Case Studies

Social Enterprise Scotland member visit to Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS)

Showing how inclusive childcare can shape community outcomes.

A handmade nursery poster with a tree in the centre and the words: 'learning as we grow' / 'Our Capacitree' each branch of the tree plots children development through words and pictures

The exchange offered the social enterprise community learning on how a flexible childcare model works in practice – both for FCSS and for families, our visit provided an understanding on how FCSS have developed from a small locally based organisation and how their their growth model now operates across multiple sites/locations across Scotland. We explored how they have embedded Fair Work cost effectively, ensuring staff feel valued, supported and empowered. We heard how they have developed their network to maximum effect through their social enterprise journey.

The social enterprise was created to challenge the inflexibility of current childcare provision across Scotland with the goal of improving parental employment while simultaneously reducing child poverty. FCSS have a unique flexible childcare model that allows families to book-by-the-hour, pay-as-they-go and change their bookings in line with their working commitments and their childcare needs. This helps parents to save money on their childcare while presenting them with opportunities to increase their income by removing childcare as a barrier to work.

Learning Outcomes

  • Establishing and Scaling a Social Enterprise from a standing start.
  • Flexible Working, Fair Work and Values Led, how to put your people first when you are on a tight budget.
  • Building your network and maximising its power.

Community Organisation:
KLAS Care C.i.C, Street Soccer Scotland, Social Enterprise Academy, The Wee Ducklings, Upper Deeside Community Playgroup, Kanzen for Life, Social & Community Capital

Exchange Host Partners:
Flexible Childcare Services Scotland

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Social Enterprise Scotland

"It was useful to learn about the development of Flexible Childcare Scotland, and how they scaled up to overcame challenges through creating an inclusive culture and how they managed to prioritise values internally to better serve their staff and community."

Case Studies

Social Enterprise Scotland members exchange

Using physical activity to address health inequalities, social isolation, and barriers to education through inclusive, community-led programmes.

A group of 8 people standing inside a gym hall with wooden floor boards and strobe lighting

The exchange provided first-hand insight into how Kanzen for Life uses physical activity to address health inequalities, social isolation, and barriers to education through inclusive, community-led programmes. It was particularly valuable to learn about the organisation’s journey, how far it has come, and its continued ambitions for the future, demonstrating the power of social enterprise to deliver meaningful social impact while remaining financially sustainable. Seeing how Kanzen for Life engages more than 1,200 people each week through accessible, community-focused approaches provided practical ideas that can be adapted within my own organisation, while reinforcing how sustainable social enterprise models can empower individuals, develop leadership, and build stronger, more connected communities.

It provided an opportunity to build valuable new relationships with the Kanzen for Life team and other participants, creating a network for future collaboration and the ongoing exchange of ideas and good practice. The visit also broadened understanding of different approaches to community engagement, programme delivery and organisational sustainability, while reinforcing the importance of partnerships in achieving long-term social impact. It has given attendees fresh perspectives, increased confidence in applying new ideas within my own organisation, and inspired me to explore new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Participants will understand how physical activity programmes can be designed and delivered to address a wide range of social issues, including health inequalities, social isolation and barriers to education.
  • Participants will learn how Kanzen for Life engages over 1,200 individuals weekly through inclusive, community-led approaches that prioritise accessibility, wellbeing and long-term impact.
  • Participants will explore how social enterprises can build sustainable, community-focused models that empower individuals, develop leadership skills and foster stronger & more connected communities.

Community Organisation:
Social Enterprise Scotland members

Exchange Host Partners:
Kanzen for Life

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Social Enterprise Scotland

"A particular highlight was seeing how young people who had previously accessed Kanzen for Life's services had progressed into core staff and leadership roles within the organisation. Hearing more about their individual journeys and personal experiences would have provided an even deeper insight into the long-term impact of the organisation's work. If possible, including the perspective of a current beneficiary would also be a valuable addition, offering a first-hand account of the difference the organisation is making in the lives of those it supports."

Case Studies

Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network visit to The Melting Pot

Supporting peer-led frameworks for women in social enterprise.

A group of 10 people standing together smiling at the camera

Through the Incubator approach Jess from the Melting pot was able to support intergenerational conversations around mentoring and leadership. There was sharing across organisations in organic discussions about each member’s experience of different ages and levels in their organisations and how to bridge the gaps in the workplace. It was fascinating to share mutual and different experiences of working across age groups.

There was organic knowledge sharing across generations and connections made for further sharing and collaboration. Jess helped foster a safe space for open discussion and a unique way of fostering idea development.

