4 Aug 2026
Lessons from France: Embedding Work Integration Social Enterprises in the National Employment System
By White Box Enterprises
This report, published by White Box Enterprises, explores how France embeds work-focused social enterprises within its national employment system. It argues Australia could learn from France's approach as it redesigns its own employment services, particularly around funding and recognising these enterprises' role.
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This report, published by White Box Enterprises, examines France's work integration system and what Australia can learn from it. It draws on over two years of research and engagement with French agencies, social enterprise organisations and employment experts, including study tours for Australian leaders.
France has around 4,500 work integration social enterprises, or WISEs, supporting roughly 168,000 people a year, over half of whom remain in employment or training six months after leaving. The report links this to WISEs being formally recognised within the system, with defined referral pathways and dedicated funding. It recommends Australia:
- recognise jobs-focused social enterprises as a core part of the employment system
- fund the real cost of work integration support, and
- build stronger referral pathways and long-term funding models
It's useful for policymakers and social enterprise leaders interested in how other countries support people facing barriers to work.
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