This summer, in the lead-up to next year’s Holyrood election, we’re hosting a dynamic series of webinars exploring practical, real-world policy solutions. As we look to move beyond the usual debates, we’re calling for bold, innovative, and inspiring action to drive meaningful change across Scotland.
Join us as we explore the big ideas and urgent shifts that social entrepreneurs and communities need now more than ever. Each 50-minute session offers sharp insights, space to share your experiences, and the opportunity to ask the questions that matter.
Book now and be part of the conversation shaping Scotland’s future.
Achieving policy change in the real world
Wednesday 9 July, 12pm – 1pm
Getting practical policy change, that improves people’s lives and our natural world, is relevant to every one of us. The policy implementation gap – where good legislation fails to trickle down to local communities – is a hot topic for Scotland. Instead of doing the same things and expecting different outcomes, what really needs to happen?
We’ll be joined by Ewan Masson from The Scottish Parliament’s Participation and Communities Team (PACT), Nick Cook from the Association for Scottish Public Affairs (ASPA), Sue Tibballs OBE from Sheila McKechnie Foundation, Helen Denny from The Melting Pot, and others.
Power to the people: A voice for all of us
Wednesday 16 July, 12pm – 1pm
How do we get social entrepreneurs and their service users directly involved in big decision-making? What’s the best way to harness the immense power of lived experience? How do we move beyond top-down decisions being imposed by Parliaments and Councils and will the Democracy Matters initiative mean real changes?
We’ll be joined by Elizabeth Docherty from Scottish Community Alliance, Oliver Escobar from The University of Edinburgh, Craig Dalzell from Common Weal, and others.
Dynamic public services: The social enterprise solution
Wednesday 23 July, 12pm – 1pm
Public service reform is back on the agenda – and Scotland needs strong social enterprise solutions. With critical funding issues in the public sector and many organisations, it’s vital we examine radical ideas around genuine public service reform. What real world social enterprise examples can we replicate and what policies are needed to make it happen?
We’ll be joined by Dr. Amy Homes from Shore Psychology CIC, Drew Smart from Glenfarg Community Transport Group and other speakers.
New pathways to investment and funding
Wednesday 30 July, 12pm – 1pm
Democratic finance, Community Shares, dormant bank account funds, creative tax reforms and the Scottish National Investment Bank are some of the innovative methods that can get funding and investment into social enterprises. But what practical changes do we need in order to support, align, scale and really catalyse these initiatives?
We’ll be joined by Pamela Barnes from Democratic Finance Scotland, Susan Aktemel from Homes for Good, Alastair Davis from Social Investment Scotland, Miriam Brett from Future Economy Scotland and others.
Book your spot now.
Alliance for change: Embedding social impact in every business
Wednesday 6 August, 12pm – 1pm
There’s a lot happening with social enterprise and business impact awareness – both in Scotland and globally. With the recent IDBM report, the Business Purpose Commission, the UK Government pledge for co-op and social enterprise growth, as well as the rise in B-Corporations and others, there’s much to celebrate! How do we work better together with our shared values, to benefit both people and planet?
We’ll be joined by Louise Scott from workers.coop and media co-op, Robert Henderson from Jerba Campervans, Eleonora Vanello from Prosper, Michael Roy from University of Stirling, Louisa Macdonell from Business in the Community Scotland, Tim Hartley from Scotland CAN B and others.
Financial freedom for all: Minimum Income Guarantee and Universal Basic Income
Wednesday 13 August, 12pm – 1pm
With global economic upheaval we need financial policies that create certainty and stability for families and communities. This is particularly acute for people in our most deprived areas in Scotland – the people that many social enterprises work with each day. How do we build solid economic foundations for a good life? What could a Minimum Income Guarantee or a Universal Basic Income do? How else could we get regular money to those who need it most?
We’ll be joined by Ruth Boyle from Poverty Alliance, Cleo Goodman from Basic Income Conversation, Lukas Bunse from Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) Scotland, Stephen Boyd from IPPR Scotland and others.