Social Enterprise Census 2023

The Scottish Government (SG) Public Service Reform & Public Bodies Division has a requirement to place a contract with an external service provider to undertake the Social Enterprise Census 2023 (and potentially 2025).

This is a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to alert the marketplace of our intention to advertise the forthcoming tender opportunity.

The Enterprising Third Sector team in the Scottish Government has commissioned the Social Enterprise (SE) Census biennially since 2015 and is a world leading survey of the SE sector across Scotland, giving data on the health of the sector. We are looking to refresh the process while still keeping the benefits of collecting a longitudinal data set.

The service provider should have knowledge of social research, running surveys and using collected data to form coherent analysis in the form of a report to be published. The census is run on behalf of the SE sector and their input and buy in to the process is vital, a Census Steering Group made up of sector representatives should be formed, with the final agreed questions being run through that group.

The specific methodology can be flexible, but should include a questionnaire of SE Sector, target a 20% response rate from known social enterprises, include Financial Data Gathering and a formal written report of findings. It may include a qualitative follow up of questionnaire to solidify understanding of trends.

The anticipated start date for the contract is Summer 2023, with publication of the 2023 Census in early summer 2024. There is the possibility of an extension to complete the 2025 census upon review of the 2024 census.. The proposed contract is expected to be for an initial period of 15 months to undertake the 2023 census. The Scottish Government will reserve the option to extend the contract for a further period of 15 months to undertake the 2025 census, if required.

Suppliers who are interested in the contract opportunity should note their interest against this PIN in order to receive future alerts relating the procurement.