DfE and the Social Economy
The Department for the Economy (DfE) leads on the development of social economy policy for Northern Ireland on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.
DfE's role in Social Economy
Developing the social economy sector has been a priority for the NI Executive for some time and the Executive is well aware of the important and unique contribution which the sector can and does make to the local economy.
DfE has always recognised the importance of supporting social enterprises and has responsibility for social economy policy on behalf of the NI Executive. The local councils have responsibility for social enterprise after it was transferred to them in 2015 as part of the Review of Public Administration. DfE also provides a grant to promote the social economy sector through the development and implementation of a Social Enterprise Work Programme (SEWP).
DfE and the NI Executive recognise that the social enterprise sector has been and continues to be absolutely vital in helping our society to get through some very recent difficult times and will have an important part to play in the recovery phase and the longer term building of a stronger NI economy.
Support for the Social Economy
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Social Enterprise Work Programme
DfE funds a Social Enterprise Work Programme (SEWP) which delivers strategic support to the social enterprise sector. The Work Programme is currently delivered on the Department’s behalf by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI).
SENI is the official membership body for social enterprises in Northern Ireland. They aim to strengthen and grow the social enterprise sector in NI and support businesses at all stages of their journey.
Co operative Support
DfE funds the Regional Co-operative Development Programme which delivers targeted support to both current and potential co-operatives. The Programme is currently delivered on the Department’s behalf by Co-operative Alternatives in collaboration with Trademark Belfast.
Co-operative Alternatives and Trademark Belfast work to strengthen and grow the co-operative sector in Northern Ireland by promoting democratic business models and providing education, support and development assistance to emerging and established co-operatives.
Defining Social Enterprise: DfE’s Consultation
The Department for the Economy is working to clarify what constitutes a social enterprise in Northern Ireland. Through a recent consultation, DfE aims to develop a clear definition and framework to help distinguish social enterprises from other organisations, ensuring targeted support and effective policy. This ongoing work will provide greater transparency for funders, policymakers, and the sector as a whole.
For more information and to view the consultation documents, visit the official DfE consultation page: DfE Social Enterprise Definition Consultation.