Duncan Thorp on a series of thought-provoking webinars

When I tell certain folk that I “work in policy” there’s often a blank expression. 

This includes most of my family and many friends, who, even after centuries in this job, still ask me “so what is it you actually do again?”  

I’m sure that anyone who works in public policy, campaigning, lobbying or whatever related field can empathise with this! 

Of course, everyone has an opinion on policy issues – whether they realise it or not – while at the same time many are increasingly turned off by traditional politics. 

With that in mind, Social Enterprise Scotland is hosting a summer series of thought-provoking webinars, exploring real world policy solutions.   

The Rhetoric 2 Reality series is seeking to engage and inspire social entrepreneurs and anyone else to get more interested and involved in these policy debates. 

It’s about making policy relevant to our daily working and family lives and to our service users and customers.  

We’re *trying* to avoid the word “policy” as much as possible, with the series focussed on practical issues that drive real change.   

It’s also about questioning who makes policy decisions and how everyone in Scotland can contribute to policy-making in an authentic way. 

We’re all experiencing the current global upheaval, from the US and elsewhere, as well as domestic changes here in Scotland and the UK, that’s changing our lives. 

In Scotland this includes an unpredictable Holyrood election next year, with a real need to think outside the box for new, big impact solutions. 

How do we move beyond top-down decisions from parliaments and councils? What’s the best way to harness the power of lived experience?  

What about social enterprise solutions to better public services and how do we unlock substantial funding and investment? 

We all have a role to play, and your voice is equally important – as the name of our policy work says it’s vital to “Get Your Voice Heard.” 

Everyone’s welcome to join us to dive into the practical changes that social entrepreneurs – and communities across Scotland – urgently need. 

Come along with colleagues and friends and use the space to share your views, knowledge and experiences, we look forward to seeing you there. 

Find out more and book onto the series.

Duncan Thorp is policy and public affairs manager at Social Enterprise Scotland.