Impact in Social Enterprise Award 2025

Overview

The awards recognise UK-based social enterprises who demonstrate outstanding social and environmental contributions, showcasing their achievements through both qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from across the UK social enterprise sector, including both members of their Social Entrepreneurs Club, and non-members. 

Entrants must submit an impact report and supporting evidence as part of their application.

 Entrants must be a UK-based social enterprise and must:

• Have a clear social or environmental mission set out in its governing documents and be controlled in the interests of that mission
• Reinvest or donate at least half of its profits or surpluses towards their mission
• Be independent of state or government control, and earn more than half of its income through trading (unless trading for less than 24 months)
• Be transparent in the way the operate and the impact they have

Awards Criteria

The judging panel use the following principles to screen applications. These include that the social enterprise:

• Demonstrates positive social or environmental impact* backed up by evidence (can include quantitative and/or qualitative evidence)
• Demonstrates good use of impact measurement or evaluation methods.
• Involves and communicates with stakeholders (anyone that affects, or is affected by the enterprises activities)
• Clearly communicates both its intended and actual impact in the reports or evidence provided

* ‘Impact’ has different definitions in the fields of impact measurement, evaluation, and accounting for social or environmental value, and they’re open to different approaches to the topic. When reviewing impact reports and evidence the judging panel will take into account the focus area and size of enterprise applying e.g. they wouldn't expect an in depth counterfactual impact evaluation from a small start up organisation.

Entries must:

• state how they demonstrate a positive social and/or environmental impact,
• submit qualitative and quantitative evidence to support their application. 

Submissions should include a statement of no more than 500 words, along with additional evidence such as annual accounts, impact reports, and testimonials.

Funding Level

The winner receives £5,000 and two highly commended applicants each receive £2,500

The three shortlisted applicants are invited to celebrate with them at their Building Trust Awards dinner in November 2025.

Previous Awardees

Their 2024 winner was Seagulls Reuse Limited, with highly commended entries from Breadwinners and Luminary Bakery.