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RenSEN Newsletter - 07 November

Contents

Click the heading to jump to the relevant section

Social Enterprise News 

RenSEN Network
Studio FV Offer
Sharing Success
RenSEN – Upcoming Network Meetings
Dates for your diary
What’s Your Ask? What’s Your Offer 
Partners Wanted

Support and Training
Social Enterprise Learning
Social Enterprise Support…Bidding for contracts
Social Enterprise – Online Learning
Starting a social enterprise? – Learning webinars for Start-ups
Social Enterprise – Online resources for staff development
Online resources…Working with communities
Online resources…Carbon Reduction / Net Zero
Social Enterprise – Online resources for monitoring and evaluation
Social Enterprise…Other Sources of Funding
Social Enterprise…Sources of Support
Social Enterprise…Thematic Networks and Forums
Business Essentials / Signposting

Community Benefits
NHS Community Benefits Portal
Community Benefits project based wish list

Social Enterprise News

  • Concerned about the long-term sustainability of your organisation? – Just Enterprise has a new programme commencing 11 January to 21 March which will help you to review your organisation’s operational and financial sustainability.  This programme is for senior leaders.  Full details can be found here.
  • Buy Social Campaign – If you would like to have your organisation added to Social Enterprise Scotland’s Winter gifting campaign, email buysocial@socialenterprise.scot.  To find out more about the campaign, visit the website: buysocialscotland.com
  • Looking to connect with Corporates? – The Purchase Power Programme is designed for social enterprises in Scotland.  The programme will be delivered over monthly sessions starting in November culminating in a three-day corporate matchmaking style bootcamp in February 2024.  Watch this video to find out more.  Places are limited so apply by 08 November. 
  • SCDC is working with DTAS to host local events across Scotland, as well as three national webinars to assist communities using the self-facilitation guide and consultation engagement funding to make their views known. You can view the video from the first webinar here. 
  • Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme – The 6th round of this programme opened on 24 October.  £14m is available for charities and community energy groups to apply for grants through four funding streams. The website indicates: Projects will be considered that focus on supporting households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills, the development of innovative products and services related to domestic energy use or carbon emissions reduction projects across England, Scotland and Wales. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 14th November 2023.
  • Steps to Net Zero – Just Enterprise has released a recording of their Steps to Net Zero webinar.  You can stay uptodate by joining their Net Zero mailing list and find out.
  • Growing Climate Confidence Scorecard - This tool is designed to help organisations assess their Net Zero journey.  On completion of the score card, you’ll receive a bespoke list of practical action points based on your answers and links to the funding and support you might need to make the suggested changes. 
  • Looking to develop a greenspace? – Greenspace Scotland’s Source Book contains ideas to help use our greenspace more.

 

Studio FV Offer

During November and December StudioFV would like to offer RenSen members a promotional marketing package for their organisation. This limited time offer would cover: 
 
- All pre and post production activities
- 1 full day of filming with crew, direction and interviewer
- Editing and sound production 
- Colour grading and final touches
- An output of a 1.30 minute video covering a subject of the clients choice 
- A piece of digital design for social media/websites 
 
- Total cost = £990.00
 
Anyone who books with us in November or December can choose to have their work carried out before or after Christmas, up until March 2024.
 
To speak to us about this offer you can get in touch with Lou at: Lou.taylor@studiofv.co.uk or admin@studiofvco.uk.

 

Sharing Success

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

 

RenSEN – Upcoming Network Meetings
30 November - Station Seve, Johnstone 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Festive edition!

 

Dates for your diary
08 November – Ethical fundraising and problematic philanthropy Talk with Q&A (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply

 

What’s Your Ask? What’s Your Offer 
We’re updating the list of Asks and Offers.  However, you can still view the current list by visiting the Engage Renfrewshire website

To have your Ask/Offer added or updated, please contact Iain Cunningham (Engage Renfrewshire) or Tania Morlan (Renfrewshire Council) and we’ll include it on the listing. 

 

Partners Wanted 
Are you looking to collaborate with other organisations? Why not use this space to connect with potential project partner organisations!

