The Social Enterprise Academy

Please click on the links above or scroll down for a full list of all the fantastic learning opportunities we are currently offering at no cost to Highlands and Islands based learners from the third sector and local entrepreneurs.

For further information about how your community, organisation, or you personally can benefit from the Academy's programmes and short courses please contact us at:

20:Twenty Leadership Residential

9 November to 12 November 2010 | Coul House, Contin

The Social Enterprise Academy’s final 20:Twenty Leadership Residential of our Developing Leaders for Sustainable Communities programme will be on Tuesday November 9th to Friday November 12th at Coul House, Contin. The application process is now open.

The 20:20 Leadership residential is a powerful combination of leadership and social enterprise, in a progressive atmosphere with 20 of your peers from across the Highlands & Islands. This is the last opportunity under our current programme for third sector staff and directors to come together and develop skills required for the future.

The venue is an extremely comfortable nineteenth century hunting lodge, set in extensive grounds, 20 miles from Inverness. Coul House is well known locally for its family-run atmosphere and excellent hospitality.

Further Information (PDF)

Leadership Programmes

Social Enterprise Academy Certificate in Leadership

12-day programme

Leadership is a set of values, qualities, and behaviours that encourages the participation, development, and commitment of followers. Our highly-rated 12-month leadership programme will guide you through these on a learning journey that connects modern leadership thought and theory with an insightful analysis of your own leadership style and strengths.

Social Enterprise Academy Award in Leadership (ILM L5)

6-day programme

The Award is a 6 day programme that delves into the same theories about leadership as the certificate but over a shorter period and with less assessments. It is perfect for those looking to explore and improve their leadership abilities but who have less time to commit.

Starting Your Social Enterprise (SYSE) Programme

You have recognised the need, identified an area, now you need the plan. Developed to work with individuals and groups who are exploring the feasibility and the sustainability of their social enterprise idea. This programme will give you the skills to create, develop, and sustain your potential social enterprise.

Understanding Social Enterprise (USE)

A hands-on, two-day module USE will help you to explore and understand the values and purpose of social enterprise and it is the first step in appreciating how they can create meaningful change and economic benefit. We currently have USE modules scheduled in:

Developing you Social Enterprise (DYSE)

Do you have an idea for a social enterprise? Maybe you are already working for one but you have a great idea for a new trading arm for your organisation? If so, Developing Your Social Enterprise (DYSE) will provide an ideal test of these ideas. In a highly participative environment you will be able to assess your ideas and their sustainability while learning about a range of marketing and other business tools. We currently have USE modules scheduled in:

Financial Management & Income Generation (FMIG)

Even the most innovative, exciting social enterprises will struggle to survive without sound financial structures to support them and organised cash-flows to keep them fuelled. In a competitive environment it is imperative that you understand the dynamics of finance and have the awareness to spot new opportunities for income streams. Our Financial Management and Income Generation course acts as a extremely useful starting point for your financial learning. We currently have FMIG modules scheduled in:

Writing Tenders

Our tender writing course introduces you to the public sector procurement process and offers you the opportunity to learn from other social enterprises who are already successfully delivering public services. It will challenge you to assess and develop your organisational readiness as a possible supplier in this competitive market place. We currently have tender writing learning scheduled in:

Measuring Social Added Value (MSAV)

Social Capital is the network of relationships and values which connect individuals and groups. It is vital to the well-being of communities. In a time of decreased government funding and resources it is vital that your organisation can prove its social impact and the value it adds to society. Our Measuring Social Added Value programme is an invaluable insight into how this can be achieved.

Social Accounting & Audit (Prove, Improve, Account)

Prove, Improve, Account! (PIA) was developed with expert input from the Social Accounting Network (SAN). It will introduce you to the three-step process for carrying out social accounting and auditing in your organisation, then provide you with flexible tutorial support as you implement social accounting and prepare for a social audit.

Sales for Non Sales People

The thought of ‘selling’ or ‘closing a deal’ can make people cringe. However, managing your sales process and promoting your products and services is vital to the success of your enterprise. Our one day programme will give you confidence and understanding with the sales process and help you close future sales. Sales for Non Sales People will be at the following locations soon:

Read our Full Prospectus

“Our leadership programme has been really valuable on a business and community level. The importance of excellent, focussed leadership to all businesses at every stage of their development cannot be overstated and this was reinforced by our tutor’s enthusiasm, understanding and engagement with the groups needs.”

Neil Matheson, Oban Leadership Programme '08

Our series of programmes and modules strive to challenge, develop, and motivate you to create understanding and change in your organisations and communities. Focusing on the three interacting needs of any social business our courses are designed around the learner, the enterprise, and the community.

We build on your knowledge, your beliefs and values through tutor and peer-led learning.

To read about all the programmes and modules available through Developing Leaders for Sustainable Communities please order a copy of our brochure or download (pdf) it here.

SSEA Learning Currently Available in the Highlands & Islands