Social Enterprise Qualification

SEQ England

SEQ is driving social enterprise in England forward, engaging a new generation of social entrepreneurs.

It is our intention that SEQ is available in all secondary schools, tertiary education, statutory and voluntary youth development services across England.

Our ambition is to enable learners to make the social or environmental change that is important to them; to give people the skills and confidence to change the world around them for the better.

SEQ was piloted in England over an academic year. From henna tattoos to bird boxes, young people created a range of environmentally friendly products and services, generating income for social needs in England and overseas, all the while learning good business skills and gaining confidence to make positive social change.

The pilot was intensively evaluated to ensure that teachers, youth workers, young people and social enterprises all had a say in how SEQ should be structured and work.

SEQ has gained support from the social enterprise sector in England. From the Eden Project to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant, some of the UK’s most publicised social enterprises recognise and endorse SEQ.

In this section

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  • “Throughout my involvement, I have learnt how social enterprises run and why they want to become a social enterprise in the first place. As they work for a good cause I admire what they do and now feel privileged to be a part of a social enterprise business. My personal belief and confidence has grown too and I feel more able and willing to take on challenges now than I did before. My knowledge around the area has expanded dramatically and although there have been difficulties sometimes; I’ve learnt how to overcome similar situations.”

    Abigail, SEQ Student

  • “I have become more confident in public, for example when selling and calling businesses! I have also gained skills in working as a team and learnt how to work effectively and efficiently.”

    James, SEQ Student

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  • The current dire state of the UK economy and the radical shrinking of the public sector demands that we accelerate the transition to a more sustainable low carbon economy, where social enterprise plays a central role. We are delighted to support the Social Enterprise Qualification which aims to encourage young people to understand and champion social enterprise as the business model of the future. Caroline Digby, Sustainability Director, Eden Project

  • “There could not be a better time to encourage young people to explore their entrepreneurial skills. Along with the fact that they are concerned about social issues that affect them and society, it's an ideal way for them to combine the two together. With so much natural business talent within our youth, a Social Enterprise Qualification could really be the start of a major entrepreneur revolution!” Kay Oldroyd - Black Youth Achievements CIC