Co-operatives work with RISE on Social Enterprise Mark criteria

A new working group consisting of RISE, Co-operatives South West and Co-operativesUK has been set up to address issues that might apply to co-operatives wanting to apply for the Social Enterprise Mark, the mark that has been developed in the South West by RISE.

A joint statement by RISE and Co-operatives South West says that “In recognition of the concerns raised by co-operative representatives about the eligibility of co-operatives for the Social Enterprise Mark, Co-operatives South West, RISE and Co-operativesUK have set up a small working group to identify and agree a set of indicators which could be used to assess the additional social impact of a co-operative applicant.

“RISE would then consider evidence against these indicators in relation to criterion D 'profit is predominantly used and/or distributed for social/environmental purposes' and criterion F 'Be able to provide evidence that social / environmental objectives are being achieved'.”

Brian Titley, of Co-operatives South West says “it as important that the Social Enterprise Mark is available to co-operatives. We are pleased to be working with RISE to establish social impact indicators relevant to co-operatives."

Although there are various co-operatives which have already been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark – the Co-operative Group South West and the Zebra Collective for example – some co-operatives have experienced difficulties when applying for the Mark.