New leadership development programme for social entrepreneurs launches in Newcastle

The ‘Investing in Leadership: Leading Change, Building Impact’ programme launched today at Cobalt Studios in Newcastle – increasing the sustainability and social impact of organisations supported by Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of The Big Issue.

Delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, ‘Investing in Leadership’ is bringing together leaders from 12 social enterprises and charities across the North East to explore their leadership challenges and learn how to lead in a way that will encourage the long-term sustainability and impact of their organisations.

Kicking off day 1 of the #InvestinginLeadership programme @CobaltStudios_ in #Newcastle �Ɍ Thanks to our programme partner, Danny @BigIssueInvest for the welcome, and our #SocEnt learners for being all-round superstars �« #leadership#learning#impactpic.twitter.com/1J5Fp7QYft

— Social Enterprise Academy International (@sea_worldwide) September 12, 2019

Each module of the programme will be hosted at a local social enterprise or charity across the North East of England, including:

·         Cobalt Studios, Newcastle
·         Pottery Bank Community Centre, Newcastle
·         Creative Seed, South Shields
·         Breeze Creatives, Newcastle
·         FISCUS Coop Centre, Sunderland
·         Wallsend Memorial Hall and People’s Centre, Newcastle

Daniel Wilson-Dodd, Deputy Chief Executive at Big Issue Invest said:

We are really excited about this programme. It’s the first formal course we have been able to provide of this type. This will extend our work beyond providing finance.  If we can find new ways to support investees, create and sustain social impact, then we can add even more value to the investment process.”

Jess Kemp, Senior Partnerships Officer at the Social Enterprise Academy, said:

We are delighted to be partnering with Big Issue Invest to support social enterprises across the North East of England. It is really important for social entrepreneurs to take the time to build capacity and leadership within their organisations, as well as focusing on financially sustainability. This programme aims to bring the two together and strengthen the organisations from within.

To find out more about how the Social Enterprise Academy is supporting people working for social change around the world, please visit: https://www.socialenterprise.academy/