Social economy
The term social economy refers to all business activities that are not only driven by a strong social mission but also intended to be economically viable. This includes cooperatives, mutual societies, non-profit associations, foundations and social enterprises, covering a wide range of activities. The aims of social economy organisations are generally to provide goods and services (including employment opportunities) to their members or community, and pursue general interest goals such as environmental protection. In this way, social economy organisations aim to make a profit for people other than investors or owners.
Eurwork life; European Observatory of Working Life. https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/social-economy
In the UK the social economy is more formally defined and described unde the Social Value Act and comprises of activities carried out by organisations.
There are also formal structures for organisational practice, that cover housing, living and working, these might include;
- Co-operatives
- Community Benefit Societies.
- Mutuals
- Voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises
- Associations
- Charities
- Foundations
- Trusts
- Employee Owned Businesses
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building social value.
- Community interest company.
- Community energy network.
- Corporate social responsibility in construction.
- Creating social value from civil engineering projects.
- England's Co-operative Movement: an architectural history.
- One Public Estate OPE.
- Prosperity.
- Public contract.
- Public contracting authority.
- Public procurement.
- Social benefits.
- Social cost.
- Social sustainability.
- Social time preference rate.
- Social infrastructure.
- Social value: Gearing up for giving back.
- Social value and design of the built environment.
- Social value in new development.
- Social value overview.
- Sustainable procurement.
- Tender.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIOB reacts to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Heritage and conservation science workforce survey - Have your say.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020. Book review.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

















