As part of the Social Employment Fund (SEF), the Economic Development Partnership convenes the Social Employment Network (SEN), a community of practice that connects Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs) and supports collaborative learning. To extend this learning beyond the network, the SEN hosts a series of webinars designed to showcase the depth of expertise within SIPs and highlight the critical role civil society plays in shaping public employment. These sessions not only amplify SIP voices but also help reframe how Public Employment Programmes (PEPs) are understood, demonstrating that they are not just about job creation, but also about building community assets, strengthening local ecosystems, and drawing on the innovation and lived experience of civil society organisations.

The sixth SEN webinar explored innovative private sector partnering and the value of collaborations between businesses and NGOs. These partnerships draw on the innovation, efficiency, and resources of the private sector while leveraging the community trust and grassroots expertise of NGOs, creating more scalable and impactful solutions. The session examined current trends and challenges in working with the private sector, outlined different types of potential partners, and highlighted innovative partnership models. Practical strategies were also shared on how NGOs can build strong, effective relationships with private sector actors to achieve shared development goals. See more on innovative partnerships here.