Helpful Links

Other relevant sources of support for improving performance- for third sector organisations, those working with them and funders, buyers and investors in third sector organisations include:

  • Business Link- provides an excellent and comprehensive set of tools and resources. Most of the tools have been written for businesses but some of them have been tailored for social enterprises and are relevant to third sector organisations. See: www.businesslink.gov.uk
  • NCVO- offers a comprehensive selection of downloadable tools and guidance sheets or a wider range of topics. See: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
  • The National Support Service - offers a range of publications giving information, knowledge and tools for improvement. Examples include: data analysis; funding and procurement. This is a useful and well-used forum that also provides relevant question and answers and facilitates a network to help advisers improve the support they offer to third sector organisations. See: www.performancemanagement.org.uk
  • Social Firms UK- holds one of largest collections of resources about social firms in the UK. The resources can be purchased, rented for 2 weeks or downloaded free of charge. See: www.resources.socialfirms.co.uk
  • Social Enterprise Coalition- provides resources through publications, links, events, news archive and a Social Enterprise Directory. Much of the information on this website has been provided by their users. See: www.socialenterprise.org.uk
  • Social Enterprise London- provides a good range of information, guidance, tools and resources. See: www.sel.org.uk
  • Development Trusts Association- provides a wide range of resources, such as publications, information on policies and procedures and presentations. Some of these resources are available to members only. See: www.dta.org.uk
  • The Social Return on Investment Primer- this comprehensive website developed by the London Business School and the Economics Foundation includes a wide range of information about and publications relating to social return on investment and even a video to watch on-line. See: www.sroi.london.edu
  • Social Audit Network- provides a directory of sample social accounts. SAN has recently published its revised Social Accounting and Audit Manual together with an interactive CD rom. See: www.socialauditnetwork.org.uk
  • British Quality Foundation- provides an on-line directory of publications including EFQM publications, training manual and research reports. See: www.quality-foundation.co.uk
  • Social Enterprise Mark- RISE (Regional Infrastructure for Social Enterprise) has developed a social enterprise brand with associated support opportunities that will be available to social enterprises in the South West who meet the entry criteria. Additional benefits being developed may include: “Boardroom” events where leaders of qualifying organisations can share concerns and experiences; support around Leadership Development; plus brokering support provision. For further information on the entry criteria and other details, see: www.socialenterprisemark.co.uk