Hustings debate set to assess what’s important for social businesses
LCVS | United Way and SEN Together are jointly hosting a general election hustings debate for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
As the 2015 General Election draws nearer, the interests of the wider third sector are in danger of being sidelined. As the main parties concentrate on promoting messages around their perceived strengths, the role of voluntary, charitable and social enterprise organisations is not being discussed sufficiently.
To address this at a local level, LCVS and Social Enterprise Network will be holding a general election hustings debate event on 15th April, details can be found here.
The main parties’ parliamentary candidates for Liverpool Riverside constituency have all been invited to take part in the debate, and all four have accepted. Confirmed candidates are Louise Ellman MP (Labour), Jackson Ng (Conservative), Paul Childs (Liberal Democrat) and Martin Dobson (Green).
The event offers an opportunity to hear about and discuss how your candidates for the next Parliament would support and expand the role the VCFSE sector plays in strengthening our economy whilst tackling a range of societal and environmental problems.
A recent report produced by Liverpool John Moores University found that the sector as a whole employs 24,000 people and contributes over £900m to the region’s economy. From both an economic and social perspective this is hugely significant – the event will be a key opportunity to find out if this is reflected in the candidates’ priorities.
LCVS Chief Executive Officer Tony Okotie said:
“This is a great opportunity for voluntary and social enterprise sector organisations from across the whole Liverpool City Region to meet and quiz some of the representatives of the main parties.”
SEN Together Chief Executive Officer Rosie Jolly added:
“The Social Value Act was led through Parliament by a backbench MP, so if we make our case well, we can help to change legislation to benefit our sector. There is huge potential here for us to achieve great things, and I’m determined not to let this opportunity slip.”
This event is being organised jointly by SEN Together and LCVS | United Way. It is for social enterprise organisations from across the city region as well as charitable and voluntary organisations from Liverpool.
To reserve your free ticket, click here, or search ‘Liverpool Hustings’ on Eventbrite.