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Latest Information > News
Getting Ready for that Local Authority Contract - The Findings SCEDU and Pelican have undertaken a contract for the Finance Hub on “Getting Ready for that Local Authority Contract”. The findings have now been published as online pdfs. The following documents have been produced:
The findings from this work are now available in the document bank
Get Ready. for that local authority contract A free event Thursday 14th February 09:30-14:00 As part of SCEDU's work with the Finance Hub we have developed benchmarks of success for organisations entering into the contracting process. The event will include:
Followed by a free lunch and opportunity to network. There is no charge for attending this event, however please register your intention to attend in advance: Register online now
2 Minutes Questionnaire Survey on Contracting We would like to here your experiences of local authority contracting. As part of SCEDU's work for the Finance Hub on "Get Ready for that Local Authority Contract" SCEDU has developed a quick questionnaire survey for you to give us your experiences of third sector organisations contracting with the public sector. The aim is to identify current and best practice in public sector contracting. In completing this questionnaire you will help us to assemble a firm evidence base that will inform the development of best practice information developed for the Finance Hub. Thank you for your assistance.
SCEDU win contract with Finance Hub on contracting and procurement SCEDU have won the contract to deliver the "Get ready for that local authority contract" project for the Finance Hub looking at contracting for third sector organisations. THE PROJECT: "The success rate of smaller voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises tendering for public services could be increased with improved information to plan for rapidly changing opportunities. This project aims to improve organisations' chances of knowing when they are ready to secure contracts, by enabling their self assessment against new pilot benchmarks and pricing of services. This will also indicate how organisations are contributing to local authority floor targets." Click here to read the full article
Social Impact Measurement
The SIM methodology has now been developed into an easy to use cd-rom. We now have a limited number of free cd-rom's available. Copies can be obtained from sdt@scedu.org.uk or call 0114 281 4168
Inside the social economy Case studies from England, Poland and Belgium have been produced. This includes social enterprise examples from across SEASY's trans-national partners. Themes include marketing, finance, strategic thinking, staff and structure. It is part of the European Enterprise Plus strand of SEASY. Copies can be collected from 53 Mowbray Street or downloaded here: (large file:8MB) www.mascottemusic.be/articles/english.pdf
Mowbray Street's BIG room reopens SCEDU's Mowbray Street complex is now back to normal after the flooding and we now have a new solid oak floor in the BIG room which is once again available for hire for conferences, meetings etc. The floor was laid just in time for the latest wedding reception to be held in the room. For more details on conference space, business units, or wedding packages please call Pat or Pauline on 0114 2812 222
Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit V2 Released Following the huge success of the original version of the Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit, SCEDU is pleased to announce the release of version 2. It is completely updated and now includes more supporting information around social enterprise and procurement as well as new tools. The Tender Readiness Toolkit is aimed primarily at organisations considering their long term future and looking at procurement and contracting as an option. It is unique in being a series of practical and useful tools to help your organisation plan its long term future. A bulk discount is available to assisting organisations that buy multiple copies of the toolkit to use with their clients. Different packages are available including mini-websites. Prices start from just £60. The Tender Readiness Toolkit V2 will be available to order from 25th June. Please contact sdt@scedu.org.uk, or 0114 281 4168 or order on line here.
South Yorkshire Meet the Buyer Event. 1st May 2007, Holiday Inn Royal Victoria, Sheffield. 10am-2pm. In order to deliver the UK Government's Sustainability Development Strategy, the public sector has been directed to emphasise the sustainability elements of procurement. Consequently the theme of the 2007 Meet the Buyer event will be sustainability. The South Yorkshire business community is invited to gain a better understanding of how the region's Local Authorities, their Strategic Partners and other key Public and Voluntary Sector organisations procure their goods and services. This half-day exhibition will provide an opportunity to discuss your specific requirements with procurement specialists from various public sector bodies. Over twenty exhibitors including procurement teams from each of the 4 Councils in South Yorkshire, Procurement Officers from other key Public Sector organisations across South Yorkshire including South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Sheffield University and Business Link South Yorkshire. To book visit here: http://www.scci.org.uk
Probation Services Fact Finding Event The probation service South Yorkshire is looking to diversify their supply chain, and engage with more 3rd sector organisations. Scedu will be holding a fact-finding event for people to find out more about the probation service's plans, on Tuesday 20th March 2007.
Sub-contracting opportunities The National Probation Service South Yorkshire is looking to increase the number of sub-contractors who provide services for them in the sub-region. There will be a wide range of opportunities across the four South Yorkshire boroughs, including Unpaid Work (Community Service) contracts for the provision of work placements for individual or groups of offenders. There are also opportunities for the provision of services which address the offending related needs of offenders and provide constructive opportunities for them to engage with communities. The Probation Service South Yorkshire is keen to hear from community sector organisations and social enterprise who would like to offer sub-contracting services. The probation service has asked Scedu to collect and collate the interested parties so that further information and opportunities can be circulated. To register your interest please contact sdt@scedu.org.uk or phone 0114 281 4168
Meet the Buyer of Day Support Services The tendering process for Day Support Services for older people with Sheffield City Council will start soon. The commissioners of this service are keen to engage social enterprises in this process, and are open to innovative ways of delivering the contract. A meet the buyer event will be held at SADACCA on Wednesday 14th February at 1.30pm. To download the flyer click here.
