Training

There are various external training providers that offer Social Enterprises the highest quality training. See the providers below.

Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation

The Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation is a platform for research and engagement with social innovators, academia and policy in the UK and across the world. We nurture creative and practical solutions to complex social problems by understanding, promoting and engaging with social innovators.

Through Cambridge Social Ventures we run an incubator and regular workshops to support businesses making positive social or environmental impact.  We support entrepreneurs from all sectors – fashion to farming, prosthetics to prisons – and work with businesses at all stages of growth. They range from local to global in scale, and include technology start-ups, public sector, community organisations, university spinouts and everything in between.

And, through the Master of Studies in Social Innovation, we train people to lead social innovation across sectors which tackles the ‘wicked problems’ the globe faces. This part-time programme for practitioners in the corporate, public and social sectors gives students a critical understanding of social and organisational change through the lens of sociology, political science and organisational theory.

Anglia Ruskin University Cert HE - Charity and social enterprise management

Well over a hundred third sector leaders have now graduated from Anglia Ruskin University’s Cert HE in Charity and Social Enterprise Management.  With modules in social enterprise, leadership and management, marketing, finance, HR and social impact, the two year part-time course is an excellent introduction for those in any type of management role.  Our students come from the smallest voluntary organisation right up to national and international giants of the sector: we can adapt to this because all the focus is on applying the learning to your own organisation.  Even better, this focus means the impact is felt at your organisation, not just on you as an individual.  Distance learning gives you the flexibility to fit around your work, and we even offer supporting face to face workshops free of charge to our charity and social enterprise students.  Our brand new and radically improved Virtual Learning Environment, along with a host of new content, is set to enhance the experience still further for new students.

Applicants in the East of England may qualify for a 50% Provide or Britvic bursary (limited availability).  To find out more visit www.anglia.ac.uk/csem

The Social Enterprise and Leadership Foundation (SELF) programme

The Social Enterprise and Leadership Foundation (SELF) programme is an experiential programme aimed at managers in the voluntary sector delivered by Hertfordshire Univeristy in partnership with Hertfordshire Community Foundation

Traditionally, leadership has been seen as individuals with powerful roles leading from the front and bringing everyone along with them. Voluntary sector organisations are operating in an increasingly complex environment, with flatter structures and wider networks, and it is clear that other forms of leadership are necessary.

The programme is designed to develop your self-awareness, your leadership and your management skills through action learning workshops.  It also builds on your abilities to lead others in managing resources and information, improving business performance and understanding customer and market awareness.

Participants will be introduced to and reflect on contemporary leadership theory while relating the theoretical frameworks to their own experience of leading and managing, and sharing best practice.

The programme consists of four half-day sessions which mix knowledge learning components with action learning and skills development.

For more information on the SELF programme, please contact Tony Cullen in the Corporate & Professional Development Unit:

cpd-bs@herts.ac.uk Tel:  01707 285584 or visit  here

Regional training opportunities

Community Action Suffolk organises various training courses for the VCSE sector in Suffolk.  Access their training guide here

Herts Community Foundation (HCF) Training & Development Team organises training for VCSE sector in Hertfordshire.  Click here

Voluntary Sector Training (VST) has a full range of training available for the VCSE sector in Essex.  Click here to find out more

School for Social Entrepreneurs

The School for Social Entrepreneurs helps 1,000 people a year develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems. It runs courses that equip people to start, scale and strengthen organisations that make a positive difference. SSE is not a traditional school – learning is inspiring, action-based and accessible. SSE also supports people in others ways too, such as funding and mentoring.

For more information see www.the-sse.org