Social enterprise development officer
A social enterprise is a business with a social purpose.
The term embraces anything from housing associations and development trusts to healthy living projects or community cafés. The role of the social enterprise development officer is to nurture business ideas to fruition, advising on topics such as creating business plans, raising finance, marketing and liaising with public bodies.
Did you know?
A 2007 YouGov poll found that over 60% of the British public would prefer their local services to be run by a social enterprise - instead of the government, private profit businesses or traditional charities.
Facts and Figures
- Starting salary:
Social enterprise development officers at a regional development agency might earn £15,323, but salaries are lower than this in social enterprises themselves.
- Senior level salary:
Up to £30,000.
- Education:
No degree is required. Social enterprise development officers need a combination of training and experience.
- Skills:
This role would suit a community activist, community development worker, or an experienced member of a co-operative or social enterprise. A commitment to working in a co-operative or socially responsible environment is essential. The ability to listen and communicate is important, to help social entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. Previous business experience is an advantage, although not essential.
- Likely employer type:
Co-operatives, not-for-profit businesses, local authorities and regional development agencies.
- Opportunities:
The Social Enterprise Coalition reports that with an ever increasing number of social enterprises being launched, the demand for social enterprise development officers is growing in the regional development, voluntary and local government sectors, as well as among social enterprises themselves. It was estimated in 2006 that there were 55,000 social enterprises in the UK, with a combined turnover of £27 billion.
Meet a social enterprise development officer
Helpful links
- Co-operative Assistance NetworkA good source of information
- Social Enterprise CoalitionRepresents social enterprises in the UK
- RISESupports social enterprises in southwest England
