November Updates
A message from our CEO, Rebecca Smith
Last month’s Annual Conference was a fantastic day! It was brilliant to come together, share experiences, and hear from such inspiring speakers. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the Broadstairs Pavilion for being such wonderful hosts and for donating their surplus food to our SE Kitchen a lovely example of social value in action.
Not everyone from SEK could be there on the day, but I’m so proud of the whole team, including those back in the office keeping things running.
We were privileged to hear from some truly inspiring voices:
- Andrew Croft, Chris Morgan and Fiona Napier from Social Enterprise UK, who joined us from London to share national insights with our Kent colleagues.
- Rebecca Bradley FCIPD from R People, who wowed us with the power of AI in the workplace.
- Andrea Murphy from Active Kent & Medway, who delivered a brilliant talk on cross-sector partnership and working from the ground up.
- Zita Whalley and Andy Malt from Paddle Media CIC, who took us on a practical storytelling journey, showing how powerful authentic narratives can be within our organisations.
- Our very own Gina English and Claire Shelton, who closed the day perfectly, sharing updates on the Social Impact Gateway, the Canterbury Community Lottery, and the Research Engagement Network projects.
- And a big thank-you to Justin Byrd from Charity Mentors Kent and Medway for joining us and offering support.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the incredible Boost programme. We’re so grateful for their partnership, and while we’re sad to see the programme finishing at the end of the year, we really hope there’s another initiative like it in the pipeline, because it’s been such a catalyst for social enterprise impact.
A heartfelt thank you to Kirsty Hawkins, Heather Biddles, Michael Roberts and Philippa Wall for their dedication and hard work on the Boost programme.
Rebecca Smith, Chief Executive, Social Enterprise Kent
Winners Announced
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has announced the winners of its 25th annual Impact Awards, recognising excellence across workplace innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and community impact within the facilities management sector.
This year’s ceremony celebrated 22 outstanding organisations and individuals delivering measurable social and environmental value across the UK. Although Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) did not take home the top prize in its category, the team is delighted to have received a Highly Commended award in the Social Value category a distinction given only to a small number of finalists.
The Highly Commended recognition highlights SEK’s continued commitment to creating meaningful social impact across Kent and Medway through employment, training, and community support initiatives.
Among the main winners were:
- Positive Climate Action: Landmarc Support Services
- Social Value: Equans UK & Ireland – Recirculate Project
- EDI Initiative: Tomorrow Meets Today
- Technology Innovation: HubStar – H2O Platform
- Leader of the Year: Theresa Bell, Arcus FM
IWFM Chief Executive Officer, Linda Hausmanis, praised this year’s entrants for demonstrating the sector’s essential role in driving sustainability and inclusion within workplaces:
“These awards show the power of our profession to make a genuine difference – not just to organisations, but to people, places and the planet.”
SEK’s recognition reflects the growing influence of social enterprise in shaping better business practices nationally.
Source: IWFM Impact Awards 2025
Community Lotteries Driving Local Impact
Community lotteries across Kent are continuing to make a measurable difference to local charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises – providing sustainable funding at a time when many organisations face rising costs and reduced grant income.
The Canterbury Community Lottery, operated by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), remains one of the region’s strongest examples of community-powered giving. Each £1 ticket contributes 60p directly to local good causes, with players entered into a weekly draw for prizes of up to £25,000. The scheme has helped raise thousands of pounds to support vital local services, from food projects to youth programmes.
Across the county, other initiatives are following suit, including
🎟️ Canterbury Community Lottery – canterburycommunitylottery.co.uk
🎟️ TW Lotto (Tunbridge Wells) – twlotto.co.uk
🎟️ Ashford Community Lottery – ashfordcommunitylottery.co.uk
🎟️ Medway Lottery – medwaylottery.co.uk
🎟️ Swale Community Lottery – swalecommunitylottery.co.uk
🎟️ Dover Lotto – doverlotto.com
🎟️ Thanet Lotto – thanetlotto.co.uk
Together, these lotteries provide small organisations with an easy and reliable way to raise funds, each offering a dedicated fundraising page, marketing support, and access to local networks.
According to The Lotteries Council, community lotteries have become a vital tool for local authorities and VCSE partners, fostering self-sustaining income streams that keep community projects running. The Kent-based schemes collectively demonstrate how local generosity can drive long-term social impact.
“Community lotteries show the power of local people supporting local causes, turning small individual contributions into a big community difference,” said a spokesperson for Social Enterprise Kent.
To learn more or join the Canterbury Community Lottery, visit: www.canterburycommunitylottery.co.uk.
Source: The Lotteries Council, 2025.
Building a Powerful Theory of Change
How do you move from a bold vision to measurable, lasting impact?
This hands-on BOOST training session will introduce you to the Theory of Change (ToC) a practical framework for mapping how and why a desired change is expected to happen.
Through guided exercises and real-world examples, participants will learn how to clarify programme logic, define meaningful outcomes, and make stronger evidence-based decisions to guide their work.
