Launched by Social Enterprise London (SEL) in April 2004, LA Connects is a forum for local authorities to share learning and work in partnership when engaging in social enterprise development. Of London’s 33 local authorities, 28 are currently members of LA Connects, and this number continues to grow.
LA Connects creates a mechanism to avoid duplication ensuring best use of investment in London, and encourages the dissemination of best practice. With each authority having different social enterprise activities, budgets and structure, sharing experience and learning is valuable for the future of social enterprise in London. By developing work plans that relate to their own authority’s goals for social enterprise the members aim to create a pan London social enterprise plan for local government. With funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund drawing to an end, local authorities will be the group with a major influence over how social enterprise develops and grows in the future.
Local authorities interested in engaging in the London social enterprise movement will appoint a representative to LA Connects, to discuss ongoing and future work, share lessons learned, and receive support from the partnership. In the past the offices within local authorities that are most often engaged in social enterprise development have been in regeneration, economic development and policy, depending on how each council is structured. We at SEL will work to create a network of contacts and expertise, and we will promote an open, transparent and supportive environment.
LA Connects members attend quarterly meetings which are held at the offices of the Association of London Government (ALG). These meetings are themed and include a variety of topics including local public service delivery and procurement, regeneration and community development, addressing market failure and economic development. Members feel that these meetings are useful and invaluable in information sharing and in learning about initiatives taking place.
The schedule for future meetings in 2006 is:
Previous meetings have covered:
If you have any questions or suggestions about LA Connects, contact Mei@sel.org.uk.
