What is a social enterprise
A social enterprise is a business whose objectives are primarily social, and whose profits are reinvested back into its services or the community. With no financial commitments to shareholders or owners, social enterprises are free to use their surplus income to invest in their operations to make them as efficient and effective as possible.
Social enterprises are distinctive from traditional charities or voluntary organisations in that they generate the majority, if not all, of their income through the trading of goods or services rather than through donations. This gives them a degree of self-reliance and independence which puts them firmly in control of their own activities.
Why a Social Enterprise?
As a Social Enterprise our vision is:
"To be the leader in the commuities that we serve, providing innovation, quality and value for money, as we deliver healthcare services that are accessible to all"
We believe strongly that social enterprise is the way that we can:
- Develop staff, service user and community involvement
- Keep NHS values by being an organisation who's guiding purpose is health and well-being
- Increase the impact we have in communities
- Have the flexibility as an independent organisation to access funding from a range of sources
- Provide services which are locally based and informed by the needs of local communities