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E3M Imagine: Social Economy Models for the Future of Public Services

Event Date: 16.07.2024 |Time: 9.00-16.30 |Location: People’s History Museum, Manchester |Categories: Events |Tags: , , , ,

This one-day, interactive event looked at how to grow social enterprise and co-operative models for public services, to improve outcomes and meet challenges for the future.

In the context of some public services not meeting people’s needs, poor outcomes for some of those most in need of support, and ever-increasing financial pressures, the event explored how successful social enterprise and co-operative models can be scaled.

It was of particular importance following the General Election on 4th July, and ahead of the new public procurement rules coming into force in October 2024.

Attended by:

  • Public service commissioners – local authorities, NHS, Police and Crime Commissioners, etc.
  • Social enterprises and co-operatives
  • Funders and social investors

the event was based on E3M’s Alchemy methodology, bringing together the experience of innovative social enterprise leaders, bold commissioners responsible for public services, and funders and social investors. Mixed groups of participants worked together in a series of facilitated sessions, to identify key things that need to happen to develop and scale new approaches for services.

The topics focussed on were:

  • Children’s services: transitioning from care in England
  • Children’s services: addressing placement sufficiency for looked after children
  • Domestic violence: perpetrators – leaving the shared home with the victim
  • Elderly care: co-operative models and technology
  • Homelessness: reduction and prevention
  • Mental health: strengthening communities through social investment in services 
  • Primary care: community models for health and wellbeing
  • Supported housing market: creating sustainable solutions together

Prior to the event, each participant chose a topic and received some corresponding background information. During the event, participants worked at tables of nine people, each with a facilitator, exploring:

  • Understanding of the issues
  • Development of big ideas
  • Models for partnership and collaboration, The Art of the Possible – new opportunities under the new procurement rules
  • How social investment can make a difference
  • How to move things forward, overcoming barriers and putting enablers in place

Vignette presentations preceded these steps, and at the end of the day each group generated feedback to populate a report that will be shared shortly.

Meanwhile, Mayor Andy Burnham’s opening address is available to view here.

We gratefully acknowledge Stone King LLP, Big Society Capital and Lloyds Bank Foundation for their support with this event.