D.E.T.I. put in place 3 key structures to support the implementation of their 3 year strategic Plan - " Developing a Successful Social Economy" 2004 -2007.

They were:

• an inclusive Social Economy Network (S.E.N.) to represent the sector;
• an Inter-Departmental Steering Group (I.D.S.G.) to develop greater cross- departmental coperation; and
• the Social Economy Forum (S.E.F.) where representatives from S.E.N. and officials from the I.D.S.G. could work in partnership.

In developing the new refreshed strategy for the social economy 2008 - 2011 D.E.T.I. has reviewed the suppport structures and have replaced the I.D.S.G. with Social Economy Policy Group.

Social Economy Policy Group (SEPG)

D.E.T.I. have formed a new and smaller SEPG chaired by DETI, to replace the IDSG.  This group consists of those Departments most closely involved with the social economy including Invest NI as they will have a lead role in programme delivery; DSD in view of their policy and delivery role for the Voluntary and Community sector; Central Procurement Directorate in DFP and DE, DHSSPSNI and DARD.  DETI will require the full engagement of these Departments to help deliver the actions outlined in this Strategy.

Invest NI is responsible for the delivery of DETI's policies and strategies in relation to business support in NI.  They will have a key role in terms of implementating and delivering the SEE Strategy and primarily through the SEP and other activities and initatives to promote the SEE model.

Social Economy Policy Group

DFP            Policy & Business Planning                       Aileen Edmund

DARD        Rural Development Division                       Anne Dorbie

DFP           Central Procurement Division                    Brian Steen

DSD           Voluntary Community                                  Lynda Hurley

DEL           Strategy & Equality Branch                        Mervyn Langtry

DHSSPS    Office of Social Services                           Sean Holland

Invest NI     Office of Social Services                           Sharon Polson

DETI            Business Regulation Division                Mike Bohill

DETI            Socal Economy Branch                            Stephen Macdonald

Social Economy Fourm (SEF)

The SEF is a joint meeting of representatives from the SEPG and the SEN, co-chaired by DETI and the SEN.  The SEF provides a platform to enable representatives from the SEN and officials from Governement to work together.  This partnership was formed to enable the sector to raise and debate key issues in a high - level policy forum, contribute to ongoing policy change and work in partnership through shared learning and expertise to champion the social economy.

On occasion the SEF might consider inviting relevant Ministers or expert speakers to attend meetings as appropriate and it is envisaged that the SEF will agree a forward programe of meetings with agreed topics.

The Forum will normally meet twice a year although further meetings can be called as and when necessary.