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BSU enters exciting partnership with 3SG

Wednesday, 12 June, 2024

Bath Spa University has recently entered into a brand-new partnership with independent charity 3SG, joining the network of partnered organisations across Bath. 

3SG works to strengthen the Third Sector through their support of the charity, social enterprise, faith and voluntary sectors operating in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES). They aim to raise the profile of members, provide support, and influence local strategic decision making, and run events and training in pursuit of their mission.

The charity has a community driven focus with many priorities that they aim to support with, such as coping with demand, finding sustainable funding, and sourcing sufficient volunteers. 

This new partnership will allow 3SG and Bath Spa University to work even closer together on projects and aims, including the collaborative work for their joint organisation Bath Social Impact Network (BSIN). This partnership supplies a cooperative space with an open structure, allowing for more exciting projects to manifest and develop. BSIN aims to improve and grow the social economy in Bath and North East Somerset. It works to fill a gap identified for businesses and individuals working in social, community and environmental impact areas in BaNES.

On June 27, Bath Social Impact Network are hosting their next networking event: ‘From Start-up to Survival – Everything you need to know about Social Economy’.  3SG will be discussing Social Economy West, their new West of England Mayoral Combined Authority initiative designed to support and grow the social economy in the region.

This is a free event, where attendees will hear from experts, and breakout sessions will be organised during the event. The event will be a fantastic occasion and an opportunity to engage in conversation, celebrate success and discuss challenges. 

Commenting on the new partnership, Hannah Whiting, Head of Business Development at Bath Spa University, said:

“It has been a pleasure to work with 3SG over the past year on the Bath Social Impact Network, which brings together like-minded groups and individuals from across Bath and North East Somerset to improve and grow the social economy.

With this new partnership, we’re excited to work more closely with 3SG and look forward to what the future holds for collaborations across the sector.”

Becky Brooks, Director of 3SG, said:

“3SG is a membership network of over 230 charities, community groups and social enterprises and we have been working with Bath Spa University to support the Bath Social Impact Network - which has seen a wide range of networking opportunities and workshops delivered.

Since the Network was formed, we have partnered with WECA, Business West, Voscur and CVS South Gloucestershire to deliver Social Economy West, a 2.5-year programme, which we'll be explaining in more detail at the June event.

All of these different elements have come together to mean that we can now, collectively, support social entrepreneurs across B&NES, from start up to sustainability - with the Network bringing everything together. It's a fantastic offer and we think it will make a real difference to those looking to set up their own social enterprise in B&NES and further strengthen the existing SE offer.”