Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) is proud to announce that we have won the prestigious “Education, Training and Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year” award at the 2025 Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) Awards.
This national accolade recognises the extraordinary impact SEK has made across Kent and Medway through life-changing education, training, and employment programmes, but for us, the real celebration is about people: our dedicated team, our partners, and the thousands of individuals we support every year.
Held at the South Bank Centre in London, and attended by social innovators from every corner of the UK, the awards evening was full of purpose, passion, and powerful community stories. Every finalist in the room is delivering incredible work, and we are honoured to be recognised among such inspiring organisations.
A Legacy of Impact Since 1985
For 40 years, SEK has believed in a simple but powerful mission: Every day, we shape a better tomorrow, and we ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. From accredited training and employability support to sector development and social innovation, education and employment are woven through every part of our organisation.
Looking Ahead: Shaping a Better Tomorrow
As we move past our 40th year in 2026, SEK is launching new initiatives, including:
- The Social Impact Gateway, connecting corporates with VCSEs to unlock meaningful, measurable social value.
- Continued expansion of the AI Skills Accelerator.
- Growth of employability support, well-being programmes, and community-led solutions to the challenges people face.
We are proud of this national recognition, but our greatest pride is in the lives changed, opportunities created, and communities strengthened. “It’s wonderful to be recognised – but the award belongs to our communities.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Rebecca Smith CEO reflected: “This award isn’t just about our organisation; it’s about the people. The residents who trust us with their hopes and challenges. The volunteers and partners who walk alongside us. And our incredible staff team who show up every single day with dedication, the businesses who believe in our mission and compassion and belief in the power of community.”
Our SEUK award reflects the impact of our work this year and the depth of our commitment to creating change. Read on to explore the projects and stories behind the win.
Employment & Skills Programmes Transforming Lives
• Our Empowering Communities and employability programmes continue to support people furthest from the labour market with confidence-building, wellbeing support, skills development and meaningful job progression.
• The Thanet Job Club supported 106 participants this year, with 51 going into work, backed by one-to-one coaching, CV support and job brokerage.
• The Elevate Programme, delivered in partnership with Amey Ltd and the NHS, provided tailored, trauma-informed employability and career preparation for care-experienced young people.
Participants reported extraordinary progress, interview confidence rose from 17% to 90%, and clarity around career goals from 42% to 75%, demonstrating the life-changing impact of personalised, relational support.
High-Quality Accredited Training
SEK delivered 627 accredited courses to 2,714 learners, from First Aid and IOSH qualifications to digital skills and safeguarding. Our pioneering AI Skills Accelerator, offering City & Guilds assured AI Prompt Engineering and AI Governance qualifications, is helping local businesses and VCSEs prepare for the future. With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating and 98.5% recommendation rate, our learners consistently tell us that our training is empowering, supportive, and confidence-boosting.
Strengthening the VCSE Sector
SEK continues to build the resilience of Kent’s voluntary and community sector, delivering governance, leadership and impact training to charities and social enterprises. This work creates a stronger local economy where organisations can grow, employ local people, and reinvest in their communities.
Cost of Living Support (July 2023–March 2025)
Through our major Cost of Living project funded by the NHS and partners, we
- Supported 2,455 people
- Delivered 451 workshops
- Provided essential household appliances to help residents manage health conditions and prepare healthier meals.
Our Cost of Living Directory, an interactive map of local support services, received over 1,400 views in its first nine months.
Innovative Partnerships Creating Real Change
This year’s partnership with Sodexo delivered funded training to 55 SMEs, VCSEs and diverse-owned local businesses, almost triple the original target.
Participants gained vital skills in mental health, digital confidence, Net Zero, and modern slavery awareness. The collaboration strengthened the local social economy and resulted in over 52,000 social media impressions, new customers for SEK, and increased training reach across the county.
SEK employs over 40 staff and works with more than 120 volunteers, partnering with councils, NHS trusts, employers, and community organisations to create pathways into education, training and employment. This award recognises their commitment and care.
