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Welcome to the June issue of your Social Enterprise Link Adviser Newsletter. There are many events and training opportuunities available across the sub region this month, so why not take advantage of these activities today!

If you would like to promote anything through your area newsletter, please emial content to lucy.p@sesc.info


News

Sector Insights

Sector Insights: Tracking West Yorkshire Social Enterprises’ is based on research conducted for Social Enterprise Link by the Social Enterprise Support Centre, and provides a snapshot of activities in very diverse industry sectors of a sample group of social enterprises from different sectors across West Yorkshire.


Our sample of 49 social enterprises collectively turned over £23,763 million, employed 600 staff and worked with 645 volunteers to deliver 227 contracts using assets of £11 million in 2006. Six months later, these same social enterprises now collectively turn over £27 million, employ 590 staff, rely on 394 volunteers and deliver 279 contracts using assets worth £11 million. Interestingly contract activity in several sectors is rising steadily.

To view the report, please down load the PDF version of Sector Insights here.


What’s On

Information and Advice event

Tuesday 19 June 2007

This is an invitation to existing or potential health and social care providers in social enterprise / third sector to get information and advice on how to develop their business and win contracts.

Drop in and meet specialist advisers and health professionals with information on:

This is your opportunity to find out all you need to know, ask questions to the right people who can give you answers. Major networking opportunity with similar organisations and business professionals to help shape your plans, and establish your enterprise.

Where? Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield

When?10am – 2pm. A buffet lunch is available.

Booking is essential. Please book early to secure your place. The form is attached here in word format. Bookings need to be returned by June 11th.

Please note a £30 cancellation fee will be applied to organisations booking and not attending.



Mental Health services and the Third Sector

What future for voluntary sector and social enterprise solutions in mental health in Yorkshire & the Humber Region?

Conference: Leeds Town Hall, July 17th, 9.30am-2pm

The conference is free, and refreshments and lunch will be provided

The third sector has always been a key player in mental health- providing innovation, challenge and advocacy. In this region mental health services would be poorer by far without this essential input. But the policy and funding environment is changing and some third sector organisations are reporting uncertainty and insecurity.

This event aims to:

All third sector organisations across the region are encouraged to attend, together with health and local authority commissioners and wider stakeholders.

Speakers from the new regional Strategic Health Authority, from Mental Health North East and from the social enterprise, and voluntary/community sectors will set the scene for further discussion and networking on ways forward.

Use the title link to download the booking form, or email lucy.p@sesc.info



Tender Readiness Toolkit Workshops in your Area!



6th July at Elsie Whitely Innovation Centre, Halifax



7th September at Cellar Project, Shipley

(select your preferred date and venue above to download a booking form)

The sessions will provide an overview of the Tool Kit software, which is intended to help users prepare for bidding for contracts. The main areas covered include:

Please download and return the appropriate booking form to lucy.p@sesc.info or fax back to 01924 241319.


Social Enterprise Link Enterprise Network Events

Dates for your Diary!

3rd July: Arts Exhibition – Carlisle Business Centre, Bradford

This is an opportunity for social enterprises working in the arts sector to exhibit their services to commissioners. There will be workshops on finance, social accounting and procurement. There will also be workshops for buyers regarding commissioning services from community arts groups. This is also an excellent opportunity for those looking to work with arts organisations.

11th July: PR and Marketing for Social Enterprises – Eureka, Halifax

This workshop will look at practical methods of communicating with your stakeholders and promoting your organisation.

11th September: Developing your Team – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

This workshop will look at developing your team of staff, and board of Directors. Topics will include developing and utilizing your team’s skills, leadership, effective management, delegation, recruitment and retention.

20th September: Housing Network Event, Leeds Federated Housing, Leeds

Experienced social enterprises in the housing and construction industries will be share their experiences of how they developed their organisation and handled issues that affect the sector. There will also be workshops on:

26th September: Community Services Network Event, St Swithun’s Centre, Wakefield

This workshop will investigate community engagement and the development of services to benefit the local community. The event will be an opportunity to hear a variety of community service providers as they share their experiences of running successful community projects and developing their social enterprise businesses.

