from Social Track and Glenboig Development Trust. There were also three breakout sessions held covering: Staffing and Training, Network and Business Resilience and Growing Market Opportunities. The feedback from the event has been very positive and will be used to shape activity being delivered in 2023/24 and beyond. 2.14 A North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network (NLSEN) has been established which plays a vital role in supporting new, established or aspiring Social Enterprises in North Lanarkshire to grow and develop. Membership is open to any organisation or group who can adopt the values and behaviours listed in the social enterprise code. The NLSEN’s Vision Statement is: “At North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network (NL SEN) we believe that by being connected, we can improve lives for a just and equitable Community.” 2.15 The NLSEN holds regular meetings (in person and online) and membership is growing. It has 5 key aims: • Fill gaps in services to meet local need. • Raise awareness of what Social Enterprise is and promote the Social Enterprise Code • Provide support for small scale initiatives. • Encourage collaboration in line with The North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework 2021 – 2026. • Increase access to information and support to established, new or aspiring Social Enterprises who deliver enterprising community activity. Theme 3: Realising Market Opportunities 2.16 One of the key areas within Theme 3 is to support social enterprises to access procurement and other commissioning opportunities. One of the council’s procurement Category Managers is now represented on the Strategy Group. Support is available through the Supplier Development Programme, Just Enterprise and Lanarkshire Business Gateway to support social enterprises to improve their capability and skills in tendering for procurement opportunities. 2.17 Lanarkshire Meet the Real Buyer – Businesses were invited to Lanarkshire Meet the ‘Real’ Buyer event on 22nd February 2023. The event was hosted by North and South Lanarkshire Council’s and supported by Supplier Development Programme. The purpose of the event is to allow businesses to learn about upcoming contracts they could tender for. This was promoted to social enterprises via contacts, social media and shared by partners.
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2.18 Realising Market Opportunities for social enterprise is also a key component of Community Wealth Building. A report has been developed which considers opportunities and a proposed approach to Community Wealth Building that can be applied in North Lanarkshire through the establishment of a Community Wealth Building Commitment Statement. This will support a number of key programme of work areas and workstreams thereby ensuring that the Community Wealth Building model of economic development is embedded into relevant plans and wider strategies. 2.19 North Lanarkshire has held authority wide Fairtrade Zone status for 3-years with a number of towns also holding Fairtrade status. A Fairtrade Steering Group is in place to promote fair trade across North Lanarkshire. This year Scotland is celebrating 10 years as a Fairtrade Nation. A series of activities were undertaken during Fairtrade fortnight (27th February to 12th March 2023) to raise awareness including activities within Schools, New College Lanarkshire, community and faith groups. UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2.20 The approved UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan for North Lanarkshire has identified funding through Intervention 22: “Support for growing the local social economy, including community businesses, cooperatives and social enterprises.” A total of £210,000 (£140K in 2023/24 and £70K in 2024/25) has been allocated with the Investment Plan to specifically help support the growth and capacity building of social enterprise in North Lanarkshire. 2.21 It is proposed to engage an organisation to work with the Strategy Group to deliver this support in line with the themes and actions identified in the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework. 2.22 The services to be procured utilising UKSPF include business support and expert help to social enterprises in North Lanarkshire. The key deliverables will be: 1. Provision of support (one to one, group, programmes) to support the development and growth of 100 social enterprises across North Lanarkshire. (minimum 120 people attending sessions). Types of support in key topic areas include (but not limited to): governance, funding, trading and income generation, tendering and procurement (to complement Supplier Development Programme), marketing, recruitment of volunteers/employees and business planning. 2. Identify additional social enterprises in North Lanarkshire (Any organisations not captured in 2021 census – 114 social enterprises) 3. Support the creation of 30 new social enterprises in North Lanarkshire 4. Support the capacity, development and growth of the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Network (NLSEN). This could include a development and growth plan for the NLSEN, to increase membership, peer to peer support / mentoring programme. 5. Delivery of 4 themed sectoral events for the sector. 2.23 This procurement will be a new agreement (not previously funded) and will complement local and national support for social enterprises and be aligned with the work of the Social Enterprise Framework Strategy Group to deliver the aims and actions within the Framework and Action Plan.
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3. Measures of success 3.1 The key measure of success for the North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework will be the achievement of and progress towards the Action Plan, and an increase in the number of sustainable social enterprises operating in North Lanarkshire. 3.2 Delivery of key outputs and outcomes funded through the UKSPF. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 There is no supporting documentation. 4.2 The full North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan can be viewed at: Social Enterprise Framework.pdf (northlanarkshire.gov.uk) Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place)
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The North Lanarkshire Social Enterprise Framework and Action Plan 2022 2026 includes commitment to, supported employment and promotion of fair work practices. Proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund Project Social Enterprise support will not impact adversely on minority groups. An Assessment was undertaken during the establishment of the Framework but has still to be published on the council’s website. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ Funding has been secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund of £210,00 to provide support to develop and grow the Social Enterprise sector in North Lanarkshire. The funding is split: £140K in 2023/24 and £70K in 2024/25 If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Financial Solutions? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The impact is positive with additional resources made available to the council. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People and Organisational Development? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?
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5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? There is no direct impact on technology, or the digital transformation programme. Where the impact identifies a requirement for technology, has an assessment been carried out (or scheduled) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Ongoing marketing and communications is essential for the delivery of this Strategy. Corporate Communications are engaged in the delivery of the Framework and the provision of marketing and communication support. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ Risks are managed in accordance with the council’s agreed Risk Management Strategy to ensure that risks are managed at the appropriate level. There are no significant organisational risks associated with this strategy. Risk management has been carried out in line with procurement procedures for Social Enterprise support funded through UKSPF. If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed?
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A project risk register will be established for the UKSPF project. This will focus on contract management and achievement of spend and deliverables to maximise the outcomes from UKSPF activity. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No X If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services