Published Oct 2024
Challenge areas for the Sector
Social enterprises are at the forefront of tackling some of our most pressing challenges. This section focuses on four thematic areas where social enterprises are driving real change: environmental care, people-centred services, access to decent work, and community-led innovation. Dive into the latest research and thinking that can help grow understanding and impact in each of these critical areas.
Environmental care
This section explores the critical role of social enterprises in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. We'll examine the various ways in which social enterprises are working to reduce their environmental footprint, develop eco-friendly products and services, and advocate for change. This will include considering areas such as renewable energy, waste reduction, conservation, and regenerative food systems. We'll also discuss the opportunities and challenges of building a more sustainable social enterprise sector in Australia.
Resources
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This video introduces Doughnut Economics, a framework by economist Kate Raworth that balances human needs with planetary health. Challenging traditional growth-focused economics, it emphasises well-being within ecological limits. The concept offers a compelling perspective on sustainable development and highlights the role of social enterprises in the impact economy, engaging stakeholders effectively.
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Earth4All’s two-year research investigates pathways to achieve global wellbeing within planetary boundaries by 2100. It examines two scenarios: ‘Too Little Too Late,’ continuing current economic policies, and ‘Giant Leap,’ requiring bold decisions and investments. The report identifies five critical turnarounds—poverty, inequality, women’s empowerment, food systems, and energy transformation—and calls for active governments, wellbeing economies, and urgent action this decade. Using system dynamics models, it highlights affordable economic shifts and proposes citizens’ assemblies to overcome political barriers.
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People-centred services
Social enterprises have the potential to transform the way we deliver essential services, putting people and communities at the heart of their approach. In this section, we'll explore how social enterprises are reimagining sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services to better meet the needs of diverse populations. We'll examine the principles and practices of people-centred service design, highlighting how social enterprises can co-create solutions with the communities they serve. We'll also explore the challenges of scaling and sustaining people-centred approaches within the current funding and policy environment.
Resources
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IDEO is a global design agency known for its human-centred approach. This Field Guide to Human-Centred Design represents how IDEO thinks about design for social impact. It includes 57 clear-to-use design methods for new and experienced practitioners, plus case studies.
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This booklet goes beyond the Business Model Canvas as a general tool. It outlines how Ingrid Burkett, an Australian social entrepreneur, applies the Canvas to the specific needs of social enterprise. The booklet walks you through how to use the Canvas step-by-step.
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Access to decent work
Creating access to decent work is a key priority for many social enterprises, particularly those working with disadvantaged or marginalised communities. This section examines the various strategies social enterprises are using to create meaningful employment opportunities, from job training and pathway programs to inclusive hiring practices and fair wage policies. We'll explore the challenges of operating in a rapidly changing labour market and how social enterprises can innovate and advocate for broader systemic changes to support access to decent work for all.
Resources
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The Community Well, also known as the Social Sector Wellbeing and Resilience Hub, is an online resource designed to support charities, not-for-profits, and social enterprises. Created to address stress and burnout in the social sector, it offers curated tools, practical strategies, and advocacy for systemic change, fostering sustainable mental health and resilience practices.
This resource showcases findings from Australian Research Council studies on Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE). It emphasises the role of social enterprises in enhancing individual and community wellbeing, particularly in disadvantaged and regional areas. The platform offers tools, insights, and strategies for social enterprises, policymakers, and ecosystem supporters to design workplaces and practices that integrate wellbeing principles, address systemic disadvantage, and foster resilience. Key focus areas include regional community wellbeing, youth health equity, and leveraging organisational design to influence positive social outcomes.
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Community-led innovation
Social enterprises have the unique ability to harness the knowledge, skills, and creativity of local communities to drive innovation and address complex problems. In this section, we'll explore the concept of community-led innovation and its potential to generate more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate solutions. We'll highlight approaches to support community-led innovation, from participatory research and co-design methods to placed-based investment and community governance.
Resources
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This report by the British Academy and Power to Change examines how social infrastructure strengthens community resilience. It highlights key spaces, their role in fostering inclusivity, and policy recommendations for maintaining and enhancing social infrastructure.
This guide introduces the Participatory City model, designed to create vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods through active resident engagement in practical projects. It offers principles, methods, and insights for addressing social challenges and building community resilience, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, community leaders, and organisations.
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Coming soon
Understorey points to a range of quality resources that already exist across the sector—practical guides, tools, reports, case studies, and proven frameworks. We’re bringing them together in one place to make it easier for everyone to learn and exchange about social enterprise.
Do you know of a great resource we should include?
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