Scaling social enterprise innovation in public services: new report Publication date: 13/01/2026 |Categories: Featured, Publications |Tags: Commissioning, procurement, public services, Social investment, social value What works and what is needed to create more effective, responsive, and sustainable people-focused public services? E3M’s new publication demonstrates the innovation and impact which social enterprises bring to people-focused public services, and the changes needed to how public authorities commission services, public procurement rules are interpreted, investment is structured and the wider role of key public institutions at local, regional and national level. Read the report Social enterprises are rooted in places, reinvest their profits for public benefit, are people-focused, and provide community-first services. They represent a definitive model for purpose-driven business. But for these purpose-driven businesses to support public service transformation, we need a partnership approach in how services are commissioned, investment is deployed and between organisations. This report is based on a 12-month project, examining innovation across different services and convening discussions with social enterprise leaders, bold commissioners, social investors and legal and financial experts. It includes recommendations for better commissioning, funding, and institutions’ roles, and 16 powerful case studies showing what is possible. With the right policies and support, we can harness the full potential of social enterprises and other purpose-driven businesses in transforming public services. Read the report This report was written and edited by Jonathan Bland and Jamie Veitch, with thanks to all of the social enterprises and commissioners featured for their input. Report design: Research Retold.
Scaling social enterprise innovation in public services: new report Publication date: 13/01/2026 |Categories: Featured, Publications |Tags: Commissioning, procurement, public services, Social investment, social value What works and what is needed to create more effective, responsive, and sustainable people-focused public services? E3M’s new publication demonstrates the innovation and impact which social enterprises bring to people-focused public services, and the changes needed to how public authorities commission services, public procurement rules are interpreted, investment is structured and the wider role of key public institutions at local, regional and national level. Read the report Social enterprises are rooted in places, reinvest their profits for public benefit, are people-focused, and provide community-first services. They represent a definitive model for purpose-driven business. But for these purpose-driven businesses to support public service transformation, we need a partnership approach in how services are commissioned, investment is deployed and between organisations. This report is based on a 12-month project, examining innovation across different services and convening discussions with social enterprise leaders, bold commissioners, social investors and legal and financial experts. It includes recommendations for better commissioning, funding, and institutions’ roles, and 16 powerful case studies showing what is possible. With the right policies and support, we can harness the full potential of social enterprises and other purpose-driven businesses in transforming public services. Read the report This report was written and edited by Jonathan Bland and Jamie Veitch, with thanks to all of the social enterprises and commissioners featured for their input. Report design: Research Retold.