Consultation | Definition of Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland
The Department for the Economy has launched a public consultation on a definition framework for social enterprises in Northern Ireland
The Department for the Economy (DfE) is seeking views on a definition framework for social enterprises in Northern Ireland. This is a proposed new policy approach, with potential to be adopted by government departments in the delivery of funding support to the sector.
A clear definition will help ensure that funding and support to grow the social enterprise sector are targeted correctly.
What this consultation aims to achieve
Since 2024, a cross departmental Social Enterprise Policy Group has worked with DfE to draft a series of criteria to reflect the different stages a social enterprise organisation the various stages of development and growth for social enterprise organisations. This work has resulted in a draft three-tier framework.
The consultation questions aim to determine whether the three-tier framework:
- contains the most effective criteria by which an organisation can define its entity
- can clearly differentiate the various organisations in the social economy sector
- uses realistic income and profit percentages to disaggregate charitable and trading businesses
- can effectively guide future use
Information sessions
Three information sessions have been scheduled to support the consultation:
Consultation Info Session: Defining Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland | Limavady
Wednesday 12 November 2025, 10:30 am to noon
Consultation Info Session: Defining Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland | Dungannon
Wednesday 19 November 2025, 10:30 am to noon
Consultation Info session: Defining Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland | online
Monday 24 November 2025, 10:30 am to noon
How to respond
You can share your views online by Tuesday 23 December 2025.
If this is not possible, you can email your response to: socialeconomy@economy-ni.gov.uk.
First published 31 October 2025