Social Enterprise Plus Programme

Transform Your Community into a Force for Good. Making a Difference in the Community with Our Social Enterprise Plus Programme

The Housing Executive’s Social Enterprise Plus Strategy 2020 - 2024 aims to stimulate economic activity among people living or working in Housing Executive communities. 

Since the development of the first strategy in 2015, our communities have faced additional challenges including:

  • the cost of living crisis
  • Covid-19 recovery and 
  • wider economic issues

All of which have a direct impact on out tenants and wider community. 

Community wealth building is at the heart of what we as an organisation want to help enable through our social enterprise strategy and annual action plan.

Investment Awards

An important part of the strategy includes an investment programme. Although applications are currently closed we are always keen to speak with social enterprises within our communities who are looking to grow or scale up. 

We are also interested  in those social enterprises who are just beginning their journey. So if you have an idea please get in contact with a member of the social enterprise team. 

Please follow us on our socials for information on the next round of applications in early 2024.

To find out more download our Social Enterprise Plus Strategy.

Our accessible directory lists social enterprises that serve Housing Executive communities across NI.

Social Value

Social Value policy introduced in June 2022 requires that suppliers on government contracts to partner with voluntary, community or social enterprises (VCSE) to deliver social value. 

They must demonstrate this as part of the tender process. 

From 1st June 2022, it is mandatory for Government departments  to allocate 10% of the award criteria to social value in services and works contracts where Public Contract Regulations apply. 

This policy is due to be reviewed in 2023 with a view of increasing the percentage of the total award criteria to 20% for social value. 

We would encourage all community based organisations and social enterprises within our communities to sign up. 

This can be done at:

Social Value NI

OCN Level 2 and 3 in Social Enterprise

Is your community organisation interested in gaining a qualification on social enterprise? This is delivered by our partners Supporting Communities. If interested contact a member of our team.

To find out more about the Social Housing Enterprise Plus Programme, contact:

Christine Davis, Assistant Manager

Email: christine.davis@nihe.gov.uk

Tel. 07826866862

Amanda Ashe, Assistant Manager              

Email: Amanda.Ashe@nihe.gov.uk        

Tel. 07721237227

Connor Smith, Manager                               

Email: Connor.Smith2@nihe.gov.uk  

Tel. 07795428562

Or email: socialinvestments@nihe.gov.uk

What Social Enterprises have we invested in?

The Housing Executive has been supporting social enterprises and community investment since 1971. 

Our aim is to foster vibrant, stable and sustainable communities.

Since 2015, our Social Enterprise Programme has supported a range of social enterprises. These have delivered services from recycling and catering to graphic design and childcare.

These short films give an overview of the Programme and some of the projects we funded.

Go Succeed

Go Succeed is the new go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland's eleven local councils. 

Whether you're:

  • a budding entrepreneur just starting out
  • are looking to grow your business
  • or are planning to scale up

Our team of industry experts will provide tailored support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.

Go Succeed - NI Business Support