Learning Outcomes

  • Best practice in inter‑generational mentoring and leadership support – how to structure mentoring relationships, peer support networks, and knowledge sharing across generations.
  • Strategies for promoting mental wellbeing and preventing burnout in women-led community businesses, including peer support, shared resources, and community-building.
  • Make networking accessible and inclusive, bridging the gap between generations – peer-led facilitated networking run by ESEN and our host The Melting Pot.

Community Organisation:
Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network

Exchange Host Partners:
The Melting Pot

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Social Enterprise Scotland

"It was an interesting group and a nice mix of folk I already knew as well as many I didn't. Really interesting things that people were raising. Thank you for making it happen. I really enjoyed focussing on the Behaviour Science idea with Claire especially. It was also interesting thinking about other things that aren't normally on my radar e.g. Gaelic speakers and the sharing of wisdom intergenerationally. Despite being a coach, I wasn't aware of coaching by text so that was a nice bonus to hear about. "

Case Studies

Girvan Tourist Information and Craft Shop visit to Culzean Castle and Country Park

Updating local knowledge in support of community led tourism.

Image of Culzean Castle centred through the frame of an old wall with trees and shrubs on each side

Our volunteers developed their approach to customer service with inspiration from professionals and gained up to date information about the range of current services available at Culzean. We already distribute leaflets about Culzean in our Tourist Information as well as promoting them on social media. We were able to strengthen this link through meeting the Visitor Services Supervisor.

Tourist Information volunteers’ personal knowledge and enthusiasm are vital in our face-to-face service, so this visit helped to ensure volunteers become genuine ambassadors for this exceptional local attraction. NTS staff appreciated the role played by Girvan Tourist Information in promoting Culzean Castle and Country Park.

Learning Outcomes

  • Through face-to-face discussions with experts, Tourist Information volunteers will be better placed to advise visitors about the wide range including history, architecture, horticulture, retail and catering offered at Culzean Castle and Country Park.
  • Volunteers will find out more about the role and impact of tourism on Culzean’s green environment; the changing nature of expectations for tourists in the 21st century; become aware of inclusivity and local integration in the National Trust.
  • Tourist Information Volunteers and Culzean staff hope to strengthen professional collaboration.

Community Organisation:
Girvan Tourist and Information Craft Shop

Exchange Host Partners:
Culzean Castle and Country Park

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
SCOTO

"One great benefit was for our volunteers, new and old, to meet and get to know each other. We work in pairs at Girvan Tourist Information, so this was a great team-building opportunity to meet everyone."

Case Studies

Tullibody Community Garden- Rosyth Eats

Growing food for broader community benefits

People outside gardening around raised beds with a polytunnel to the right

We wanted to explore (ie more efficiently and effectively) transition from a 100% volunteer run community garden to one with a staff team. So enabling us to expand and develop the number and range of community services that we provide.

Make best use of Trustee time eg avoiding pitfalls. Thereby freeing up time for them to get on and deliver the changes. Broaden and strengthen our current planning, funding and marketing/publicity efforts. So allowing us to better deliver on our Mission and reach out to more community members, especially disadvantaged folks.

The exchange helped to highlight the importance of taking volunteers with you, sustaining their interest/commitment/support when loads of new activities and groups happening. Avoid a feeling of being “left behind”, and that the new work means the garden feels “busy” and maybe doesn’t benefit them so much. Monthly volunteer/staff meetings, quarterly newsletter, annual review meeting.

Tackling inequalities: engagement with the Poverty Action Group is  important; ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme in Hub cafe that allows those with more income to support those with less whilst avoiding any stigma; Ticket Taylor for event bookings and Malechimp on marketing – allow subsidised/free offerings and standard prices overpay; run a Food Bank

Gardening: Sustainability measures eg water collection and distribution system for garden – solar portable water pump and mobile bowser; composting.

Communications: links with funders eg give certificates for corporate activity participants; good quality publications

Publicity: taking part in award/recognition schemes brings recognition and good evidence for funders; social media doesn’t tend to cut through all the ‘paid for’ rubbish

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse the key learnings and best ways to smoothly transition from a purely voluntary organisation to one that successfully employs a staff team, working alongside volunteers, including Trustees.
  • Re-assess and improve our Business & Strategic planning, funding and marketing/awareness-raising provision.
  • Understand how their gardening, cooking activities and facilities fit in with their Vision, Mission and Objectives.

Community Organisation:
Tullibody Community Garden

Exchange Host Partners:
Eats Rosyth

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Get Growing Scotland

"We were able to establish a good relationship and personal connections between our organisations that will be mutually helpful. We made a firm plan for Eats Rosyth to visit us later in the year."