Literature and booking information will be distributed shortly, If you would like to register your interest in any of the Networking events above, please contact lucy.p@sesc.info or call Lucy on 01924 241330. Alternatively, log on to the events diary at www.sesc.info for the latest events across West Yorkshire.


WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS!

Do you need to:

ATL and its Partners would like to invite you to the following inspirational events:

CONNECTING ENTERPRISING WOMEN

The first in a series of networking opportunities delivered by Interculture (UK) Ltd. This event is aimed at the Women in Business organisers and developers of key events for entrepreneurial women in the Yorkshire region.

Key Speakers Include:

Venue: Bretton Hall, Wakefield

Date: Monday 11th June 2007, 9.30am - 4.30pm

Price £120.00 (includes buffet lunch, drinks reception and performance)

Booking Form at: www.interculture.org.uk.

Payment by Invoice, Cash and Cheque


MOVING ON UP!

For all Women Entrepreneurs wanting to develop their business to the next stage!

Camidge & Co Solicitors and Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers are delighted to invite Sayka Akhtar from Yorkshire Forward and Zainab Yasmeen from ATL (Yorkshire) Ltd as guest speakers to provide you with insights and to share their experience of developing a business to the next level. The event aims to provide you with assistance on what pitfalls to avoid and what assistance you need in order to become more competitive and sustain longevity within your market.

Venue: The Ball Room, Three Albion Place, Leeds LS1

Date: Wednesday 13th June 2007, 5.30 pm – 8.00pm

Cost: £10 per head, includes buffet and drinks

Prizes: There will be prizes on the night, which include 3 one-hour mentoring sessions by Global Synergy Solutions.

To reserve a place, please send a cheque made payable to Camidge & Co Solicitors for the attention of Rashmi Dubé at 13-14 Park Place, Leeds, LS1 2SJ

Alternatively you can contact Fizzah Akhtar on: FREE PHONE 0800 587 5874 or
EMAIL info@atlenterprise.co.uk or FAX 01274 735944


The Green Conference

In the Business of Climate Change 2007

Tuesday 26th June 9am

Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford

ATL (Yorkshire) Ltd would like to invite you to 'The Green Conference – In the Business of Climate Change’. This is a FREE conference supported by Yorkshire Forward and Business Link West Yorkshire.

The Conference

The Conference will provide delegates with an exclusive opportunity to focus sharply on the impact of climate change on businesses, especially in terms of risks, opportunities, and adaptation; as well as provide more specific examples of new business opportunities. Its primary objective is to educate and inform businesses about climate change and the risks and opportunities it presents with a focus on the practical issues facing businesses.

The event will feature keynote presentations from the Yorkshire Forward, workshop sessions on the six themes below, and the conference will showcase a beautifully stunning paintings and drawings that illustrate the impact of climate change by using inspiring images from Mahmood Manning. There will also be an opportunity to network and partake in food and refreshments.

Did you know?

Conference Agenda

  1. KEY NOTE ADDRESS: Introduction to Climate Change – Mike Smith, Head of Sustainable development, Yorkshire Forward
  1. VIDEO PRESENTATION: An Inconvenient Truth An award winning presentation by the former Vice President Al-Gore
  1. WORKSHOPS:
    1. Workshop A: Practical Steps to Address Climate Change in Your Business – by Business in the Community
    1. Workshop B: Environmental Business Imperative - Legislation - by Environment Agency
    1. Workshop C: Business Opportunities from Climate Change and Waste Management – by Why Waste
    1. Workshop D: Waste Minimization and Resource Efficiency – Profit through Efficiency – by Envirowise
    1. Workshop E: How Businesses can adapt to the Unavoidable Impacts of Climate Change - by UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)
    1. Workshop F: Environmental Action … Everybody’s Business – by People Profit Planet
  1. KEY NOTE ADDRESS: Taking Action – Best Practice Examples

Register to attend

Please complete and return the Booking form as soon as possible - places are limited. For details or information please contact Maxine Muff or Ayub Ismail.

Click here to download Booking form

Click here to download the Conference brochure

Alternatively you can contact us by: FREE PHONE 0800 587 5874 or EMAIL info@atlenterprise.co.uk or FAX 01274 735944


OVER 50 and AT A CROSSROADS IN LIFE?

HOW ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF?

Then come to a FREE workshop run by PRIME

St Richards Church, Kentmere Avenue,

Leeds, LS14 1BX

Tuesday 26th June

9.30 am to mid afternoon

FREE LUNCH PROVIDED

For more information on the event and to book ring Faye on 0800 783 1904.

Or visit our website www.primeinitiative.org.uk for general information



Network Chinwag

Following the success of our inaugural meeting on March 1st this year, we are having our second NETWORK CHINWAG on THURSDAY, JUNE 14th 2007, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, midway between Leeds and Manchester.


Since the first event, we a pleased to report that quite a bit of business has been done between those some of those organisations that attended.


This time the doors are being thrown open a bit wider with more people from Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester and Bradford being invited following enquiries from those areas.


Another, potentially important, development has been interest by United Co-operatives in helping fund the development of a fully interactive, state-of-the-art members website. With a bit of luck, we should have good news about this before the next meeting.


I am also interested in hearing from anyone who would be able to help organise things in the future. It wouldn't be a big deal, maybe meeting up once between events for a beer and a natter, but it would be good to bounce around some ideas about the website, future events and generally how things should be done going forward.


So, if you fancy meeting up with some like-minded people and would like to find out more about this particular event or want to register, please visit ethicalbiz.net


Skills

Gain a FREE Level 3 certificate in Coaching!

Are you interested in being a business mentor?

Are you an experienced social enterprise practitioner that would like to develop your skills of coaching and mentoring?

We are running a Level 3 Certificate in Coaching which aims to develop people to provide coaching to others. The programme has two primary objectives and is run over four days, it includes:

The focus of the programme is on enabling each participant to develop new skills and techniques that can be immediately applied in their day-to-day work

Visit our website to see the full course outline.

If you have any other queries, please contact Rachel Oddie, Enterprise Network Manager on 01924 241330 or email rachel.oddie@sesc.info.

You must be available to attend on all four days of the course:

Group One: 5th July, 6th July, 1st August and 24th September at the Host Media Centre, Leeds.

Group Two: 12th July, 13th July, 2nd August and 27th September at the Thornbury Centre, Bradford

Download the Coaching Booking Form Here and return today to secure your place!



Gain a FREE Level 3 Certificate in Project Management

Managing projects efficiently is a vital aspect in running a successful social enterprise. Therefore the Social Enterprise Support Centre is running an accredited course in Project Management that will help you to develop the skills to manage a project effectively. The course is being delivered by Wakefield College and is funded by Learning and Skills Council, in partnership with Social Enterprise Link.

The ASET Level 3 Certificate in Project Management is a qualification accredited under the National Qualifications Framework designed to further enhance the development of those working in the third sector who are managing community projects.

The qualification aims to provide participants with an understanding of the principles of project management and covers the following areas.:

Visit our webiste to see the full course outline

You must be available to attend on all five days of the course;

Group Two: 3rd September, 10th September, 17th September, 24th September and 1st October at Batley Business and Technology Centre, Batley

Group Three: 12th September, 19th September, 26th September, 3rd October and 10th October at Thornbury Centre, Bradford.

Download the Project Management Booking form here and return today to secure your place!



Recruitment of external facilitators for Consortium Development Funds (CDF) assessments


Capacitybuilders wishes to recruit people to be trained as facilitators in the use of the Capacitybuilders toolkit for assessment of consortium development [based on previous DEFRA funded version]. Facilitators can be from VCS organisations or individuals recently employed within the sector or currently working part-time with time to work more hours. There is a flat rate of £250 per day per person which for those in employment would be to reimburse
organisations for loss of staff time.

This is a good development opportunity for staff who would bring skills back into their organisation. The work would ideally suit people who currently work in some capacity around performance e.g. funding advice, financial management, human resource support and advice, partnership development, quality standards, etc. To select the most appropriate people we would like all interested individuals to submit their CV and a supporting statement (no longer than one side of A4) on their suitability for the posts based on the person specification in the attachment.


Safeguarding Children

One Day Safeguarding Course

This unaccredited course gives an overview of the issues you need to consider to safeguard children by looking at the health and safety of children’s activities as well as identifying and reporting abuse.

