Terms & Conditions
Introduction
The Social Economy Awards is an opportunity to recognise organisations delivering social value and inspiring excellence within the sector. The awards not only recognise community organisations, charities, social enterprises and co-operatives but also corporate and public sector organisations delivering social value through support, advocacy and procurement from social economy organisation.
Important Dates
Nominations Open: 16th August 2024
Nominations Close: 30th September 2024
Shortlist Revealed: 14th October 2024
Awards Dinner: 22nd November 2024
Categories & Criteria
1. Social Economy Group Categories
Any Social Economy Organisation including organisations that create social value by trading for a social purpose rather than personal profit, including social enterprises, trading voluntary organisations, charities with trading arms, third sector organisations delivering contracts and public services, mutuals and co-operatives, community enterprises, development trusts and other kinds of community-led organisations.
Excellence in Community Impact
An organisation that has made a significant contribution to its local community and economy
Excellence in Health
Impact
An organisation that has made a significant impact in delivering health or social care benefits in the WMCA area.
Excellence in Green Impact
An organisation that has made a significant positive impact on the environment and/or transition to Net Zero.
Excellence in Youth Impact
An organisation that has made a positive difference to the lives of young people (under 25) in the WMCA area.
2. Individual Social Economy Organisation Categories
The following three categories are for specific social economy organisations as described in the titles. Organisations can be considered for both group 1 and 2 categories without having to submit two separate nominations (at the end of your group 1 form select which additional category you wish to be considered in).
Start-up Enterprise of the Year
A new Social Enterprise or community business (under 2 years old) that has shown rapid growth in their business and in their social impact
Co-op / Community of the Year
A Co-operative or community business that has made a significant contribution in terms of revenue growth and/or employment and/or social impact
Social Enterprise of the Year
A Social Enterprise that has made a significant contribution in terms of revenue growth and/or employment and/or social impact
3. Public and Private Organisation Categories
The following 2 categories are for corporate organisations and normal trading businesses as well as public bodies including local authorities, or a formally established organisation that is publicly funded to deliver a public or government service.
Public Sector Organisation of the Year
A public sector body that has contributed to the growth and engagement of social economy organisations in the WMCA area.
Corporate Organisation of the Year
Any private sector organisation that has contributed to the growth and engagement of social economy organisations in the WMCA area.
4. Overall Award Categories
The following 2 categories are for all organisations and individuals working hard to grow the Social Economy.
Overall Contribution to the Social Economy (Organisation)
An organisation whose work has enabled growth in the Social Economy in the WMCA area.
Overall Contribution to the Social Economy (Individual)
An individual whose work has enabled growth in the Social Economy in the WMCA area.
The winners of these awards will be selected from the finalists of the other category groups.
*In order to ensure the awards are fair, no organisation or individual involved in the direct funding or organisation or management of the event will be eligible to enter the awards.
Judging Process
The awards are judged by an independent judging panel made up industry leaders and experts from across the region. The judging is split in two, first all nominations received are reviewed internally for shortlisting. The initial shortlisting consists of ensuring nominations meet the minimum criteria to be considered by the judges.
All finalists will have their applications reviewed by a panel of judges and scored against the judging criteria provided below. The judges will meet and make a decision on who will be the winner of each category.
Judging Criteria for Group 1 and 2 Categories
Section 1: Impact (40%)
Scope of Impact:
Community Impact: Extent to which the organization has positively influenced the local community, including social cohesion, economic support, and overall well-being.
Health Impact: The breadth and depth of the health or social care improvements delivered within the WMCA area, including direct benefits to individuals and communities.
Green Impact: Measurable positive effects on the environment, such as reduction in carbon footprint, conservation efforts, or significant contributions to Net Zero goals.
Youth Impact: The number of young people reached and the tangible benefits delivered to their lives, including education, skills development, and opportunities.
Depth of Impact: Quality and significance of the changes brought about by the organisation’s initiatives, including long-term benefits and transformative effects.
Stakeholder Engagement: Effectiveness in engaging with relevant stakeholders (e.g., local community, patients, environmental groups, or youth) and responsiveness to their needs and feedback.
Section 2: Innovation (30%)
Creativity and Originality – Innovative and original approaches to engagement and support that address specified issues in unique or effective ways.
Adaptability and Responsiveness – The organisation’s ability to adapt to challenges or changes in circumstances, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in its approach.
Scalability and Replicability – Potential for the organisation’s initiatives to be scaled or replicated in other communities or contexts, amplifying their impact.
Section 3: Sustainability (30%)
Long-Term Vision – Clarity and feasibility of the organisation’s long-term goals and the sustainability of its impact over time.
Resource Management – Efficient use of resources, including financial, human, and environmental resources, ensuring the longevity and continued success of initiatives.
Ethical and Responsible Practices – Commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and responsibility in operations, including considerations for social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Measurable Outcomes and Accountability – Use of metrics and data to track progress and outcomes, demonstrating accountability and continuous improvement.
Judging Criteria for Group 3 Categories
Section 1: Impact (40%)
Contribution to Social Economy Growth:
Public Sector: How the public sector body has directly contributed to the growth and development of social economy organisations within the WMCA area. This includes support for social enterprises, charities, cooperatives, and other community-focused initiatives.
Corporate Sector: The extent to which the private sector organisation has supported and fostered the growth of social economy organisations, including financial support, partnerships, or resources provided.
Engagement with Social Economy Organisations: The depth and quality of engagement with social economy organisations. How effectively has the organisation interacted with these groups, understood their needs, and facilitated their development?
Measurable Outcomes: Demonstrable results of the organisation’s contribution. What tangible benefits have been realised as a result of the organisation’s involvement, such as increased capacity, improved sustainability, or expanded reach of social economy organisations?
Section 2: Collaboration (30%)
Partnerships and Alliances:
Public Sector: How the public sector body has collaborated with other public, private, or thirdsector organisations to support the social economy. Examples might include cross-sector initiatives, public-private partnerships, or joint ventures.
Corporate Sector: The extent to which the corporate organisation has built meaningful partnerships with social economy organisations and other stakeholders. This includes strategic alliances, sponsorships, or collaborative projects that drive mutual growth.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Effectiveness in engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including social economy organisations, community groups, and other relevant parties. How inclusive and responsive has the organisation been in these engagements?
Shared Value Creation: Demonstration of how the organisation’s contributions have created shared value for both the organisation itself and the social economy organisations. This could include mutual benefits such as shared resources, expertise, or market opportunities.
Section 3: Leadership & Innovation (30%)
Vision and Leadership:
Public Sector: The vision and leadership demonstrated by the public sector body in promoting and supporting the social economy. This includes strategic planning, advocacy, and the championing of social value within the public sector.
Corporate Sector: Leadership in driving CSR or ESG initiatives, and the alignment of business goals with the promotion of the social economy. How has the organisation integrated social value into its core business strategy?
Innovative Approaches: Innovative methods or strategies employed by the organisation to support and engage with the social economy. This could involve new models of partnership, creative funding mechanisms, or unique programs designed to empower social economy organisations.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Commitment to the sustainability of its contributions and ensuring long-term positive impact on the social economy. How does the organisation plan to sustain its support and continue its contributions into the future?
Finalists, Winners and Awards Evening
The winners of the awards will be announced at the Social Economy Awards gala dinner on 22nd November 2024 at Anchor Point in Birmingham. The event will be a black tie dinner with entertainment, speeches and awards presentations.
All organisations and individuals shortlisted for the awards will be entitled to one free ticket to attend the event and will have an opportunity to purchase additional tickets for other team members to attend with them.