Title :: Social Economy Explained

Programme :: Social Economy Audit

Commenced :: November 2002

Completed :: March 2003

Value :: £9,198.57

Measure :: 3.1 Local Economic Initiatives for Developing the Social Economy

Aim :: Map and identify the extent of the social economy sector in the Banbridge District.

Overview ::
Because the social economy was a relatively new term, an audit of the sector within the Banbridge District was needed to provide a baseline for all other Measure 3.1 projects. Venture International completed this audit in February 2003 and it has provided The Bridge Partnership with a definition of the sector, an overview of the scale and extent of the social economy sector within the District and made recommendations which helped guide the strategic development of the sector. The audit identified that at that time there were 45 organisations in the District which were engaged in the social economy and that 50% of these were involved in the provision of childcare and charity trading arms.

Objectives ::

• To ascertain current provision and identify gaps.
• To identify potential social economy projects within priority areas of development.
• Provide current accurate information on which to base initiatives for the future development of the social sector.

Outputs ::

• Desk research.
• Establish reference group and hold initial workshop to agree a working definition of the social economy.
• 5 community/beneficiary workshops.
• Reference group analysis, preparation of case study and action planning workshop.
• Final report and action plan on the social economy sector in the Banbridge District.

Quote ::
As the Social Economy sector is a relatively new concept it was important to undertake a baseline audit before informed decisions on where to target funding were taken. Elaine Gillespie Programme Manager, The Bridge Partnership

Contact ::
Rosalind Henry
Consultant, Venture International
T: 028 9023 7878