School for Social Enterprises in Ireland (SSEI): Transform Social Enterprise Development Programme
Overview
What is TRANSFORM?
TRANSFORM is a highly focused and interactive programme designed to enable individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required to start or build social enterprise activities as a means of social regeneration, community development and financial sustainability.
Who is TRANSFORM designed for?
- Individuals engaged in one or more of the following activities:
- Community development and regeneration e.g. Housing Associations
- Social entrepreneurs
- Members engaged in existing Social Enterprises
- Board members of Social Enterprises engaged in economic development through Social Enterprise
- Charitable organisations looking to develop Social Enterprise activities
They will also consider individuals who are self-employed or unemployed, who wish to pursue social enterprise activities.
What does the Programme cover?
The programme is designed to provide knowledge and practical applications that will enable participants to develop and grow through a blend of; Theory, Best Practice, Case Studies, Site Visits and presentations from Exemplars & Practitioners. By the end of the programme participants will have the knowledge to start or grow a sustainable social enterprise which can lead to real transformation within their community and beyond.
A copy of the draft programme and timetable are available to download on thier website.
How much do I or my organisation have to contribute?
The total fees are £2250, but with bursaries provided by the Flax Trust up to the value of £2,000, that leaves a remaining contribution of just £250 per participant. Note this might be provided by sponsoring organisations in some cases.
Who are the key stakeholders?
- Programme Provided by: The School for Social Enterprises in Ireland (SSEI)
- Programme Delivered and Accredited by: Ulster University Business School
- Programme Partners:
- The Flax Trust
- SSEI (School for Social Enterprises in Ireland)
- Ulster University
- Podiem are the official operations partner for SSEI
This programme is designed to fully engage participants in building a cohesive cohort that supports and learns from each other in the short term and that will begin to build support networks that are sustainable beyond the life of the programme.
This programme offers an Advanced Diploma, a recognised University accreditation normally identified as just below a bachelor’s degree, and is particularly suited to participants with a range of academic backgrounds as well as those who have the requisite experience. It is seen as very appropriate for this type of programme which is mix of academic study and practical application
What if you don’t already a higher education qualification?
Applicants can demonstrate their ability to undertake this programme through the accreditation of their prior experiential learning gained through work experience. The application process, including interviews, will provide scope to fully highlight relevant experience.
When does the programme start and how long does it last?
Part of the programme includes an interview. The interview is an opportunity to expand on your application form and will help secure places and bursaries for this sought after programme for individuals/groups where potential and long term impact can be fully realised.
The interview process is viewed as part of the programme and successful applicants will go on to participate in 10 delivered sessions (1 – 2 days per month) commencing in February 2022 . The ADSE Graduation will take place in winter 2022. Delivery of the programme will mainly be at Ulster University.
Note
As this is s developmental programme it has been designed on the basis of full attendance. If participants have any difficulties they should contact Steve Pollard at the University in the first instance. Where there is reasonable grounds for absence, each case will be assessed on its own merit. Participants will be expected to catch up with the materials and complete all assignments.
If individuals decide to drop out there may be a requirement to return the value of the bursary or make a suitable contribution. Again each case will be assessed on its merit. (TBA)