New Regional Steering Group for the Engagement of BAME's into Social Enterprise created in the East
May 2009 saw the creation of a new regional Steering Group for the engagement of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities into social enterprise created by a regional membership, but based at the Hat Factory in Luton. The "Diversity Incubation Project BAME Steering Group" (hereinafter referred to as “DIP BAME Steering Group” which has been shortened to “DIPS”) was formed in 2008 and is responding to the need for a clear strategic body to support this area in the East of England.
May 2009 saw the creation of a new regional Steering Group for the engagement of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities into social enterprise created by a regional membership, but based at the Hat Factory in Luton. The "Diversity Incubation Project BAME Steering Group" (hereinafter referred to as “DIP BAME Steering Group” which has been shortened to “DIPS”) was formed in 2008 and is responding to the need for a clear strategic body to support this area in the East of England.
DIPS is a membership of partnership organisations and individuals bearing equal status and is managed by Diversity Incubation Project which part of a legal entity, Diversity Arts Incubation Programme (DA-IP), a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Its main focus is to create a regional strategy to engage the region's BAME communities within the social enterprise sector using models and outreach provided by practicing social entrepreneurs as the vehicle.
Says Robert Lee, the Chair of DA-IP: ‘’The DIP BAME Steering Group represents a big step towards highlighting the emphasis on the importance of social enterprise and engaging BAME communities into this sector. That significance cannot be understated given the current economic climate. The Diversity Arts Incubation Programme is delighted to host our new partners under the Diversity Incubation Project."
The Steering Group intends to commence its strategic role by focusing on three areas -- (1) BAME outreach, (2) Women, and (3) the Creative sector.
Its terms of reference can be summarised as follows:-
CURRENT PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS OF DIPS- Chair -- Pauline Catlin-Reid, Creative Director of Diversity Arts Incubation Programme (DA-IP) and Director of Bedfordshire Social Enterprise Network - Ekky Archibong, Creative Director of Neomari Beadcraft Training Service and Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE) Board Member - Kate Belinis, CED of Community Development Agency for Hertfordshire (CDA) and SEEE Board Member - Saundra Glenn, Director of Bedfordshire Social Enterprise Network, Special Projects for “On Track 4 Gold” (NJCT) and SEEE Board Member - Terry Harding, Head of Policy and Enterprise, MENTER - Eileen Hutchinson, Trustee and Founder of Harmony Coaching & Mentoring Avenues (HCMA)
Notes:
- To support the national strategy for the engagement of BAME communities into social enterprise using existing social entrepreneurs as role models;
- To promote broader understanding of the scope, impacts and perspectives of BAME communities and social enterprise;
- To campaign for appropriate structures to support the engagement of BAME communities into the social enterprise sector;
- To work with Voice4Change and any existing and/or to create new opportunities to reach BAME communities to engage them with the social enterprise sector;
- To work with Voice4Change and any existing and/or to create new opportunities to reach BAME communities to engage them with the social enterprise sector;
- To keep Voice4Change and other BAME Third Sector stakeholders up to date with DIPS activities.
DIPS has been formed to support its primary stakeholder organisations, identified as:-
(1) Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE) and 3 of its sub-regional networks - BedSEN, NSEN and HertSEt
(2) Voice4Change
(3) Minority Ethnic Network in the Eastern Region (MENTER)
(4) East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
(5) Office of the Third Sector
(1) Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE) and 3 of its sub-regional networks - BedSEN, NSEN and HertSEt
(2) Voice4Change
(3) Minority Ethnic Network in the Eastern Region (MENTER)
(4) East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
(5) Office of the Third Sector
Says Pauline Catlin-Reid, the Chair of the DIPS: ’I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as the first Chair of the Diversity Incubation Project and I thank my fellow partners for their nomination and support.The group can now look forward to creating an impactive strategy for the engagement of new and culturally diverse social enterprises across the East of England and to what we envisage will be a groundbreaking project.’
CURRENT PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS OF DIPS
- Jane Taylor, Norfolk Social Enterprise Network Co-ordinator and SEEE Board Member
For more information about DIPS, its membership and purpose please contact the administrative office on 01582 878203 or email:
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Notes:
Diversity Arts Incubation Programme (DA-IP) was formed in 2005 and is a UK charity with registration number 1110193 and a company (limited by guarantee) 04921986. The Diversity Incubation Project is one of the project and consultancy areas formed under DA-IP for the provision of general services that include the creative industries and all other business areas.