The SSE programme uses a variety of different support interventions and learning methodologies on its programme, to provide the tailored personal development and organisational support that social entrepreneurs need. If you would like more information on any of the below, or the programme in general, do contact us.
- Action Learning Sets
Action learning sets are a core part of SSE’s learning programme. With a trained facilitator, students work in a small group throughout the year to find useful and impactful ways of overcoming the stumbling blocks, dilemmas and other issues that can beset any project. Fellows of the School often continue to work in their Action Learning Sets long after they complete the SSE programme because they find the trust and wisdom that the Set builds to be of lasting value.
- Witness Sessions
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to listen, learn, question and network with social entrepreneurs, real practitioners who come to the SSE to share theirexperience and offer expertise and advice. We call these people witnesses because they give evidence for you to examine - to find the meaning you need for your own venture. They do not lecture, but discuss the secrets of their difficulties as well as their successes; engage in debate as well as answer your questions. Witnesses are selected to meet the priorities that students themselves identify and are drawn from fields that are directly relevant to yours.
- Expert Sessions
While we pride ourselves on offering a flexible programme that responds to student needs, we do recognise that there are some areas of knowledge where students need definitive guidance. Through questioning, observing and listening to experts you will improve your abilities in such areas as legal structures, financial management, business planning, securing funding, marketing, partnering andother essential skills. The insights you gain will help you to develop solutions that will work for you.
- ‘Show-How’ Project Visits
Over the year you will have the chance to investigate a range of established projects first-hand as you visit organisations who have made the journey you are now on and who are prepared to share their experiences. Project visits give students the opportunity to view successful social entrepreneurs in their environment, giving insights into how they work and thrive. Each visit brings a different viewpoint, new knowledge, and a potential source of inspiration.
- Personal Tutors
On joining the programme you will be assigned a personal tutor with appropriate skills and experience to help you embed and apply your learning to your real-life situation, and to work through any personal and project challenges that arise. These one-to-one sessions are designed to help students get continuing support and to help you think about your personal goals and how to approach the challenges your project or organisation presents. Tutors can guide, coach, listen, research and network, depending on your needs.
- Mentors
Mentors are an optional element of the programme, used to provide additional guidance and strategic help where SSE deems appropriate. The relationship with a mentor is confidential and managed by the student. In such cases, SSE will help you identify a mentor, then broker and establish a meaningful and useful relationship with them. These relationships often last beyond the SSE programme and may not begin until you are some way into the course.
- Intensive Study Residential Blocks
At least once in the year we bring together participants in all our learning programmes for a dedicated three-day learning experience combining project visits, expert witness sessions, group learning, and time to network and socialize with students from around the country. These study blocks offer a unique opportunity to meet with other students from across the SSE Network. SSE has access to state-of-the-art conference facilities to ensure the learning experience is of the highest quality and these events are extremely powerful in helping move students towards their goals.
- Other support
Throughout the year, the SSE team is on hand to offer advice and guidance, coaching, information, support and contacts when you need it. Students can telephone the office or drop in during working hours for help on a variety of topics, and to access resources including a library, workstations and meeting rooms. An electronic networking and information system, the SSE Learning Web is an online resource for SSE students and fellowship members. Students have the opportunity to create a homepage, profile and blog, to email their fellow students, to access useful materials, and to tap into the experience and resources of the ever-expanding SSE Fellowship.
SSE also brokers in specific pro-bono opportunities where appropriate, including legal support, corporate strategic thinking days, and focused brand development.
- The Fellowship Network
Students who complete the SSE programme will gain lifelong membership of the SSE Fellowship. The Fellowship works like a club, with members continuing to swap views and experiences and to trade and collaborate. E-bulletins bring news and links to other organisations and the learning web enables you to contact each other easily and keep in touch. Other Fellowship benefits are being developed all the time as the network grows.
