Communities Scotland has published two guides highlighting how social enterprises are boosting local services while strengthening the country’s economy.

Released as part of the Futurebuilders Scotland programme, the publications expound the notable and multifarious benefits of investing in the social economy, which is worth more than £1 billion north of the border.

Working with social organisations has yielded economic, environmental, as well as social benefits in Scotland, according to the guides, which cite 15 case studies from around the country that have succeeded in delivering high quality services.

“The social economy has a track record of delivering excellent public services,” said Ian Mitchell, director of community regeneration at Communities Scotland.

“Many of these services are provided for the most deprived people in Scotland. On top of this, social economy organisations provide employment, and invest in the communities that they serve.

“These guides highlight in a clear way how working with the social economy can help public bodies meet their various obligations and provide better services. The case studies show that this is already happening,” he added.

Examples of successful partnerships with social enterprises include work conducted by Smile Childcare in Edinburgh for Stevenson College, which was originally to provide childcare services, but evolved to include provisions for student parents and accommodation.

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