Case Studies

Cross sector exchange

Safeguarding the future of community work

3 tables in a room with group of people sitting at each

This exchange provided the opportunity to learn how to work with, develop, and utilise the skills of the next generation of community workers. The exchange provided insight and advice into placements, courses, and different approaches to learning, as well as the challenges facing future community work.  The Crannie Community Hub has a relaxed and informal setting, where we got to hear from input from a community work student, which really got people connecting with their own stories. Always time for conversations and connections which is critical when you get folk in one place (and not online). Shared experiences, was good to hear from others and find same positives and negatives. We were as able to think about the role of the CLD Standards Council as well in supporting practitioners in a way which was meaningful and relevant to the learning exchange.

Learning Outcomes

  • Thinking about different ways that community development workers/projects can support people to get involved in the profession.
  • Navigating potential issues and challenges that present a threat to the future of community development.
  • Considering the future and adopting different ideas and approaches to create a stronger CLD network.

Community Organisation:
Mull and Iona Community Trust, Mayfield and Easthouses Community Trust, Strathglass and Affric Community Company, Scottish Rural Action, Scottish Government, CLD standards council, Youth 1st Partick Housing association, SHRUB Cooperative, Edinburgh College

Exchange Host Partners:
The Crannie Community Hub

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Development Trust Association Scotland

"Feeling inspired and will be looking into the CLD Standards Council further. Will be sharing back to our board the identified challenges and opportunities from the day. Helped me realise the importance for networking and hearing others experiences so will seek to network more with others doing this work esp. in similar settings to ours."

Case Studies

Meetings Centres Scotland exchange

Dementia Friendly peer learning and support

A group from dementia friendly meeting centres visiting Samye Ling

Beyond its planned outcomes, the Learning Exchange generated a wide range of additional learning and benefits. The shared activities inspired new ideas that could take place in their own Centres. Activities including fairground fun, planetarium visits, gin or soda tasting, sound baths, and trips to Samye Ling Buddhist Temple highlighted the diversity of programming possible and reinforced that activities can be engaging, locally relevant, and member-led. Members said that seeing these creative approaches in action encouraged them to adapt similar activities for their own communities, Since attending, members from Dementia Friendly Dunblane have introduced their Meeting Centre to the therapeutic experience of Sound Baths whilst others learned that for some people the experience felt uncomfortable and reinforced as a learning point how options are critical to developing sessions and activities in a Meeting Centre and quiet spaces to relax is feeling a sensory overload.

Learning Outcomes

  • Peer to Peer Learning, support and strengthened network
  • Practice based insights and Inspiration
  • Operational and Strategic Development

Community Organisation:
STAND Fife, Dementia Friendly Tweddale, North Edinburgh Arts, Ayrshire Meeting Centres AILN, Past Times, Weekday Wow Factor, Meeting Centres Scotland, Summerhill, The Johnston, Kirrie Connections,

Exchange Host Partners:
Eskdalemuir Community Hub - The Community Living Room Summerhill Community Centre The Johnston Kirkcudbright - Johnston Connections

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Community Health Exchange Network

"Visiting other Centres and meeting peers highlighted both the diversity and shared ethos of our Meeting Centres, reinforcing that the movement is community-led and shaped by our own voices."

Case Studies

Women’s Aid Orkney visit to Shetland Women’s Aid

Building collaboration opportunities

A group of 13 people smiling at the camera

The exchange allowed Women’s Aid Orkney team members to sit back and reflect on the breadth and depth or service they provide on a daily basis. It allowed them to feel proud of what they are achieving and the difference they are making. Spending time with some of the Shetland Women’s Aid team brought a real sense of solidarity. Relationships have been forged that will be beneficial on a personal level but also to the services more widely. There were enthusiastic conversations about future collaboration and finding ways to meet annually. At WAO we have been approached by numerous people who want to volunteer with us and we have been considering how best to start a volunteer program. Hearing from Shetland Women’s Aid about the ways in which they work with volunteers and also facilitate continued engagement from service users was inspiring and gave us lots of ideas.

Learning Outcomes

  • Share learning around tools and approaches like Own My Life that can help promote culture change and engage local communities in efforts to prevent GBV.
  • Learn how to work better to meet the needs of survivors of GBV across island areas, especially those on outer isles and in smaller communities. Gain an understanding of what support local groups are providing in their communities and how WAO can work with them to support them and their service users.
  • Sharing knowledge on staff wellbeing, learning from other organisations how they champion the wellbeing of their staff.

