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, 1030 am to noon

Consultation Info Session Defining Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland | Dungannon
Wednesday 19 November 2025, 1030 am to noon

Consultation Info session Defining Social Enterprise in Northern Ireland | online
Monday 24 November 2025, 1030 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 [email protected].

First published 31 October 2025