Please use this document to answer the questions in reference to the Social Enterprise Strategy Consultation Report (pdf)

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* 1. Is this a useful definition and does it correctly make the distinction between social enterprises and other enterprising third sector organisations?

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* 2. While there is a need for the Council to recognise and acknowledge the difference here, should this impact on what support is provided and who can access it?

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* 3. Are there any other key findings or observations which should be recognised and could influence any action the Council may take in support of the sector?

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* 4. Does this vision correctly describe the challenge faced and does it offer the right ambition for the sector by 2017?

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* 5. Should the vision explicitly include enterprising third sector organisations as well as social enterprises?

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* 6. Is there a need to better reflect the positive impact the sector can have on the environment and those individuals and communities who are disadvantaged - as for many this is at the heart of the third sector's work, or arguably does the reference here to the ‘sustainable growth of the Highland economy’ capture these aspects implicitly?

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* 7. Do you have any ideas on how to raise the profile of the sector and what actions the Council should take to help achieve this?

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* 8. Do you have any ideas on how best the value of the social enterprises can be measured and communicated?

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* 9. Do you support the purpose of this fund and have any suggestions on how it could be improved to enable social enterprises to take on and manage Council services and premises?

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* 10. Do you have any ideas and examples of how the Council’s procurement activity could be designed and delivered to improve the opportunities for social enterprises to compete for contracts?

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* 11. How important to you is community ownership of property as opposed to long-term leases?

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* 12. What should the Council require from enterprising third sector or social enterprises before it agrees to asset transfer/long-term leases?

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* 13. What are your experiences in knowing about and accessing the various forms of advice and support services you require to sustain and grow your business?

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* 14. Is access to investment finance (grants and loans) a barrier to the growth of your business?

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* 15. Do you recognise this issue and have experience of when such conflicts have arisen and solutions secured?

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* 16. The Council would like to hear of any ideas you may have on how best to ensure the Social Enterprise Strategy is being delivered and that it is making a difference?

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* 17. Other Comments:

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