Environment and roads

Rural Social Enterprise Project

Description of Project - Providing dedicated social enterprise support for rural communities in Hertfordshire, with a particular focus on the sustainability of local community services, food production and supply, and maximising the use of village halls as a community resource.

Evidence of Need for this Project Activity - Consultations undertaken by Investing in Communities across the voluntary and community sector in Hertfordshire, the Herset consultation on social enterprise strategy and RSCP consultation event: highlighted that:-

• There is no high quality support service available in rural communities with the capacity or knowledge base to support social enterprise development.
• The features of the rural economy provide opportunities (and constraints) for rural social enterprise growth. There is a clear ‘niche’ for social enterprise activity where the growth of the capacity of VCS organisations to deliver services in innovative ways is clear, e.g. in community transport, food initiatives, and in particular use of village halls and other community buildings.

Key activities for 2006/07
• Recruitment and induction of Rural Social Enterprise Adviser
• Promotion of the project across parts of Dacorum and East and North Herts.
• Consultation/networking with current social enterprises
Programme of detailed support and development work planned and agreed.

Link to Hertfordshire Local Area Agreement Blocks

• Economic Development and Enterprise
• Healthier Communities and Older People
• Safer and Stronger Communities

Contact Details for Project Manager

Project Manager
Jacquie Hime
Director
North Herts CVS
21a Bucklersbury, Hitchin SG5 1BG

T: 01462 450022
F: 01462 432999
E: director@nhcvs.org.uk
W: www.hertscvs.org.uk

Rural Social Enterprise Adviser
Ann Woolner
North Herts CVS
21a Bucklersbury, Hitchin, SG5 1BG

T: 01462 450022
F: 01462 432999
E: rscp@nhcvs.org.uk
W: www.hertscvs.org.uk