Newly Launched
Level 2 Award in Starting and Developing a Social Enterprise
This accredited Level 2 qualification has been developed by Junction Point CIC in partnership with Durham University, a business school recognised for world-leading research and ranked in the top 1% globally.
Build strong foundations for sustainable social impact
About the Level 2 social enterprise qualification
The Level 2 Award in Starting and Developing a Social Enterprise is a nationally recognised qualification designed for people who are ready to build strong, credible foundations for a social venture.
Developed by Junction Point CIC in partnership with Durham University, this qualification combines academic rigour, lived founder experience and practical application. It supports purpose-led founders to make better decisions, take confident action and build sustainable social impact.
The programme focuses on the fundamentals that matter most in early-stage social enterprise: business models, social impact, stakeholder relationships, legal structures and finance. Learning is applied directly to each participant’s own venture, ensuring progress is practical, relevant and grounded in real-world context.
Recognition and progression
This qualification is awarded by an OfQual-regulated awarding organisation (SFEDI Awards) and forms part of Junction Point CIC’s accredited learning pathway. It is an ideal next step for Level 1 graduates who are ready to take their project to the next stage.
Who is the Social Enterprise Qualification for?
This programme is designed for people who are ready to actively develop their social venture.
It’s a strong fit if you are:
• An early-stage founder building a social enterprise model for the first time
• A CIC or social enterprise leader who wants to strengthen their foundations and sustainability
• A purpose-led founder who wants structure, support and a recognised learning pathway
Learning outcomes
By the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:
Build a clear social enterprise business model that balances income and purpose
Explain the social impact they want to create and how they will track progress
Work more confidently with stakeholders, including partners, funders and communities
Understand and choose suitable legal and governance structures for their organisation
Plan for financial sustainability, including costs, income and cash flow
How does the course work?
This is a Level 2 qualification, developed with over 40 social entrepreneurs, 6 industry experts and Durham University Academics! You’ll experience a flexible, blended learning format designed to work around your life with:
6 Practical workshops
Self-guided workbooks
5 Live online workshops
Expert insights through our exclusive podcast
Peer learning and discussion
Portfolio-based assessment (no exams)
This qualification runs part time over six-nine months. Of the 120 hours of learning, 43 is taught, 77 is self-guided.
Your Learning Journey
Not sure where you fit yet? That’s fine.
This qualification sits within a clear progression pathway. If Level 2 feels like the right step, you’re in the right place. If you’re earlier in your journey, Level 1 may be more suitable. If you’re already supporting or advising others, you may want to explore Level 5 instead.
Level 1
Test your idea → Explore a cause you care about and trial a small social action safely and practically.
LEVEL 2
Start and build your organisation → Turn your idea into a structured social enterprise with clear models, impact, and sustainability.
LEVEL 5
Advise and lead others responsibly → Develop the expertise to guide, support, and lead social enterprises with confidence and credibility.
When does the course run?
In order to pass the assessment, learners must attend at least 80% of the taught sessions. This programme is available online and in person (various locations).
General Cohort timeline:
Month 1: Welcome & onboarding
Month 2: Unit 1: Understanding the Impact of a Social Enterprise
Month 3: Unit 2: Developing a Social Enterprise Business Models
Month 4: Unit 3: Managing Stakeholder Relationships
Month 5: Unit 4: Selecting a Legal Structure for a Social Enterprise
Month 6: Unit 5: Understanding the Financing of a Social Enterprise
Month 7: Final session: Pulling it all together
Assessment submissions due: Month 12
Costs and funding
This course is incredible value at just £485+vat and is now open, but be quick - each cohort only has space for just 12 people.
Ready? Let's Get You Started!
Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8AW
United Kingdom
