The Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprise in Scotland sets the boundary between social enterprise and the private sector. Developed by the sector, for the sector, the Code will always aim to adapt and evolve to suit the changing needs of the sector.
In 2002, the UK Govt published an ‘official’ definition of social enterprise which was also adopted in Scotland. The ensuing years have seen a dramatic rise in the popularity of social enterprise– but the government definition was never invested with sufficient authority to be effective. Its meaning became increasingly diluted.
In response, the Scottish social enterprise community has set down the values and behaviours by which we recognise each other. We refer to this document as a voluntary code of practice – or simply the Code. The Code recognises five basic criteria for social enterprise – and in a short appendix identifies some less ‘defined’.
The code is managed by a steering group made up of representatives from social enterprises and national representative organisations. Meet the steering group members below.
Bio and image coming soon…
David Cook is Chief Executive of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, a charity/social enterprise which restores and redevelops listed buildings for community regeneration, runs Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, and works across the city to bring local stories and histories to life.
David also runs Cook Creative, a consultancy which supports creative, social and commercial companies with business change and property development for social, cultural and community use.
He has served as board member on numerous charities and on boards and panels distributing grants and loans to other social enterprises. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and a previous winner of the Ernst & Young Scottish Social Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Pauline Hinchion is the Director of Scottish Communities Finance Ltd (SCF Ltd). She has over 25 years’ experience in social enterprise and social investment. She is very interested in financially sustainable politics that allows communities to thrive and meet the needs of local people within the resources available to us on the planet. Pauline has a MSC in Local Economy Development and a HNC in Socially Responsible Finance.
Neil has been Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) since December 2007. During this time, SEA has become the largest Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Centre in Scotland, and has shared its model internationally, with partner hubs established in 12 countries. Neil was previously MD of an IT Consultancy firm. He also developed the idea for a social enterprise in 2004, Quit&Save, to support people to quit smoking.
Aimee grew up on the rural Peninsula of Kintyre and has a background in Journalism. Early into her career, Aimee decided to take on a research role with Inspiralba, a social enterprise based in her hometown of Campbeltown. She eventually realised her passion for the Third Sector and worked in the role of Rural Social Enterprise Coordinator at Inspiralba for 3 years. Aimee was also part of the Scottish Delegation at the 2022 Social Enterprise World Forum and Rural Gathering taking place in Brisbane and Beechworth respectively. Currently, she is the youngest board member of Scottish Rural Action.
Jennifer joined GSEN in October 2020, and as Director has overall responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation. Overseeing all aspects of GSEN’s operations, Jennifer brings a wealth of third sector and social enterprise experience from her previous role working across the three Forth Valley Third Sector Interfaces (TSI’s), delivering social enterprise development and support. During her tenure in Forth Valley Jennifer worked with and supported many social enterprises of all sizes and stages of development to achieve their social and/or environmental aims and maintain sustainable businesses.
John is CEO of the social enterprise Community Renewal Trust and Chair/co-founder of Caledonia Funeral Aid CIC. His campaigning work focuses on changing systems for commissioning and delivery at a neighbourhood level as part of rethinking approaches to ending persistent poverty and inequity. He has been a Trustee of SENScot since 2017.
Karina is the CEO and founder of Àrachas³, a social enterprise that provides consultancy support combined with practical paralegal services to the third sector and the wider social economy. Àrachas³ offers a unique expertise using a blend of consultancy support, training, capacity building and tailored legal advice so that clients feel supported, educated and empowered.
Karina has worked in the third sector since 2010, delivering support and legal services. Prior to joining the sector, Karina worked as a paralegal amassing extensive experience in the legal profession. Karina also comes with a BA (hons) in Law, and Specialist Paralegal Qualifications in both Employment Law and Wills Trusts & Executries.
During her time working within the third sector, Karina has developed a front-line knowledge of the sector from a policy and practical perspective. As well as supporting thousands of individuals and organisations, Karina has developed a particular expertise in social enterprise, legal structures and governance and is passionate about supporting people and providing access to affordable and straightforward advice and support.
Louise is a founder member of media co-op film and digital media workers’ co-op in Glasgow and former Board Member of Social Enterprise Scotland. She’s part of Co-operate Scotland, a co-op of co-operative development advisers and is active in workers.coop, the federation of worker co-ops and in Co-Tech network of tech and digital worker co-ops. She facilitates the monthly Glasgow Co-ops Meet-up group.
Before returning to Scotland in the mid-90’s, Louise worked in Brussels, where she helped set up the European lobby organisation for arts, cultural and heritage organisations after a stint in the European Commission’s Cultural Unit.
Louise is a former Glasgow Childrens’ Panel member, befriender and volunteer English language teacher. She’s a keen allotmenteer, forager and cyclist.
Douglas has been CEO of Community Enterprise for 15 years, combining his role as chief officer with a portfolio of projects connecting him with grassroots issues. He has grown a range of initiatives to support to the sector – from Accelerate which supports non-trading community groups to flourish, to Bold, the successful social enterprise branding and design agency. Douglas also has a particular interest in the impact of digital and has developed a range of digital initiatives. Community Enterprise is a 100% sustainable social enterprise.
Douglas has worked in the enterprising third sector and with social enterprises in Scotland for more than 25 years. He is particularly skilled in community regeneration, including both urban and rural with a particular interest in areas of industrial decline such as coalfield communities. Over recent years he has built significant experience in more remote rural areas and has good links and relationships right across Scotland.
If you are interested in finding out more or subscribing to the Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprise in Scotland, please email Jennifer Robertson, Co-Chair, SE Code Steering Group at jennifer.robertson@gsen.org.uk.
Useful Documents