Senscot’s Feasibility Study into the Italian Consortia model is due for completion over the summer months. The Study is exploring how, through a collaborative approach, SENs and their members could play a greater role in delivering services in local communities; speaking with a stronger voice both locally and nationally; and increasing their sustainability. This article in New Start Mag cites a new JRF Report - giving examples from around the globe, where the social economy plays a far greater and more valued role than it does in the UK. Themes common to the examples cited include: local Leadership ; supportive ecosystems; long-term partnerships with the sector at a local level; and a far more flexible approach to local procurement. As our new SE Strategy and Action Plan begin to gain traction, these examples give us something to aspire to.

 

On Tuesday this week, Mary participated in the PKSEN Marketplace event at the Perth Subud Centre.  The event provided members and SE support organisations with the opportunity to meet, network and tell one another about their services. Some PKSEN members had requested ‘one-to-one’ surgeries with support organisations and these were available throughout the event. Great to see so many thematic SEN members participating in the day. Thanks to Katrina MacPherson (SE Development Officer) for organising a great day!

 

On the same day, Sarah was attending another excellent event in Campbeltown, organised by InspirAlba, Scotland UnLtd and Connecting Scotland.  She also managed to squeeze in a Community Learning Exchange to Machrihanish Airbase Community Company and Campbeltown Town Hall – that included an evening of networking and entertainment as well as a full day looking at support available for SEs in Argyll & Bute. Amongst a list of needs identified, local SEs are also very keen to see the re-establishment of their own local SEN.

 

The Melting Pot is on a roll these days – running a number of programmes for social innovators. This week saw 10 people graduate from their Good Ideas Academy. Another venture on the horizon will be their Good Ideas Camp where a batch of 25 ‘social innovators’ can participate in two weekends of workshops – in November - to test and develop the initial propositions. Closing date for applications is Sunday 1^st October 2017.

 

Many, if not all, SEN members benefit from, and depend on, the contribution of volunteers – either in delivering their service or as acting as valued Board members/trustees. Voluntary Action Fund, this week, announced the launch of its Volunteer Support Fund 2017/18. Third sector organisations, with an annual income of under £250,000, can apply for grants of between £7.5k - £10k towards the cost of recruiting additional volunteers. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 14 July 2017. For further info, see details.

 

REMINDER: Today (5pm) is the closing date for applications for our two new posts with the Partnership and Procurement Hub. The posts being advertised include an additional Hub Co-ordinator (see - application pack) as well as a Hub Support Officer (see - application pack). Interviews for both posts will take place during week beginning 3^rd July. For further info, contact yvonne@senscot.net

 

Latest edition of the Sport SEN Newsletter is out this week. Featured stories include - UK Sport Independent review; Community Learning Exchange at ROAR, Connections for Life in Paisley; and a Youth Scotland online survey. The newsletter also lists some of the latest funding opportunities...Read more