Social Enterprise Graduate Funding
Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that Social Enterprises are changing the world for the better. Like traditional businesses they aim to make a profit, but it's what they do with their profits that sets them apart - reinvesting or donating to create positive social change.
Our Council continues to look for innovative ways to Improve the level of skills within our communities and workforce and to provide meaningful employment to encourage our young people of working age to stay in the region.
We now have a rewarding opportunity for local social enterprise organisations to build on Dumfries and Galloway Council's leadership role as a catalyst and model for other employers and organisations.
We are passionate about the importance of working with partners and communities through our shared interest to make the most of the talents, vision, and commitment of the people who live, learn and work in Dumfries and Galloway.
Building on the Council's successful graduate employment experience programme, and using the infrastructure and support available through that programme, funding is now available which allows extension of the graduate programme to Social Enterprise and Third Sector organisations within D&G.
The money is to be used to part-fund salary and training costs, 75% of the total, with the employer paying the additional 25%. This will enable graduate placements within host partner organisations and will provide genuine and worthwhile experience, enhancing skills, knowledge, and overall employability, whilst contributing to the Priorities of our Council.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for funding for a placement the partner organisation must meet all criteria listed below:
- Be a social enterprise organisation operating in the Dumfries and Galloway region
- Have not had a graduate placement through external funding in the past 12 months
- Have not had poverty and inequalities participatory budget funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council in the past 12 months
Funding
The funding for each placement would provide for:
- Up to 12 months duration, with a guaranteed minimum of 6 months placement
- Pay at the Scottish Living Wage
- Funding for 75% of salary, on costs and technology costs. 25% salary and on costs funding from the partner organisation themselves as matching contribution
- Council allocates and fully funds resources for graduate placement learning and development delivered by the Council - as part of the existing scheme and framework
Placement Themes
There are four graduate placements and applications for funding and inclusion of placements in the scheme should meet the ambitions from the Regional Economic Strategy, which are
Theme 1 - Skilled and Ambitious People
- Enabling Access to Skills, Training & Employment
- Attracting & Retaining More People with a Range of Skills, Ambition & Knowledge
Theme 3 - Rewarding and Fair Work
- Growing & Diversifying Our Economy
- Securing and Improving Fair Working Conditions & Wages
Theme 6 - Thriving and Distinct Communities
- Activating & Empowering Communities, the Third Sector and Social Enterprise
In particular, we are interested in applications on projects that will deliver outcomes on Climate and Environmental improvements, Workforce Planning - attracting and retaining staff, Health and Social Care and Public Protection and Resilience.
If you are interested in applying for, and can part fund a graduate placement, then please in the first instance e-mail to note an expression of interest by 16 May 2022.
The expression of interest should outline:
- That your organisation meets the eligibility criteria
- What theme/project your organisation is interested in applying for
- Contact name, number, and e-mail address
The expression of interest can be emailed to the OD@dumgal.gov.uk mailbox where someone will make contact with you to cover the next steps in the process.
