Helping to build capacity of Social Enterprise delivery in East Sussex The Better Project This innovative programme is aimed at improving infrastructure support for social enterprises in East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove.  The project aims to do this by working with social enterprises and their support organizations, as well as those involved in procuring and commissioning services, to develop a better understanding about the use of social impact measurement and its value in the public sector procurement process.   The project is funded by the Capacity Builders social enterprise programme and is being delivered in partnership between More Than Project Network (The Business Community Partnership), WSSEN (West Sussex County Council) and ESSEN (Action in Rural Sussex). As a next step we are looking to work with individual social enterprises across Sussex.  Six social enterprises from across the area will be selected and then supported by the expert to embed a social impact assessment tool within their organisation. This tool will measure and quantify multiple outcomes, clearly identify monetary and added value and in doing so will demonstrate social impact in an accountable way.  Selected social enterprises will:

• be supported to consider the social impact resulting from their day to day activities
• be given the opportunity to undertake a training programme looking at tools and techniques which will assist in the measurement of social impact

 and as a result will  be able to tell the story of their activities and social impacts more effectively gain a wider appreciation of what procurers and commissioners are looking for in suppliers support the project’s aim of making clear and consistent social impact information available to procurers, commissioners and support organisations   Download the criteria, expression of interest form and an introduction to the Better Project.  If your organisation is interested in participating, please complete the expression of interest form by June 3rd 2009 and return to Kate@bhbcp.org.uk, outlining how your organisation meets the criteria.   Improved understanding of the potential impact of social enterprise means more opportunities for everyone.  

• For More Information contact Barbara Beaton   01424 775572