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Understand the core principles and purpose of a Theory of Change
- Distinguish between inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact
- Develop a clear causal pathway linking actions to intended change
- Identify key assumptions and external factors that influence success
- Use ToC as a foundation for strategic planning, evaluation and communication
This workshop is open to organisations registered on the BOOST programme.
Register here:
Thanet Social Enterprise Boost – Social Enterprise Kent
How to Grow Your Social Enterprise
Developing sustainable income and financial resilience
Social enterprises across Kent and Medway are increasingly looking for practical ways to grow their impact while building financial stability. This upcoming BOOST training session, delivered by Social Enterprise Kent, focuses on helping organisations strengthen their business model and create sustainable income that reduces reliance on grants.
This practical workshop will explore tried-and-tested strategies for growth, including how to develop organic income streams, diversify funding, and build long-term financial resilience. Participants will also gain confidence in core finance skills, ensuring they understand the numbers behind organisational growth.
In this session, you’ll learn:
- How to identify and develop organic income streams
- Building a sustainable, mission-aligned business model
- Financial planning and budgeting for growth
- Tools to measure and manage your financial performance
- Strategies to scale your impact without mission drift
This workshop is open to organisations registered on the BOOST programme.
Register here:
Thanet Social Enterprise Boost – Social Enterprise Kent
Kent Education Awards
The Kent Education Awards return to honour the incredible teachers, support staff, volunteers, and school teams who make a daily difference in classrooms and communities.
Nominations are open until 31 January 2026, with categories for teachers, early-career staff, non-teaching roles, and volunteers. Schools are encouraged to take part and recognise the individuals and teams shaping the future of education in Kent.
Last year’s event at the Ashford International Hotel was a wonderful celebration of collaboration and dedication across the education sector, and this year promises to be even bigger.
Nominate someone who deserves recognition: Kent Education Awards – Enter Now
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Young Cooks
Our popular Young Cooks competition invites pupils to showcase their culinary skills, creativity, and understanding of healthy, affordable eating. The initiative promotes life skills, confidence, and awareness of nutrition and sustainability through hands-on cooking challenges.
Entries are now open for the next competition cycle, with regional heats leading to the county finals in early 2026. Prizes include a share of £600 and the chance to take part in a professional cookery masterclass.
Enter now: Young Cooks Competition – Find Out More
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The Big Writing Challenge
This year’s Big Writing Challenge encourages pupils to let their imaginations run wild with the theme “Curious Creatures.” Young authors are invited to submit short stories of up to 500 words, with selected entries to be published and celebrated across Kent.
The challenge builds confidence, literacy, and creativity while recognising the joy of storytelling in schools and communities alike.
Take part: The Big Writing Challenge – Enter Today
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Together, these initiatives highlight how the SEK Schools Team continues to champion creativity, achievement, and opportunity, helping young people across Kent thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Support – Free Energy Advice Home Visits
As the colder months approach, Social Enterprise Kent is continuing to offer free, impartial Energy Advice Home Visits to help adults and families stay warm and well this winter.
Our friendly, DBS-checked and National Energy Action-trained team can provide tailored guidance on:
- Managing energy bills and tariffs
- Improving home energy efficiency
- Accessing grants and financial support
- Fuel debt advice and scam awareness
- Carbon monoxide safety and the Priority Services Register
Each household visited will also receive a free ‘warm pack’, which may include draught excluders, radiator foils, and a carbon monoxide alarm.
We can also deliver drop-in sessions or workshops for community groups and venues — helping local residents learn practical, money-saving tips and stay safe this winter.
👉 To make a referral or book a community session, email: digitalsupport@sekgroup.org.uk
Spaces are limited.
Energy Advice Programme 2025–26
Employment Support – Health & Social Care Pathways
Do you or someone you know live in Thanet and want a career that makes a real difference? Whether you’re ready to start work, change direction, or return after a break, we can help you take your first step into a wide range of roles across the Health and Social Care sector. From administration and housekeeping to portering and care work, there truly is a role for everyone.
Through our free training programme, you’ll gain a recognised Level 1 Certificate in Health and Care, build confidence, strengthen your skills, and get access to live job opportunities. With friendly support every step of the way — plus a £20 gift card upon completion — this is a great opportunity to start a meaningful, rewarding career.
We can help you:
- Get ready for work
- Gain a Level 1 Certificate in Health and Care (SWAPs)
- Access live job vacancies
- Receive in-work support
Places are limited — sign up today!
Call: 01843 210 005
Email: Support@sekgroup.org.uk
Cancer Smart Celebration & 2025–2026 Extension
Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Cancer Smart project into 2026, following renewed funding from the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance (KMCA). The extension will enable the team to build on its successful community awareness work, promoting early cancer diagnosis and supporting local primary care networks.
To mark the conclusion of the previous phase and launch the next stage of the programme, SEK hosted a celebration event on 30 October 2025 at the Broadstairs Palace Cinema. The event brought together partners, participants, and community representatives to reflect on the project’s achievements and preview the new direction for the year ahead.
