Cabinet Office
A new campaign to recruit ambassadors for social enterprise was launched today at the Oxo Tower, London (24 July). The aim of the campaign is to find individuals who are passionate about combining enterprise with achieving social or environmental goals.
The ambassadors will be social entrepreneurs who have worked for a successful social enterprise and who will have great stories to tell about how social enterprise can change people's lives.
The initiative stems from the Social Enterprise Action Plan, which was launched last year by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.
Today's launch was attended by hundreds of key players in the social enterprise movement, including high–profile politicians and a number of famous ambassadors who have already agreed to become involved.
A number of ambassadors were announced at the launch, including:
Another 20 ambassadors will be recruited over the next month. They will inspire budding social entrepreneurs and raise awareness of social enterprise as a viable business model and fulfilling career option.
The new ambassadors will commit about 12 days a year over the next three years. Their role will include speaking to the media, attending events, inspiring new entrants to the sector and winning over key professionals.
Ed Miliband, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:
“Only one in four people know what a social enterprise is, and raising awareness is key to ensuring consumers, investors and entrepreneurs who are motivated by more than money alone know what options are open to them.
“The ambassadors will take up the gauntlet to open up the opportunities of social enterprise to as many people as possible, to catalyse enthusiasm in every region of the country and to continue to engage more and more people in this dynamic route to social change.”
Application packs for those wishing to become ambassadors are available from the Social Enterprise Coalition [External website].