What we do
SELNET contributes to Social Enterprise NW, a regional body bringing together the county's network for the social enterprise sector. Together we represent the interests of England's Northwest and to encourage networking and mutual support. We represent the region on the Board of the Social Enterprise Coalition - SEC: the voice of social enterprises for the UK.
SELNET is a network and membership body for potential, new and emerging and established social enterprises in Lancashire. Whilst primarily focussing on social enterprise SELNET will also work closely with the community, voluntary and faith sector, recognising that they have many of the same needs for their sustainability - to do more for the common good.
SELNET criteria
SELNET will apply the definition as detailed below. Organisations will be asked to demonstrate that they comply with the characteristics shown below in order to participate in our programmes.
Social Enterprises will have:
- Enterprise Orientation - They are directly involved in producing goods or providing services to a market.
- Social Aims - They have explicit social aims such as job creation, training or the provision of local services. They have ethical values including a commitment to local capacity building. Their profits are principally reinvested to achieve their social objectives.
- Social Ownership - Many social enterprises are also characterised by their social ownership. They are autonomous organisations whose governance and ownership structures are normally based on participation by stakeholder groups (e.g. employees, users, clients, local community groups and social investors) or by trustees or directors who control the enterprise on behalf of a wider group of stakeholders. They are accountable to their stakeholders and the wider community for their social, environmental and economic impact. Profits can be distributed as profit sharing to stakeholders or used for the benefit of the community.
