Social Innovation and the Third Sector Conference

In collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of P.R.C., the British Council is to host the Social Innovation and Third Sector Conference from 4th to 5th December 2008 in Beijing to demonstrate the great contribution that the third sector makes to addressing social challenges and strengthening social cohesion, and provide a platform for the UK and China to share experience on the issues of common concern.

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Winners of Enterprising Solution Awards 2008 announced

The Phone Co-op has been named Best Social Enterprise at the Enterprising Solutions Awards 2008. The UK's only telecommunications cooperative collected their award from Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for the Third Sector, at the awards ceremony at London's Victoria & Albert Museum on 20 October.

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Social Enterprise Day

20th November 2008 is Social Enterprise Day: a national day to celebrate and promote social enterprise. Social Enterprise Coalition is launching a national photography competition across England to find the best photographs that show how social enterprise is transforming lives.

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Homeless world cup scores £ 500K

The 2008 Homeless World Cup will kick off in Melbourne, Australia on 1 December. This football tournament that turns around the lives of the world's homeless has netted £500,000 from the Vodafone Foundation.

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New third sector skills body

On 21st October, the UK Government announced plans to create a new Third Sector skills body which will identify and address skills gaps and shortages for charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and other third sector organisations.

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Jamie Oliver and Fifteen restaurant

Fifteen is one of the most famous social enterprises in the UK, thanks to Channel 4's hit TV show 'Jamie's Kitchen' which was broadcast in 2002. The programme followed celebrity chef Jamie Oliver as he set up a restaurant which would double as a training programme for disadvantaged young people interested in becoming chefs.

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