National Support Bodies

Useful information and websites for running a social enterprise

Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC)

The Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) is the UK's national body for social enterprise.

As the voice of the sector, SEC provides a national platform for showcasing the benefits of social enterprise. We share best practice and influence policy in order to create an enabling environment for social enterprise. SEC is committed to representing the totality of social enterprise in all its forms, working to ensure social enterprises can learn from and support each other. Website http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk

ChangeUp Hubs

The ChangeUp Hubs are partnerships of voluntary and community organisations who have come together to improve the support available to the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across England. The six national hubs work closely with each other and with regional, sub-regional and local infrastructure. The Performance Hub works to help third sector organisations (charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises) to achieve more. The hubs specialise in:

Finance. Website: http://www.financehub.org.uk

Governance. Website http://www.governancehub.org.uk

Performance. Website: http://www.performancehub.org.uk/

Information, communications and technology (ICT). Website http://www.icthub.org.uk/

Volunteering. Website http://www.volunteering.org.uk/

Workforce. Website http://www.ukworkforcehub.org.uk/

NCVO

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations believes passionately in the voluntary and community sector. This is a sector with the power to transform the lives of people and communities for the better. NCVO has several specialist teams who provide information, advice and support to others working in or with the voluntary sector. These teams produce publications, briefing papers and guidance notes; run conferences and seminars; and offer a range of practitioner forums. NCVO aims to ensure that every organisation has access to high quality advice, information and support. Website: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk

Business Link

Business Linkprovides a wide range of practical support including information, toolkits and business support. Website: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

Institute of Fundraising

The Institute of Fundraising is the professional body that represents fundraisers in the UK. Our mission is to support fundraisers, through leadership, representation, standard-setting and education, to deliver excellent fundraising. Website: http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/

Social Firms UK

Social Firms UK provides information for organizations that create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. It offers guidance on developing a Social Firm. Social Firms are market-led businesses that are set up specifically to create good quality jobs for people severely disadvantaged in the labour market. Website: http://www.socialfirms.co.uk/

SETAS Social Enterprise Training & Support

Information and resources on social enterprise training and support. The website allows you to compare training courses, support services or publications on your chosen subject or available in your geographic area. It provides feedback from past users of those products, which will help you make an informed decision on whether the product is the right one for you. Website: http://www.setas.co.uk

Office for the Third Sector

The Office of the Third Sector was created in May 2006, incorporating the responsibilities of the Active Communities Directorate in the Home Office, and the Social Enterprise Unit in the Department for Trade and Industry. The decision to place the Office of the Third Sector at the centre of government in the Cabinet Office was taken in recognition of the increasingly important role the third sector plays in both society and the economy. Download 2006 social enterprise action plan at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/social_enterprise/

Third Sector daily newsletter

The Third Sector is the UK's leading publication for everyone who needs to know what's going on in the voluntary and not-for-profit sector. To get your daily free copy apply online

Website: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk

CAF (Charities Aid Foundation)

CAF is a registered charity. We help to put individuals and companies in control of their giving, and enable charities to make the most of what they get. Website: www.cafonline.org

Plunkett Foundation

The Plunkett Foundation is an educational charity which supports the development of rural group social enterprise. Website: http://www.plunkett.co.uk/

Near Buy You

nearbuyou is a national trading network for social enterprises and those that wish to trade with them. Find tenders, offers and requests or search for social enterprises near you. Website: http://www.nearbuyou.co.uk/