Name of the project and Sub-Objective of the PEOPLE project HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR (HSSE) Social entrepreneurship (SO5) Part of a national programme and through its very successful programme of personal and project development based on learning-by-doing and ongoing support, HSSE enables social entrepreneurs to establish effective, sustainable community projects and initiatives that meet social end community needs

Objectives of the project Community Action Hampshire, a well-established local charity with an excellent track record in delivering learning, are running the SSE programme. This exciting and challenging programme brings together people who want to make a change and to learn with and from each other. It is practical, rather than academic, so requires no minimum qualifications – only a good idea and the drive and commitment to make it happen. The students hear honest accounts from people who have already set up organisations themselves as well as from experts in areas such as fundraising and marketing. The programme includes the following elements: Group Study Sessions: consisting of seminars and challenging presentations from people who have set up their own organisations, so have been there and done it. Project Visits: to interesting and relevant existing social businesses. Tutorials and Mentoring Support: a time for students to discuss progress with their personal tutors and mentors.

Beneficiaries (involved & concerned) This year there are 17 students on the programme all aged between and 34 and 64, 7 male 10 female and all English speaking. Three students have dyslexia and 2 students are hard of hearing. The programme is open to everybody embracing people from across society. This diversity within the programme contributes to the exceptional learning impact. Due to the nature of the programme each student goes on to create their own project with resulting beneficiaries.

Results of the project This is the first year for Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs with the first programme starting November Initial signs are very encouraging and we have received excellent feedback from the students. Nationally, research carried out by the New Economics Foundation found that: 85% of all organizations established whilst at the SSE are still in existence. So SSE Fellows’ organizations are over one-and-a- half times more likely to be in existence after eight years than a conventional business; for every 10 Fellows, 30 jobs and 69 volunteering positions are created.

Strengths of the project The strength of the programme lies two fold: 1)The network of students both just in Hampshire and nationwide. The Hampshire students meet up once a week for the day term time only for the whole year. This builds a wonderful relationship group between people and a strong foundation of emerging social entrepreneurs within the area. As this is not a once off week long programme time allows students to build quality relationships where they can learn off each other; 2)The learning method approach which is based on Action Learning which is the preferred method for most social entrepreneurs. This method is listed above and also includes Action Learning Sets and an Intensive Study Residential Block.

Success factors of the project The NEF research also showed that: Over 60% reported an increase in turnover after completing the SSE programme: on average, a five-fold increase in turnover. Over half of those giving financial details reported that 50% or more of their income came from ‘trading’ activity; 88% of individuals on the programme experience a growth in confidence and skills to lead their organisation; 60% agreed that their confidence continued to rise after leaving the SSE programme.

Problems encountered -Finding funding for the programme requires a great deal of attention. - Recruitment for the programme was tough, but worth the work time. - Keeping the programme flexible to students needs as they occur.

Conclusions (for the future) Creative funding solutions building on our experiences and the story we have gained. Use the feedback from students to create a skeleton programme for successive years. Start recruitment earlier in the year using a variety of methods and pilot programmes.

Replication of the project SSE is available through franchise: