U.K: Government puts £3m behind the voice of social enterprise

The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) in the UK Cabinet Office announced in June that it will fund seven leading organisations in the social enterprise sector a total of £3m over three years to raise awareness with key groups and represent the sector in policy development.

The funding will ensure that the voice of the sector, and news of its impressive social and environmental achievements, is heard not only inside government, but with other crucial audiences from classrooms to boardrooms.

The money will also specifically ensure that there is a fair voice for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) individuals and organisations involved in the sector.

The new social enterprise partners, chosen through open competition, are:

?Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC)
?School for Social Entrepreneurs / Unltd
?Social Firms UK
?Co-operatives UK
?Prowess
?Plunkett Foundation
?A national social enterprise Olympics partnership (led by Social Enterprise London in partnership with SEC)

Campbell Robb, Director-General of the OTS, said: ?It is vitally important that the concerns and priorities of the third sector come through loud and clear to government, and the OTS?s Strategic Partners programme aims to ensure there are organisations that are empowered to make this happen. I look forward to constructive and productive relationships with our new social enterprise partners, and welcome their work to ensure the voices of black, Asian and minority ethnic groups are properly heard.?

More info:

• www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk