RenSEN Newsletter - 25 July

Social Enterprise News

Verification scheme for social enterprises – Here’s an extract from Social Enterprise Scotland’s webpage which explains more about the verification scheme: ‘Social Enterprise Scotland has partnered with SEWF to help social enterprises in Scotland become third-party verified. You can use this global social enterprise verification to prove your credentials’.  If you’re interested, there’s an information webinar taking place on 31 August at 2pm which explains more about this new opportunity.  Details can be found via the above link.

Reflections on the 2021-2024 Social Enterprise Action Plan – If you missed this discussion hosted by Social Enterprise Scotland, you’ll find a recording on the session here

APT - is ‘a group of organisations working together to design and deliver services that will improve and advance the prospects of disabled people who are looking to enter or sustain paid work.’  Periodically, APT deliver training courses which ‘are available to any employer, of any size, based and/or operating in Scotland. Most courses are held online via MS Teams or Zoom, depending on the training provider and unless highlighted as an in-person session’.  August and September courses are now fully booked – but waiting lists are in operation.  If you register an interest, you’ll receive updates.

SEN for Creatives – If you were a member of SENScot’s thematic network for social enterprise Creatives, then the network is now being hosted by the Creative Entrepreneurs Club.  Here’s the link to join.

Social Enterprise Support in Renfrewshire – Have you checked out the resources available for social enterprises on the Engage website? There’s information about: Community Benefits, Procurement, and if you’re looking to connect with RenSEN members, you’ll find details for RenSEN members.  If you’re organisation is not listed on the membership directory, you can add your details here

The UK Fund / The National Lottery Community Fund – Here’s an extract from the webpage which explains more about the fund: ‘We’ll fund ambitious projects that aim to create longer-term, transformational change.  We’ll take an equity-based approach to tackle inequality.  This means we’ll fund where there’s greatest need’.  Information webinars about this fund are currently fully booked, but a waiting list is in operation and new dates will be added.  

Environmental Grants - GCVS has developed a directory of funders which support environmental projects/activities.  Here’s the link to the webpage

Sharing Success

Brick Lane Music Academy CIC has been busy, growing their social enterprise with two new Board members to assist with the strategic direction of the organisation, two new posts funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, as well as preparing for a music event in October as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival!

Erskine Arts has also received a funding boost.  With support from the National Lottery Community Fund, the organisation has secured grant support for three years to enhance their portfolio of activities with young people.

Want to share a good news story? Contact Iain Cunningham or Tania Morlan and we’ll include it in the next RenSEN e-bulletin!

Upcoming Network Meetings

6.30pm - 8.30pm, 31 August - Loud n Proud, William Street, Paisley

In-person networking event with guest speaker Kim Wallace, Social Enterprise Scotland

Dates for your diary 

• 21 August – Heritage Trust Network is holding an in-person event in Glasgow.  This is an opportunity to connect with others working on heritage regeneration projects across Scotland.  Fees apply.
• 23 August – Financial Planning for Asset Transfer – This webinar looks at the financial planning process as part of Community Asset Transfer.  Session will be delivered by Community Ownership Support Service (COSS).
• 29 and 30 August – DTA Scotland Annual Conference 2023 – To mark their 20^th anniversary, DTAS will be holding this year’s conference in the Annie Lennox Building, Glasgow Caledonian University.  View the conference programme here
• 19 September – CARES Conference 2023: Renewable Action on renewable energy (in-person / Glasgow)
• 27 September – Community Energy Scotland Conference 2023 (in-person / Edinburgh)
• 07 and 08 November 2023 – SCVO’s The Gathering taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Community Benefits

Please find attached application form for 1 x £1500,  Financial Community Benefit grant available from:

Ayrshire Tree Surgeons

CLOSING DATE is Monday 31 July 2023 at 5pm.

The first 12 applications for all applications will be sent and processed by the contractor to select the successful applications.