Course Dates:

4 Day Safe and Sound Course

This accredited course looks at a range of issues that affect a child’s welfare including Behaviour Management, Managing Volunteers, Promoting Diversity, Risk Assessment and Child Protection. Accreditation is through Open College at Levels 2 & 3.

These courses are aimed at any group that has contact with children, however infrequent, and is just as suitable for sports groups and community groups as it is for childcare organisations.

Course Dates

September 11th, 12th, 25th and 26th at Thornbury Centre, Bradford

To book your place on either course contact Voluntary Action Kirklees on 01484 518457 or email: info@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk



Would you like to improve how you communicate?

Learn a practical process for communicating effectively and compassionately in stressful situations in your home, work and community.

Nonviolent Communication Foundation Training: Friday 15th and Saturday 16th June, Leeds

Ledby Penny Vine, certified trainer in NVC andRachel Barraclough

This training in “Nonviolent CommunicationSM” (NVC):

Fees
£130 for individuals(negotiable for those prevented from coming for individual reasons)

For more Information and to book contact: Penny Vine Tel: 0113 2261829 or email penny@vine16.freeserve.co.uk

Nonviolent communication is used in more than 30 countries in homes, companies, schools, prisons, charities, health care settings, social services, counselling and peace work with people of all ages. The Center for Nonviolent Communicationtm is a global organisation helping people connect compassionately with themselves and one another.


Arts Award - Adviser Training

The Arts Award is a new accredited programme which recognises young people’s development as young artists and young arts leaders. It works for young people of all interests and abilities, and leads to qualifications at Bronze (NQF Level 1), Silver (NQF Level 2) and Gold (NQF Level 3). The Arts Award is run through a partnership between Arts Council England, Trinity Guildhall and Canon UK, and is supported in the Yorkshire and Humber region by CapeUK.

A one day adviser training event is to be held in your area on 14th June 2007 in Halifax

For further information - or to book your place on the course - please visit:

www.artsaward.org.uk


Building 4 Success

How we can help you to help young people

Building 4 Success is looking for suitable community based organisations who have projects young people can help with or employers who would be able to give a young person a second chance and maybe grow their own apprentice! After a two week induction, which includes formal training on CIEH Health and Safety, Manual Handling, Ladder Safety and First Aid, young people will spend a total of 30 hours per week, working with a community project or employer including a day of support in centre with us. Building 4 Success provides all Health and Safety PPE. All they ask is that you can provide and healthy and safe workplace environment and the materials to do they job. They do the rest.

For more information download the PDF flyer for employers and community organisations here.

If you would like to see the Frequently Asked Questions, download the PDF here.


Finance

£1m funding for forty additional Community Engagement Projects

Health minister Rosie Winterton announced on 23rd May that the Department of Health will have available £1m of funding to deliver forty additional community engagement projects to build stronger links between local mental health services and BME communities. The community engagement projects aim to work with BME communities and services to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce fear, provide better support for patients and their carers and improve understanding of BME communities' needs from services. This project forms part of the government Delivering Race Equality action plan.

The programme has already been enjoying success with forty projects already underway. A good example is the African Caribbean Community Initiative in Wolverhampton which has worked African and African Caribbean women service users to identify key issues affecting their mental health.

For further information about the project use the following link:

It appears as if guidance, deadlines etc are yet to be announced.



Small Projects Fund

The small projects fund is designed to encourage local groups and organisations to deliver key district wide targets by designing local solutions for local needs. The Local Area Agreement (LAA) for Bradford has a set of priorities for achieving genuinely sustainable communities across the whole district.

For more information and eligibility, down load the Small Projects Fund Key Information here.

Girlington, Heaton and Manningham Council of Churches “The Ark” Charity Shop Grants

As part of its work and outreach, the Council of Churches is the support organisation for the Charity Shop run by volunteers and known as:-

The Ark

89 Heights Lane, BRADFORD, BD9 6DU, Tel: 01274 488994
Charity No: 1023863

Applications for grants from the Ark are invited within the following criteria:

  1. Funds shall be allocated only to projects (church based or otherwise) within the geographical boundaries of the Council of Churches, for the benefit of the people living within the area irrespective of denomination or creed.
    This is in accordance with Clause 4 of the GHMCC constitution, in particular the phrase “serve the community more effectively”.

