The Real Ideas Organisation

The Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) is a social enterprise:

We are a business that trades for social good. Our social purpose is to help young people realise their potential, to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

We do this by offering a number of services to Government, local authorities, schools and directly to young people themselves. www.realideas.org

Social enterprises are businesses set up to tackle a social or environmental need. They are at the cutting edge of social change in that they operate and report against a Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet, Profit. This enables social enterprise to be sustainable & robust, having an economic impact as well as social and / or environmental impact:

People: Social Enterprises work to alleviate social problems, and have fair and beneficial working conditions for employees.
 
Planet: Social Enterprises sometimes work to alleviate environmental problems. But certainly use sustainable environmental practises.
 
Profit: A Social Enterprise turns a profit rather than relying on grant income.
 
RIO will be working to support the Eco Design Challenge by linking schools to social entrepreneurs. Young people’s  ideas for reducing the carbon footprint of their school may well have a saleable value and in that sense the potential to be sustainable, creating a greater impact beyond the school.
 
RIO is also piloting a new qualification for young people – a Social Enterprise Qualification – to accredit young people working for positive social change. To achieve the qualification, young people will demonstrate they understand what social enterprise and ethical trading are about, and will practically develop new products or services within their school, community or a wider marketplace.
 
Once the pilot phase is complete and formal accreditation is in place, the qualification will be offered at three levels, bronze, silver and gold, on the National Qualifications Credit Framework.
 
We are now recruiting schools and young people’s groups to take part in the pilot phase for the bronze & silver levels. If you would like to be involved please register your interest via our website www.realideas.org or contact paula.winzar@realideas.org