Community Organisation:
Women's Aid Orkney

Exchange Host Partners:
Shetland Women's Aid

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Rural Action

"The best part of the day for me was meeting some of Shetlands Women's Aid. This was beneficial for learning more about them and some of the differences, but also similarities in what we offer. This was also great to give us ideas on how to continue to grow and develop our service"

Case Studies

Spirit of Springburn exchange with Cranhill Development Trust

Opportunities for locally owned food in community employed shops

Food growing planters in Cranhill DT Community Garden

A fantastic visit and came away with brilliant ideas on moving forward. Their community shop is up and running and of great value to local folk. Very professionally run, with a post office in place too. A ‘village shop’ idea, the wee shop is a labour of love and provides a lot of items very cheaply. Also gave us ideas of type of products to provide and how to supply (many products come in multiple packs and can be very expense – or just not needed in that amount – they provide one or two of each which saves a lot of money and is achievable). Provision of food bags with small recipes that are tried, tested and popular. We’re taking this idea on board too.

We run a community fridge however we were looking at becoming a stand-alone pantry however, after discussion with the team at CDT, we’ve decided to go with the shop idea. There’s a more dignity in practice involved here which clients having a basket and deciding their own shopping needs, with a ‘checkout’ at the end. At this stage there’s an opportunity to share information, to find out a bit more about the family/individual needs and create an ongoing relationship through time,

 

Learning Outcomes

  • The first is to see how CDT set up their shop at the beginning and the support and management involved, and to compare and discuss similarities with what we’re doing already (one of our volunteers will lead on this.
  • To discuss similarities between our communities and how they identified the need for a shop (and why a shop?). This will be an open discussion. To learn from each other, discuss stories etc.
  • How they started and the process to follow – also to plan a support strategy. Here we will also look at getting feedback from each of the volunteers from each group.

Community Organisation:
Spirit of Springburn

Exchange Host Partners:
Cranhill Development Trust

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Development Trust Association Scotland

"We discussed our journeys with start-up and becoming a development trust. She shared a lot of really relevant information and our stories are very similar, right down to the pressure involved! CDT are way ahead of us in development. They provide such a lot of support right in the middle of the community and a lot of activities take place in their own building. Made me realise how 'hemmed' in we are in the shopping centre unit. Also encouraged me to initiate progress to our next steps. Prioritising how we go forward as a charity/DT and what our priorities should be according to Springburn Local Place Plan. A brilliant visit and we left feeling very positive and motivated. Lastly, what really helped overall was to hear Carnhill's journey. It's a high stress environment and the needs are great. We were reassured that we are doing the 'right things' and following the right paths. Knowing that helped a lot. Issues we face are common ones. Support and suggestions to move forward helped a lot as there wasn't anything that we've faced, that the CDT team haven't already come across. Reassuring."

Case Studies

EATS Rosyth visit to Sunshine Kitchen

Catering for social impact

Young people standing next to a 'Sunshine Kitchen' sign with baked goods.

Building on our learnings from the exchange, we have identified the following actions for our own development:

Phased growth of income: We will explore a staged model of income diversification, beginning with modest trading activity and working gradually towards a greater proportion of self-generated revenue.
Market positioning: Our branding and marketing will prioritise the quality of our food offer, ensuring that customers buy from us first because of the product, with the added value of supporting a social cause.
Premises and facilities: Unlike Sunshine Kitchen, we already have our own premises, but to support growth we will need to furnish and equip a dedicated preparation kitchen. This will allow us to expand production capacity efficiently without the logistical challenges they faced.
Testing viability of new services: We will adopt a step-by-step approach, piloting new services carefully and
evaluating their commercial and social return before committing resources at scale.

Learning Outcomes

  • Diversified Revenue Streams – We aim to understand how a social enterprise can generate sustainable income from multiple services while maintaining its charitable mission. This includes exploring income sources, pricing strategies, and the balance between social impact and commercial viability.
  • Competition and Marketing Strategies – We will examine how the organisation positions itself in a competitive catering and market environment. This will cover approaches to branding, marketing channels, customer engagement, and strategies for standing out from competitors while securing repeat business.
  • Setting Up, Launching, and Lessons Learned – We will learn from the organisation’s experience of starting and growing its operations, including the practical steps taken, challenges encountered, solutions found, and key lessons. We will also seek advice that could guide our own expansion into new services.

Community Organisation:
Rosyth Community Projects (EATS Rosyth)

Exchange Host Partners:
The Sunshine Kitchen

SCA Endorsing Network Member:
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network

"Engaging with The Sunshine Kitchen has given us valuable learning in three key areas: revenue diversification, marketing in competitive environments, and lessons from practical operational challenges. Across all areas, the central theme is maintaining social impact as the guiding principle, while exploring new pathways for sustainability and growth. Our next steps will put this learning into practice, ensuring we move towards greater financial resilience without compromising our mission."