Three UK social enterprises receive the Midas Touch

The Social Enterprise Gold Mark was launched in the House of Commons in November to give UK social enterprises an opportunity to demonstrate their excellence. 

The official accreditation process assesses organisations on their governance, business ethics and financial transparency. It is backed by MPs Ben Bradshaw and Hazel Blears.

Labour Party MP Bradshaw said: “I was so pleased to support this significant launch, as I have watched the progress of the Social Enterprise Gold Mark with great interest." Its aim of identifying exceptional social enterprises was something that the Labour Party was keen to address, he continued.

Three organisations, including the University of Salford, were awarded the first Social Enterprise Gold Marks in the House of Commons by Hazel Blears. The higher education institution was recognised for the social impact it generates in its local community – 42% of its students are from lower income families or were the first in their family to go to university.

In putting social impact at the heart of what they do these organisations are setting the standard I want social enterprises and businesses of all kinds to aspire to.

Integrated Care 24 and John Taylor Hospice were also awarded the Gold Marks for creating innovative products to improve health and service care delivery and empowering staff to drive innovation.

John Taylor Hospice CEO Kate Phipps said: “The people that we care for know that our ‘tailor-made’ care makes every moment matter. Quality standards such as the Gold Mark and our excellent Care Quality Commission results, can give assurance that our business practice is equally good.”

Hazel Blears has long been a key figure in pushing the social enterprise agenda forward within the UK’s political circles and is currently part of a government-appointed panel reviewing the Social Value Act. She said: “In putting social impact at the heart of what they do these organisations are setting the standard I want social enterprises and businesses of all kinds to aspire to.”

Photo credit: Social Enterprise Mark