Open consultation Consultation - Definition of Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland

Summary

The Department for the Economy is seeking views on a definition framework for social enterprises in Northern Ireland. This is a proposed new policy approach, with potential to be adopted by government departments in the delivery of funding support to the sector.

Differentiation of social enterprises from organisations across the wider social economy and community sector has been challenging to date. A definition is necessary so that dedicated funding pots available to support and grow the social enterprise sector are targeted correctly.

Documents

• Consultation document - A Definition of Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (3 MB)
• Table - A Definition of Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (991 KB)
• Glossary - Social Enterprise Definition Framework Microsoft Word (17 KB)
• Consultation Response Form Microsoft Word (34 KB)
• Privacy Notice Microsoft Word (68 KB)
• S75 Screening Microsoft Word (71 KB)

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Consultation description

Since 2024 a cross departmental Social Enterprise Policy Group has worked with DfE to draft a series of criteria to reflect the different stages a social enterprise organisation may go through during its development and growth, which has resulted in a draft three-tier framework.  The structure is adapted from Laura Krominga’s ‘Criteria to define a Social Enterprise’ developed initially for use in Berlin.  Engagement with social enterprise organisations, departments’ Arms-Length Bodies, social enterprise support and wider departmental officials led to its evolution in its current form.

The consultation questions aim to determine whether the three-tier framework:

• contains the most effective criteria by which an organisation can define its entity;
• can clearly differentiate the various organisations in the social economy sector;
• uses realistic income and profit percentages to disaggregate charitable and trading businesses; and
• can effectively guide future use.

We ask that as far as possible responses are completed through Citizen Space.  However, if you are unable to respond via Citizen Space, please download the Consultation Response Form and return it by email or post.

Three information sessions have been scheduled to support the consultation exercise.  Those wishing to attend the events should select the appropriate link from the list below and complete the details required.

• 12 November 2025: Limavady
• 19 November 2025: Online
• 24 November 2025: Dungannon