Social Enterprise Mark counters the 'identity crisis'

Research just published by COI on behalf of the Office of the Third Sector (OTS), has revealed that misunderstanding and confusion are obstacles to the growth of the social enterprise sector. RISE would like to respond by welcoming the report because it mirrors the findings of our own consultation and feasibility stage work in developing the Social Enterprise Mark. Effectively, RISE research and OTS research have come to the same conclusion - that a social enterprise ‘identifier' is a critical part of the solution.

RISE presents the solution: the Social Enterprise Mark - its so much ‘more than a badge' and is the only social enterprise identifier to-date. It is an independently-assured brand for social enterprises that create a wider social or environmental impact. The brand values behind the Mark reflect those of social enterprises and the vision is to promote understanding on why its better to buy from social enterprises. The Social Enterprise Mark enables social enterprises to differentiate themselves, both from the charity sector (as highlighted in the report) and from corporate social responsibility (or greenwash). One of the most common reasons given by holders of the Social Enterprise Mark for signing up, is ‘to help our customers and other stakeholders understand that we are not a charity'.

RISE was pleased to demonstrate during a recent OTS visit from James Strachan (Deputy Director) and Liz Liston-Jones what we are achieving with the Social Enterprise Mark. Those present also included Lucy Findlay, Paula Howley (both from RISE), Kathy Baker (Social Firms UK) and Victoria Zastava (Social Enterprise Mark Independent Panel and South West Regional Development Agency), with these social enterprises speaking for themselves with OTS on how they view the importance of the Social Enterprise Mark: Bristol Wood Recycling, FRANK water and Watershed Media Centre. The discussions were followed by visits to Social Enterprise Mark holders: SOFA Project and Bristol Community Transport.

RISE has the backing of social enterprise networks in other English regions and a host of other national and international supporters, to expand the Social Enterprise Mark for the national market. Outside of this work, the Social Enterprise Coalition is investigating what the broader social enterprise sector stands for and how it promotes itself, as part of its own ‘identity project'.

To respond to the report recommendation that "the movement should do it for itself": RISE has done just this over the last 3 years, but now Government support to ensure national roll out is essential to ensure coherence and recognition. RISE has learned the importance of putting the customer view-point first. In the longer term, the Social Enterprise Mark will become a social enterprise in its own right - but in the short term it needs investment. RISE wants to work with partners to make this happen and we welcome more detailed discussions on how it can be built on. Email info@socialenterprisemark.co.uk with your comments.