New Scottish Parliament Policy Forum for Social Enterprise
New Scottish Parliament policy forum for social enterprise
Social Enterprise Scotland has welcomed news that the proposed Cross-Party Group on Social Enterprise has now been approved by The Scottish Parliament.
The new CPG builds on the success of the previous national policy forum for social enterprise. Open to all, the CPG will be an opportunity for social entrepreneurs to connect with MSPs and drive forward the growth of social enterprise.
Duncan Thorp, Spokesperson for Social Enterprise Scotland, said:
“It’s great news that the revival of the CPG on Social Enterprise has now been approved by The Scottish Parliament. Driving forward a fair, inclusive economy can only be achieved with a substantial increase in the number of social enterprises.
“Ordinary people are increasingly questioning the social impact of business in our communities and social enterprise provides many of the solutions. The new CPG will help influence national policy priorities, to ensure that Scotland remains a world leader in social enterprise development.”
Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has been elected as Convener of the group, with Rachael Hamilton of the Scottish Conservatives and Andy Wightman of the Scottish Greens as Vice Conveners.
Ben Macpherson said:
“Out and about in my constituency and elsewhere, every week I am reminded about the valuable work of social enterprises, like Projekt 42, Social Bite and Punjabi Junction and many others in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
“It’s clear how much appetite there is in our communities to consume in a more ethical, responsible and environmentally friendly way – and the social enterprise sector is growing in response to that demand.
“I look forward to working with Social Enterprise Scotland, my colleagues in parliament and a wide range of social enterprises, to take forward our ambitions for social enterprise to support inclusive, socially-responsible economic growth in Scotland.”
The launch comes as the new Social Enterprise Strategy and Action Plans are implemented and the Social Enterprise World Forum returns to Edinburgh in September.
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Notes
1 The CPG on Social Enterprise was approved by the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee on 21/06/18, view here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/standards-procedures-and-public-appointments-committee-part-1-june-21-2018
2 What is social enterprise? Find out more about social enterprise at: www.socialenterprise.scot/our-story/what-is-social-enterprise