  2. Consideration will be given to all projects, including those for children, young people, the elderly, the disabled and ethnic minorities.

  3. Funds can be allocated for capital equipment, for one-off events or for on-going projects, but not for specifically religious purposes, salaries or normal running costs. It should not be assumed that a grant awarded one year or period will be matched for succeeding applications.

  4. Applications for funds should be made on the form which is available at The Ark, and sent to the address given on the form. Completed forms must be received by 28th February or 30th September. The maximum amount of any grant is £500. The decision of the Trustees shall be final.

  5. Grants will not be given retrospectively.

For further information, download the complete word document here



Vacancies

Project Manager - New Construction Consortium

c. £27,000 - Huddersfield based

Construction United (Kirklees) Community Interest Company

is dedicated to supporting local small and medium sized construction businesses (SMEs) where the emphasis is on social enterprise.

This new post is the key role for launching the company and working with SMEs to set up and manage the consortium.

Key tasks include tendering for construction work, co-ordinating and administering construction contracts. Strategic support and management will be provided by the Directors.

You will be a “hands-on” manager with construction experience and broad business skills including estimating, contract management and purchasing, and excellent customer care. A strong commitment to achieving the aims of this ‘not for profit’ consortium is essential.

Please call Paul Webb on 01484 223845 for further information.

Apply by sending your CV with a supporting letter to:

Construction United (Kirklees) Community Interest Company
c/o Unit 5, Gatehouse Enterprise Centre
Albert Street, Lockwood
HUDDERSFIELD HD1 3QD Closing date: 15th June 2007


Tender Opportunities

A variety of Tender Opportunities suitable for the sector are regularly updated at www.sesc.info by Social Enterprise Adviser (Contracting) David Morrissey.

Sign up to receive FREE Tender Alert Newsletters at www.sesc.info to get the latest tenders straight to your inbox! If you are already receiving this newsletter you can add Social Enterprise Link’s Tender Alerts to your subscription list. For more information and to alter your subscription preferences, please contact Lucy Piatkowski on 01924 241330 or email lucy.p@sesc.info

Supplier and Contract Management System (SCMS)

SCMS is a web based system which has three fundamental modules;

  1. Supplier Management
  2. Tender Management
  3. Contract Management

Councils across Yorkshire & Humber to promote electronic communication within the procurement sector.

The system will provide a single database to hold information about each member council’s contracts and suppliers. In theory this should mean that if you register via this system to become a preferred supplier then you can bid for work with all the 22 councils in the Yorkshire & Humber region.

SCMS SYSTEM FEATURES

BENEFIT FOR SUPPLIERS

BENEFITS FOR BUYERS

Visit http://scms.alito.co.uk today and register to make procurement for your organisation easier!

For help and support with Procurement, contact Social Enterprise Adviser (Contracting) David Morrissey at david.morrissey@sesc.info or call 07913 203086.



GOOD NEWS for contracting!

Selling Added Value: Unlocking the potential of social enterprises

There is a lot of talk about Social Enterprises getting more work in the public sector because of the way they deliver and the extra outcomes they provide. But we have not been able to prove it well enough to those responsible for awarding contracts. Tying added value to public sector targets is of real interest to commissioners and procurers now.

SELLING ADDED VALUE is a tool designed to do just that – demonstrate your added value to those responsible for awarding contracts in terms that they will recognise and want to buy.

“Using highly effective delivery methods, the “Selling Added Value” programme has been invaluable in enabling us to demonstrate the additional benefits that contracting with our social enterprise brings. The training used a methodology that we could apply to all areas of our business and, crucially focused on working from the perspective of the potential customer. I highly recommend it to any social enterprise.” Course attendee



Last few places available for June/July in Leeds visit www.sellingaddedvalue.co.uk for more information

Download, complete and return the booking form and eligibility form today!


Selling Added Value Booking Form for Leeds


Selling Added Value Eligibility Form



Useful Info


Charity Technology Exchange


This programme currently distributes Microsoft and Cisco product donations to the UK charity sector via the on-line CTX Shop. The products include operating system software, productivity software such as Microsoft Office, publishing software, server software and hardware products. Visit today!