Third sector
STAR Procurement (a shared procurement service for Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford Councils), Glossary of Terms, published in May 2019, suggests that voluntary, community and social enterprises (including co-operatives) are:
‘Sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector’ or ‘Civil Society’, organisations that are independent of government and are constitutionally self-governing, usually with an unpaid voluntary management committee. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.’
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines third-sector organisations (TSOs) as: ‘Not-for-profit, non-governmental organisations run with the aim of achieving social goals, such as charities or community groups.’
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