 

 

Social Enterprise Learning 

Social Enterprise Learning Webinars (for social enterprises at all stages)

Enhancing Digital Skills
09 November – Podcasting for beginners (online / Business Gateway)
21 November – Practical tips for digital marketing in Tourism (online / Business Gateway)
29 November – Writing for the web (online / Just Enterprise)
06 December – Intro to Digital Marketing (online / Just Enterprise)
Other links and resources
Social media for business (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Producing engaging digital content (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Digital marketing strategy (online tutorial / Business Gateway)


Governance & Leadership
Commencing 15  November – Senior Leaders (online and in-person / Just Enterprise)
Commencing 30 November – CEOs (online and in-person / Just Enterprise)
04 December -  Strategic planning for social enterprises (online / Just Enterprise)
06 December – Trustees Roles and responsibilities with Gillespie Macandrew (online / SCVO)
Other links and resources
Ongoing - Leadership coaching sessions (online / Social Enterprise Academy)
Employee wellbeing (online tutorial / Business Gateway)


Social Enterprise Essentials
14 November – How to learn from mistakes (online / SCVO)
14 and 16 November – Workshop 1: Getting started: Outcomes and indicators (online / Evaluation Support Scotland)
14 and 15 November – Developing a fundraising strategy (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
17 November – How to create an authentic mission-led brand (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
21 and 23 November – Workshop 2: Make to measure: Evaluation methods and plans (online / Evaluation Support Scotland)
22 November – Writing a successful funding application (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
28 and 30 November – Workshop 3: Telling my story (online / Evaluation Support Scotland) Fees apply
28 – 29 November – Developing a fundraising strategy (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
05 December – Creating time for creativity and innovation (online / SCVO)
05 and 07 December – Measuring social impact (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
07 December – Comms and marketing made easy (online / SCVO) Fees apply
12 December - Creating an theory of change (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
23 January 2024 – Introduction to data protection and GDPR (online / SCVO) Fees apply
31 January 2024 – Writing a successful funding application (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
06 and 07 February 2024 – Getting started with fundraising (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
19 February 2024 – Plan, measure and report social impact (online / SCVO) Fees apply
05 and 06 March 2024 – Developing a fundraising strategy (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
12 March 2024 – Social enterprise legal structures (online / Just Enterprise)
20 March 2024 – Writing a successful funding application (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
Other links and resources 
Contingency planning (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Bringing your idea to life (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Marketing (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Renting business premises (online guide / Business Gateway)
Choosing business premises (online guide / Business Gateway)
Market research for start-ups (video / Just Enterprise)
Which policies do you need (video for start-ups / Just Enterprise)
An introduction to branding (for start-ups) (video / Just Enterprise)
Developing your brand story (PDF / Social Enterprise Academy)

Business Planning
13 November – Introduction to business planning (online / Just Enterprise)
Pre-recorded Tutorials
Business planning (online tutorial / Business Gateway)
Boost your opportunities with a sustainability strategy (Blog / Supplier Development Programme

Income Generation/Procurement
14 November – Working with the public sector (online / Supplier Development Programme)
15 and 22 November – How to win contracts and service level agreements (online / SCVO) Fees apply
20 November – Charity trading (online / Just Enterprise)
22 November – How to find and bid for opportunities on Public Contract Scotland (PCS) (online / Supplier Development Scotland)
29 November – Establishing a trading subsidiary (online / Just Enterprise)
30 November – Getting Tender Ready – The Checklist (online / Supplier Development Programme)
24 January 2024 – Finding new customers and making more sales (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
01 – 02 February 2024 – Building trading income (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
27 February and 06 March 2024 – How to win contracts and service level agreements (online / SCVO) Fees apply
06 March 2024 – How to find and bid for opportunities using Public Contract Scotland (PCS) (online / Supplier Development Scotland)
24 April 2024 – Finding new customers and making more sales (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
Other links and resources
Trading online – What you need to know (online guide / Business Gateway)
Routes to market for goods/services provided by Supported Businesses (Article / Supplier Development Programme)
Creating a Single Procurement Document on PCS (video / Supplier Development Scotland)
Public Contract Scotland User Guides can be found here
How do I get selected for a Quick Quote (PDF guide / Supplier Development Scotland)
What is a supplier alert profile? (PDF guide / Supplier Development Scotland)
Supplying to the public sector (PDF guide / Supplier Development Scotland)


Business Finance
Other links and resources
Increase your profitability - (online guide / Business Gateway)

 

 

Social Enterprise Support…Bidding for contracts

 

Social Enterprise – Online Learning

If you’re not available to attend workshops and webinars during the daytime, then the following e-learning opportunities may be of interest.  The following courses can be undertaken at your own pace and at a time to suit you!