Voice 07 Social Enterprise Conference Fresh from a visit to Scedu's Mowbray street facilities for the South Yorkshire Key Funds APM the previous week, ED Milliband, Minister for the Third Sector opened the national social enterprise conference held in Manchester on 24th January. Click here to read the full article
Tender Readiness Toolkit Feedback Scedu are in the process of reviewing the Tender Readiness Toolkit, and its impact. It has now been taken up across the country and we are eager to hear your thoughts on it. If you have used this please leave feedback here: http://www.scedusolutions.org.uk/feedback.html
South Yorkshire Procurement Task Group As part of Scedu's work around access to procurement opportunities for Social Enterprises this task group was established back in March 2006. South Yorkshire public sector procurement departments, CVS's and Social Enterprise support organisations meet regularly as The South Yorkshire Procurement Task Group. Further details of this work are available here.
Social Enterprise Action Plan "Social enterprise action plan, Scaling new heights" was launched on Social Enterprise Day. More info is in the Scedu winter newsletter. The whole action plan can be downloaded here.
HM Treasury Pre Budget report A new Community Assets fund of £30million was part of the Treasury's Pre Budget report of the 6th December. Also included were environmental plans including an ambition for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016, with a time-limited stamp duty exemption for the vast majority of new zero-carbon homes. The full report is available here.
Sheffield Community Childcare Network (SCCN) leaflets Details about Scedu's childcare network SCCN can be downloaded here.
Holbrook Commerce Park - Starter units now ready to let The pioneering £2.5 million Holbrook Commerce Park has been officially opened, the four acre site has created almost 50,000 sq ft of new premises within the Holbrook Industrial Estate.
Possible Shopping Contract Opportunity Sheffield City Council has asked Scedu to assist them to investigate the possibility of a community enterprise providing a city wide shopping service. The service would be to a council determined list of 200+ users who require essential supplies purchasing and delivering to their homes. The parameters of the contract are not fixed at this stage, however, it may include all or some of the following; overall administration, purchasing of supplies, delivery of supplies to users homes, invoicing and payment collection, accountability to the council. The Council is in the process of carrying out a major review of the service and is keen to understand what community organisations can offer. There is no guarantee that a third sector company will get the contract, but this is an opportunity to be in at the design stage of a significant procurement contract. If you would like to discuss this possible opportunity in more detail, a factfinding event with representation from Sheffield City Council will be held in Scedu's big Room on the 15th November @ 1pm, lunch will be provided. Please confirm your place by email to sdt@scedu.org.uk
Social Enterprise Trailblazers The Department of Health's Social Enterprise Unit have announced a £1million investment for 'trailblazing social enterprises' nationally to explore innovative ways of providing health and social care. The £1m announced for social enterprise pathfinders this financial year is in addition to the White Paper commitment to establish a social enterprise fund from April 2007. The Department of Health is seeking to identify social enterprises that are interested in taking part in its pathfinder programme, leading the way in delivering innovative services. Pathfinders will be eligible to apply for financial support to help with set up costs and will have access to wider support, for example legal or business advice, and training. The learning from pathfinders will be shared across the health and social care sector. Interested Social Enterprises should complete the application template available here by the 28th November. http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/LettersAndCirculars/DearColleagueLetters/
Scedu Umbrellas Scedu umbrellas, as seen around the streets of South Yorkshire, are now available to order on-line. Available in a choice of full size golf, or mini size they can be ordered from here. 
http://www.scedu.org.uk/products.htm
Enterprise Week and Social Enterprise Day
Sheffield Enterprise Clusters (SEC) Leaflet Download the new SEC leaflet and find out more about SEC, how they can help you, and some case studies from their clients. (Download Flier)
Sheffield City Council Service Plans now available September saw another outcome of Scedu's work with the South Yorkshire Procurement Task Force. Sheffield City Council have now externalised their Service Plans for 2006-07. These were previously only available internally within SCC. For local Social Enterprises considering public sector contracting these service plans give details of the flow of planned work, project's budgets and priorities as well as levels of performance and contact details for departments such as Street Force, Parks and Country Side, Older People etc. They are available here (http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/policy--performance/service-plans-200607) follow the links on the main menu to the left to either of the following four sub-menus - Chief Executive, Development Environment and Leisure, Children and Young People, and Neighbourhood and Community Care.
Rotherham MBC announce £9.5million spend with third sector RMBC have announced initial results of analysis of their spend with the third sector. The figure of £9.5million represents 4.8% of core trade spend and follows Sheffield City Council's announcement of a £41 million spend (more details available here)
Social Enterprise in Primary and Community Care The Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt's pamphlet for the Social Enterprise Coalition sets out her ideas on social enterprise within health care. Also details on NHS Foundation Trusts, and their future with PCTs. http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/cms/documents/socialenterprise_primary_community_care.pdf
Scedu @ Footsey and the Northern Regeneration Conference Scedu will be exhibiting at both these conferences, so if you would like to find out more about Scedu, or come and meet us look out for our exciting blue and yellow balloon covered stand at these events! This year Footsey is on Thursday 19 October 2006 at York race course. The winners from SEYH's Social Enterprise Awards 2006 will be unveiled. For more info please visit: http://www.newstartmag.co.uk/footsey100/ The Northern Regeneration Conference is in its 2nd year and is on 24th-25 October at Magna in Rotherham with guest speakers Yvette Cooper MP (Minister for Housing and Planning) and John Healey MP (Financial Secretary to the Treasury). For more details:
Mowbray Street Unit, and conference facilities available Scedu's Mowbray Street managed workspace has one unit available. The 28 high quality business incubation units, are in a prestigious riverside location in Sheffield's sought after Kelham Island Industrial Heritage Quarter, and close to the City Centre. For more details visit: www.mowbraystreet.org.uk where you can also see the meeting space and conference facilities that are available for hire. Alternatively contact 0114 281 2222.
Kibuuka Ltd bring dried foods to Sheffield New Social Enterprise Kibuuka Ltd have been working with an agricultural community in Jali in Uganda to source dried organic fruits to sell within Sheffield. The food is all bought at fair trade prices, and is from farms that are Soil Association certified organic. The first fruit to be imported is solar dried pineapple. Samples have been tasted here at Scedu, and we think it's great. If you would like to get hold of some, or find out more please get in touch and we'll give you the details.
SEYH Social Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber is the regional voice for social enterprise. It now has a contract in place with Yorkshire Forward for promoting social enterprise activity in North Yorkshire and the Humber. Capturing live data on the size, capacity and services offered across the region by social enterprises, this is through live online forms on the SEYH website. In addition evaluation of successful BME social enterprises will be carried out to establish if they can be replicated. Visit www.seyh.org.uk to register your enterprise with SEYH's directory free of charge, as well as Social Enterprise information and news from across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Sheffield Enterprise Clusters Copies of the Tender Readiness Toolkit are now available to Social Enterprises based in Sheffield through Sheffield Enterprise Clusters (SEC). For more details on SEC please visit: http://www.scedu.org.uk/activities/business.htm
Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit Update The Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit continues to receive press coverage, and national attention. It has been featured in the Sheffield Star, the Sheffield Telegraph, Yorkshire Forward’s magazine, and most recently a double page spread in national magazine New Start.
Scedu drives the sector forward, Toolkit now available Sheffield leads the way again with the release of the Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit . Scedu, being the foremost Social Enterprise support unit in South Yorkshire, have extensively piloted and developed the toolkit and are now rolling it out nationwide. The toolkit is a range of self awareness tools for organisations considering life after mainstream funding. Whatever an organisation's circumstance, the toolkit assists its members to be aware of the current status and to make decisions about their future. The Toolkit is designed to be delivered alongside business support, and is available in two packages, for individual organisations, or in bulk for assisting organisations to deliver to their clients. The order form is now available here: www.scedu.org.uk/products.htm " This toolkit is just what the sector needs right now to help organisations to position themselves to get better at winning contracts for future work" Lorraine Purcell, Head of Contracts and Procurement at Sheffield City Council. "There is nothing else like this in the sector; it brings everything together in one place." Morgan Killick, MD at ESP Projects, a leading IT social enterprise.
"Where Now" Flow Chart "Where Now" Flow Chart has been developed to assist organisations trying to plot a route through different possible scenarios following the forecast reduction in funding opportunities. The procurement route is just one of these possible scenarios and it is possible to determine if this may be a route for you, and how a contract might be bid for.
Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit The Development Team at Scedu have created a toolkit for organisations looking to get into procurement. It is an internal awareness toolkit for organisations to benchmark their ability to enter the procurement agenda. It comprises a series of in-house assessment tools to help you identify what areas of your business might need addressing, and what measures you might need to have in place in order to bid for Tenders. It is envisaged that the toolkit is delivered as part of a wider package of business support. The Toolkit has been trialled successfully, and is currently in the process of being produced into a final version that we hope to have available for release in early 2006. To register your interest please join the SCEDU mailing list through the link at the top right of this page and we will notify you when it is ready. Download Scedu Tender Readiness Toolkit PowerPoint presentation.
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Social Impact Measurement is a methodology of gauging, and measuring your organisation's social impact which has been developed and tested in Krakow and Sheffield. It has been developed as part of SEASY Development Partnership, an Equal partnership led by SCEDU with partners in South Yorkshire, Poland and Belgium as part of our Social accounts, audits and licences (SAALs) strand.
Thursday 16th November is Social Enterprise Day 2006. This is part of Enterprise Week which runs from 13th-19th November.