Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is "a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners." (Department of Trade and Industry, 2002).

While the term "social enterprise" is relatively new, the concept is not. It can be traced back to the Rochdale Pioneers in the 19th Century and beyond. Well-known modern examples include The Big Issue, Cafédirect, the Co-operative Group, Divine Chocolate, the Eden Project, Fifteen and the  John Lewis Partnership.

Government policy is to encourage a greater diversity of providers in health and care, with a particular emphasis on social enterprises. This aims to increase capacity and innovation, while also encouraging a more integrated approach to health and care services.

This site aims to give comprehensive coverage of social enterprise in health and care. It also aims to offer starting points for those interested in finding out more, whether from inside the NHS and local authorities, from independent organisations, or from individual social entrepreneurs.

Social Enterprise Network
The Social Enterprise Network is the only national network for those with an interest in social enterprise and social entrepreneurship in health and care.

You can discuss all aspects of social enterprise within the health and care sector on the NHS Networks Social Enterprise Discussion Board.

Information and links:

Starting points: (pages coming soon)