New Director General for the Office of the Third Sector to open Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs

New Director General for the Office of the Third Sector to open Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs

The new Director General for the Office of the Third Sector, Rolande Anderson, will celebrate Devon’s brightest new social entrepreneurs when she opens Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs (Devon SSE) at a launch event at Dartington Hall on 12th January 2010.

Ms Anderson, previously a Director-General at the Office for National Statistics and Government Office South East Regional Director, will be speaking at the official opening of the Devon SSE. Here she will welcome the first group of exceptional students from across Devon onto the learning programme. Ms Anderson comments:

“I am delighted to be here at Dartington to launch Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs and to meet its first group of pioneering students. During my earlier career at the Department for Trade and Industry, I have been aware of the contribution of social enterprise in the economy, and the positive influence that social enterprise can make. I am really pleased that the Office of the Third Sector has funded the School for Social Entrepreneurs to open this new school in the South West and look forward to hearing more about their achievements.”

Over the coming year these Devon-based students will take part in the SSE’s pioneering action learning programme; established over the past twelve years and focused on developing them as social entrepreneurs ready to take their ideas to the next level.

Alastair Wilson, CEO of SSE UK said:

“We are hugely excited to see social entrepreneurs being supported in Devon to both learn and develop new skills and to create sustainable, effective organisations. Huge thanks and congratulations are due to all the partners and individuals who have been a part of making this happen; and, as a former SSE student myself, I look forward to meeting the social entrepreneurs at the launch on 12 January.”

The Dartington Hall Trust is the lead, accountable body for Devon SSE, supported by a coalition of County wide organisations. Dartington CEO Vaughan Lindsay added,

“The idea for the SSE was forged here at Dartington by Sir Michael Young. I’m thrilled to see the fast launch of the Devon SSE, and pleased to have Dartington involved in its future success.”

To find out more about Devon SSE, either as a prospective student or potential supporter, call Matt Griffiths, Project Development Manager on 07595 360935 or email mattgriffiths1968@gmail.com. Further information about the work of SSE as a whole, can be found at www.sse.org.uk

For images, interviews or further information about the launch event, please contact Dan Coxon Tel 01752 698065 / 07939 541359 or email dancoxon1@googlemail.com