Our Response to the UK Government’s Social Investment Advisory Group Exclusion of Social Enterprises
Posted: 25 February 2025, in News
We recently co-signed an open letter alongside Social Enterprise UK, Cwmpas, Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, calling on the UK government to ensure social enterprises have a voice in shaping social impact investment. This came after it emerged that the newly formed Social Impact Investment Advisory Group does not include any social enterprise representatives—a move that has been met with widespread frustration across the sector.
Despite repeated efforts by Pioneer Post to obtain a full list of group members, the government delayed releasing this information, further fuelling concerns about transparency and inclusion. When the list was finally revealed, it confirmed what many feared: no representation for the very organisations that rely on, and drive the success of, social impact investment.
The government has since responded with a vague commitment to “engaging diverse perspectives,” but no concrete steps have been announced to rectify this exclusion. While there are suggestions that working groups may be formed to include social enterprises, this remains unclear.
As a sector, we know that true impact requires collaboration—co-design, consultation with those on the ground, and an honest commitment to inclusivity. We will continue to push for social enterprises to have a seat at the table, ensuring that those delivering real change are not left out of key decisions shaping the future of social investment.
Stay tuned for further updates as we keep up the pressure on this crucial issue.
– Kim Wallace, Deputy CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland.