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Social Economy

Social Economy – (lead Department – DETI)

Social economy businesses generate income and employment, both paid and voluntary, and aim to address social problems and meet community needs rather than operate for pure profit.  (Also see section on Voluntary and Community (or Third) Sector).  These businesses are working in sectors such as the environment, health and social care, enterprise development and education and are an integral part of the NI economy.  

DEL's Involvement

The sector contributes to DEL’s aims – to promote learning and skills, to prepare people for work and to support the economy.”  The universities, which are part-funded by DEL, use a small proportion of their funding to support activities of relevance to the Social Economy, eg training for Social Enterprises to help them provide a competitive, innovative and client-centric service.

DEL also plays a key role in supporting organisations to develop and professionalise, through its promotion of the Investors in People standard and also in helping organisations access other training and skills development.

Social Economy Enterprise Strategy 2010-2011 external link

Social Economy  Enterprise Strategy Annual Report 2010-2011 external link

Related websites