Social Enterprise Qualification (SEQ)
A description of a 'progression ladder' of accredited qualifications focusing on social enterprise and featuring a 'hands-on' approach. They have been developed by the Real Ideas organisation (RIO) in the UK but have potential for use in many other countries.
Purpose and process
The Social Enterprise Qualification (SEQ) can be awarded at Bronze (Level 1), Silver (Level 2) and Gold (Level 3) levels. Suitable for schools, colleges, youth or community groups, the SEQ encourages and accredits students setting up an enterprise of their own to tackle social or environmental issues in their local community or further afield. Enterprises can be a one-off product or event, e.g. a market stall, or a long-running venture but the process is the same:
- Think: about issues and how they can be changed/exciting products and services
- Explore: businesses and how they operate/the local community
- Do: act as a social entrepreneur to set up a trading activity and gather evidence in a portfolio which can be assessed.
Learning outcomes
Students can:
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification through successful completion of their enterprise activity and related portfolio
- Develop ethical enterprise skills and an understanding of what social enterprise is about through first-hand experience
- Build confidence in their ability to make positive social change for themselves and others
- Develop employability skills; communication, teamwork, decision making and leadership
- Increase their knowledge and understanding of issues and opportunities in their local community and their capacity to contribute as citizens and entrepreneurs.
Curricular or thematic relevance
SEQ can be used as a standalone programme or linked to other subject areas, such as:
- Maths (enterprise budgeting and cash flow)
- English (marketing and communications)
- Accreditation of PSHE education.
- Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural education.
How to organise:
The SEQ could be mainly undertaken as an extra-curricular activity with some aspects taught during timetabled lessons.
Assessment and evaluation approaches
Portfolio is the main assessment tool but ongoing assessment takes place throughout the programme.
Volunteer involvement
Schools entering students for these qualifications may decide to invite community and business partners to contribute to the programme in various ways.
Additional comments
Please see the SEQ website for more information: www.realideas.org/SEQ
Provider country
United Kingdom
Provider Institution:
, RIO United Kingdom
Website Address:
helper do TM detail body (June 6th, 1st half)
nebuloni.barbara
25.02.2014
SEQ is fully focussed into contemporary issues concerning both young employment and ideas for start-up businesses related to cultural backgrounds.