  • E-learning for established social enterprises - Online learning at your own pace from Just Enterprise.  Complete at your own pace (over an 8-week period).  Programmes include: ‘Measuring Social Impact’ and ‘Tendering for Contracts’.  Full details can be found here.
  • E-learning for Leaders / Exploring My Leadership – The aim of this self-directed Just Enterprise programme is to support those in leadership roles within organisations to develop their leadership skills and better understand their leadership style.  The cost of the course is free to participants.
  • E-learning for Trustees / SCOPE – The SCOPE e-learning platform is designed specifically for trustees, volunteers and staff of voluntary organisations and aims to provide the ‘knowledge and skills you need to run your small voluntary organisation’.  The platform allows you to learn at your own pace.  There are five e-modules available with each module taking between 40 to 80minutes to complete.  Full details can be found on SCVO’s website
  • Developing leadership practice in voluntary organisations – This is a free self-directed learning course offered by the Open University.  Full details can be found here

 

Starting a social enterprise? – Learning webinars for Start-ups

13 November – Introduction to business planning (online / Just Enterprise)
13 November – Social business modelling and scaling (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs)
04 December – Self-employment tool-kit (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs) Fees apply
15 January 2024 – Social business modelling and scaling (online / School for Social Entrepreneurs)
22 February 2024– Finance workshop for start-ups (in-person Glasgow / Just Enterprise)
22 February 2024 – Cashflow tutorial for start-ups (in-person Glasgow / Just Enterprise)
20 March 2024 – Tutorial: Board skills audit (online / Just Enterprise)

Firstport Start-up Support – Looking for advice to start your social enterprise? Check out Firstport support programmes or take their quiz to find out where to start.

E-learning for start-ups / Steps to Start-Up programme – This online Just Enterprise course is aimed at start-up social entrepreneurs/ There are eight modules for you to complete at your own pace (total time commitment is 8 hours).  Topics include how to: test your idea, design your business model, successfully launch your new social enterprise. Places on the course are fully funded (therefore no cost to participants).  There’s also a short video about the course on the Just Enterprise webpage.  Booking details can be found here.

 

Online resources for staff development

 

Online resources…Working with communities

 

Online resources…Carbon Reduction / Net Zero

  • Growing Climate Confidence – A website designed for third sector organisations to learn about the climate crisis and discover actions and funding you can take to address it.  Take their online Scorecard or find relevant funding and support.
  • NetZeroToolkit – Free to use, the NetZeroToolkit allows business to focus systematically on reducing their CO2 emissions

 

Online resources for monitoring and evaluation

  • The National Lottery Community Fund has gathered learning from their funding programmes and produced online resources to help organisations evaluate their project activity. 
  • Evaluation Support Scotland – Provides information on how to evaluate the impact of your activities.  You’ll find a range of online resources including evaluation templates here.

 

Other Sources of Funding
 

  • Community Ownership Fund – To watch a webinar recording about the recent changes to the Community Ownership Fund, click here.
  • Community Heat Development Programme - This is Scottish Government funded initiative
  • Social Investment – Find out whether your organisation is ready for social investment via this online readiness checker from Social Investment Scotland
  • Accelerate – Launched by Community Enterprise, this programme provides ‘free business and organisational support targeted at third sector organisations and community groups who are not trading’.  Click on the hyperlink to submit an expression of interest 
  • Catalyst Fund – The Catalyst Fund is a joint venture between Firstport and Social Enterprise Scotland and offers loans starting at £50,000 to support ambitious social enterprises to start and scale their businesses through social investment.  You can find more information here
  • Growth Impact Fund – Partners Big Issue and Unltd have created this fund to support business and entrepreneurs to grow their impact and sales.
  • Inclusive Programme - CEIS and Interface have come together in a unique partnership to deliver their ‘Inclusive Programme’ to support societal and environmental change through third sector organisations.  You can find out more via the hyperlink
  • Investing in Enterprise Fund – This programme is delivered by Foundation Scotland and offers a blend of grant and loan investment 
  • Social Enterprise Net Zero Transition Fund – is designed to support social enterprises and the wider third sector to make the transition to carbon net zero.  Full details can be found via the above hyperlink
  • Social Investment Scotland – Offering social investment from £10k to £1.5m.
  • Community Shares Scotland – Support to develop community business.  Find out how community members can buy shares in enterprises providing goods / services which meet their needs
  • Creative Scotland – Grant fund programmes
  • Social Enterprise Scotland’s – Check the Social Investment and Funding webpage
  • Funding Scotland – Search the database for current funding opportunities
  • Foundation Scotland – Search their  online funding hub
  • Let’s Do Net Zero Community Buildings Fund – Grant funding up to 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £80,000 to help community organisations reduce their building energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Sources of Support