The afternoon included presentations and video screenings highlighting the programme’s impact across 2024–25. The agenda featured:
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A welcome from Rebecca Smith, SEK Chief Executive, outlining the project’s journey and ongoing ambitions.
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Insights from Ian Vousden of KMCA, featured in a new Cancer Smart Round-Up video.
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An evaluation presentation by Lydia P., sharing key outcomes and learning from the previous year.
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The premiere of three new short films: Cancer Smart Round-Up, Bowel Cancer and Screening Awareness, and Skin Smart.
Guests included colleagues from KMCA, local Screening and Immunisation teams, Primary Care Network representatives, the East Kent Bowel Screening Team, and community contributors who appeared in the films. The relaxed cinema setting offered refreshments, networking, and a chance to thank participants for their contributions.
The extended Cancer Smart 2025–26 programme will continue delivering community-based awareness events and targeted outreach to reduce health inequalities across Kent and Medway.
Employer-Led Skills Bootcamp
The Employer-Led Skills Bootcamp, delivered by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), continues to support businesses and individuals across Kent and Medway to develop in-demand skills and unlock new employment opportunities.
Part of the Government’s Skills for Life initiative, the programme offers flexible, high-quality training tailored to the needs of local employers. It helps bridge workforce gaps in priority sectors while providing participants with practical learning and guaranteed job interviews upon completion.
The Bootcamp model is designed to make upskilling accessible and cost-effective with employers contributing just 10% of costs for SMEs or 30% for larger organisations. Training is focused on areas such as digital skills, customer service, and community health, equipping participants with valuable experience and career progression routes.
Since its launch, the initiative has helped hundreds of people gain new qualifications and secure sustainable employment, supporting both business growth and community resilience.
For further details or to register interest, visit sekgroup.org.uk.
Cabinet Members Visit SEK Health & Social Care Skills Bootcamp
Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) was delighted to welcome Cllr Paul King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Coastal Regeneration, Cllr Mark Mulvihill, Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, and Claire Wilkin, Quality and Compliance Advisor from the Kent County Council (KCC) Skills Bootcamps team, to its Health and Social Care Skills Bootcamp in Margate this month.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to discuss how Skills Bootcamps are helping local people gain confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for rewarding roles within the care sector. Learners shared their experiences and ambitions, demonstrating how accessible, locally delivered training can create meaningful career pathways.
Cllr Mark Mulvihill commented:
“It was fantastic to see the team and students; the service you provide will certainly make a big difference in helping to train up local people and fill the gaps in the care sector with local employers.”
The delegation also met the Bootcamp tutor Angie Watchus, alongside the wider Skills and Employability team, who showcased the positive outcomes achieved through the programme.
Kirsty Hawkins, SEK’s Director of Skills and Employability, said the visit highlighted how partnership working is supporting workforce development across Kent and Medway.
SEK is now enrolling for upcoming Health and Social Care Skills Bootcamps. Anyone interested in developing their skills or progressing their career in the care sector can register their interest via sekgroup.org.uk.
Voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Kent are encouraged to explore several live funding opportunities this month, supporting projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability.
The Community Wellbeing Fund is now open for applications via the Social Impact Gateway (SIG) — a free online platform connecting VCSE organisations with grants, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities. Through SIG, users can apply for multiple funds, access tailored support, and link with potential partners across the region.
Additional national and regional funders currently accepting applications include:
- Austin Hope Pilkington Trust – supporting charities tackling social disadvantage.
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Clothworkers Foundation – offering capital grants for community facilities and equipment.
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Football Foundation – funding grassroots sports and inclusive community spaces.
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Green Initiatives – recognising environmental sustainability projects across Kent.
In line with Kent County Council’s environmental priorities, the Council is also promoting local community schemes focused on greener living, renewable energy, and biodiversity. Updates and calls for proposals can be found via their official Facebook page.
For details or application support, contact sig@sekgroup.org.uk.
A selection of current employment opportunities within the Kent voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector are now open for applications. These roles offer the chance to make a positive impact across local communities while developing professional skills within values-driven organisations.
Schools Careers Adviser – CXK
Location: Across Kent, Medway, West Kent & Mid Kent
Salary: £25,175 – £27,802 (term-time only, pro rata)
Closing date: 30 November 2025
Deliver independent careers guidance and run employability workshops in schools and colleges across Kent and Medway.
Source: CXK Careers
Refugee Welcome Officer – Canterbury Diocesan Board of Finance
Location: Canterbury (Kent, London & South East)
Salary: £24,752 (£30,940 FTE)
Closing date: 1 December 2025
Support the Afghan Welcome Project by coordinating volunteers, accommodation, and local partnerships to assist refugee resettlement.
Source: Canterbury Diocesan Board of Finance / Social Justice Network
Stay Connected:
Stay informed with the latest updates from the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across Kent and Medway. Our monthly Social Enterprise Kent Newsletter shares current funding opportunities, sector news, training programmes, and events designed to strengthen community impact.
Thank you to all partner organisations and contributors featured in this month’s edition for helping us celebrate the achievements, innovation, and collaboration driving positive change across our region.