We are pleased to invite Social Enterprises to take part in the research study Exploring Barriers Faced by Social Enterprises in Scotland.
What is this research about? This study examines how social enterprises in Scotland engage with two sets of standards: the People and Planet First verification standards and the Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprises in Scotland. It aims to identify the factors that make it easier or more challenging for social enterprises to meet these standards, why some may find one easier to follow than the other, and the differences in awareness, interpretation, and adoption between the two. Additionally, the research explores the challenges social enterprises face in aligning with aspects of the Voluntary Code, as well as broader barriers to growth and long-term sustainability within the sector. Your input will help shape future support strategies for social enterprises in Scotland.
Who is conducting and funding the research? This research is partially funded by Social Enterprise Scotland and supported pro bono by Edinburgh Napier University. The research is being conducted by Dr Wendy Wu Principal Investigator, and Dr Ivana Popovic, Research Assistant, staff members at Edinburgh Napier University.
How can you participate? If you decide to take part, you can choose from the following options (you may select more than one):
- Complete a survey
The survey should take no more than 30 minutes to complete. We would appreciate it if you could complete the survey by 2nd May.
You can access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WNzgmUucIEiGFwTDhsJUxnjVfRihGZtKu-fmxRYyWrZURVlKTjBJTjhaMzFPOFVLVVFBVEU2OFBLQS4u
- Join a focus group discussion
You may also participate in a focus group discussion. To register, please email i.popovic@napier.ac.uk with your availability for the following dates:
- 23 April – 1-3 PM
- 25 April – 12-2 PM
- 28 April – 12-2 PM
- 30 April – 1-3 PM
- 2 May – 12-2 PM
You may select multiple options. Once responses are collected, we will confirm the three final focus group dates based on the availability of the majority of participants.
- Participate in a one-on-one interview
You can take part in a one-on-one interview, lasting no more than one hour.
To register, please email i.popovic@napier.ac.uk with your availability, and we will get back to you with further details.
Before you decide to participate –
It is important to understand the purpose of this research, what your participation involves, and how your data will be protected. Please take a moment to carefully read the Participant Information Sheet, Privacy Notice, Consent Form before making your decision.
These documents are available at the link below: https://edinburghnapier.padlet.org/ipopovic1/participant-information-sheet-privacy-notice-and-consent-for-bzjbwnknuuybv4lh
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You will be asked to give your explicit consent to participate in this research by signing the Consent Form or confirming your consent in the survey.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
If you have any questions about this research, your participation, or how your data will be handled, please do not hesitate to contact the research assistant, Ivana Popovic, at i.popovic@napier.ac.uk
We look forward to hearing from you.