  • Engage Renfrewshire Training Calendar has links to other sources of training and support for new start social enterprises 
  • Just Enterprise - Subscribe to Just Enterprise and be the first find out about Start-Up training and support
  • SCVO – The full training programme of free and fee-based webinars can be viewed here
  • Community Enterprise has produced The Social Enterprise Ecosystem Map which provides an overview of support available to social enterprises.  Scroll to end of document to view the full directory of support providers
  • SCVO Good Governance Checklist – Want to improve your organisation’s governance? SCVO’s Good Governance Check-up will show you how.  Watch this webinar (recorded as part of Trustees Week 2021) to find out more 
  • SCOPE – The SCOPE e-learning platform is designed specifically for trustees, volunteers and staff of voluntary organisations and aims to provide the ‘knowledge and skills you need to run your small voluntary organisation’.  The platform allows you to learn at your own pace.  There are five e-modules available with each module taking between 40 to 80minutes to complete.  Full details can be found on SCVO’s website
  • Exploring My Leadership – This self-directed learning programme has been developed by Just Enterprise.  The aim of the programme is to support those in leadership roles within organisations to develop their leadership skills and better understand their leadership style.  The cost of the course is free to participants
  • OSCR – The OSCR website has a range of online resources such as this PDF on Guidance and Good Practice for Charity Trustees
  • Introductory Guides – Topics include Committees, holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM), Constitutions etc. can be found on the Engage Renfrewshire website under ‘Toolkits and Guides’.
  • APT - Deliver training courses which ‘are available to any employer, of any size, based and/or operating in Scotland’.  Register with APT to receive updates.
  • Verification scheme for social enterprises – Full Details can be found via the link.

 

Social Enterprise…Thematic Networks and Forums

 

Business Essentials / Signposting

 

NHS Community Benefits Portal

We’re excited to inform you the NHS Scotland Community Benefits Gateway is now live. This initiative, in partnership with Public Health Scotland, is a key part of NHS Scotland’s work under Sustainability to ensure our commercial solutions fully embed sustainable, ethical and social values. The focus is that by 2025, NHS Scotland’s Procurement services will work together across Health Board’s for Scotland’s people, and a key initiative of this work is the Community Benefit Gateway. 

Through our easy to use online tool, we’ll work to match willing NHS Scotland suppliers with Scottish third sector organisations who are looking for assistance with a variety of needs.  We encourage you to promote the Community Benefits Gateway to your partners, invite them to join and upload needs to support communities across Scotland.  

Along with our easy to use digital gateway and website, we have developed a stakeholder toolkit (attached), with information and resources for you to use and share with your networks. Please share with your teams and encourage them to engage with the Community Benefits Gateway today!

 

Community Benefits project based wish list

Community benefits are built into the Council's procurement processes. They are designed to bring added value to communities when the Council tenders for a service.
Social, environmental and employability support can be provided by companies who have been awarded contracts over a certain amount with the Council, allowing them to give something back to the people of Renfrewshire directly.
This form gives Social Enterprise and enterprising community organisations the opportunity to submit requests for specific support through the Council's procurement processes.  Are you working on a project where you need support with any of the following,

  • professional services (architects, civil engineering etc)
  • trades (such as plumbing, electricians etc)
  • building materials for projects that you are working on

If so we can register your project on our database and put you forward for any upcoming CB awards. Click on link to open form, https://forms.office.com/r/J8FH2S4SVG

There is no guarantee that your request can be met within a certain timeframe, but please indicate if there is a particular urgency when completing the form.  
This form should take around 5 -10 minutes to complete.

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