Social Entrepreneurs and Social Inclusion: Building Local Capacity or Delivering National Priorities?

Abstract

Western governments have increasingly sought to tap the potential of the voluntary and community sectors in delivering neighborhood-based initiatives to combat social exclusion. The particular attributes claimed for the ‘third sector’ include closeness to the community and a capacity for flexibility and innovation. In-depth evaluation of the UK’s Neighbourhood Support Fund, a ‘flagship’ program designed to combat the social exclusion of disaffected young people living in deprived inner urban areas, demonstrates that to operate successfully in the current policy environment, community-based projects not only need these skills but must also acquire managerial capacity. In particular they have to be able meet the increasing demand from central government for detailed performance data. Successful community based projects therefore not only need to have the capacity for entrepreneurial activity but must now also have managerial skills not traditionally associated with the ‘not for profit’ organisations.

Notes

9. Rhodes, R. A. W. New Labour’s Civil Service: summing-up joining-up. The Political Quarterly 2000 71, 151 - 166. Also discussed in Cowell, R.; Martin, S. J. The Joy of Joining up: Modes of Integration in the Local Government Modernising Agenda. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 2003 21, 159-179

12. See both the Social Exclusion Unit. Bringing Britain Together: A National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal; Home Office: London, 1998 and Social Exclusion Unit. Bridging the Gap: New Opportunities for 16-18 year olds not in Education, Training or Employment; HMSO: London, 1999

18. Leadbeater, C.; 1997 – op. cit