[1][2] From June 2009, the fund was managed on behalf of the Department for Health by a consortium consisting of Futurebuilders England and Partnerships UK.
The Government's vision for reform in health and social care services includes developing a provider market that is increasingly plural and diverse.
This sets the context for new kinds of organizations to emerge, including social enterprises which provide more choices for patients and a higher quality, more responsive service.
It included a commitment to establish a SEIF from April 2007 to: Most recently the High Quality Care For All: NHS Next Stage Review Final Report and the Primary and Community Care Strategy set out a vision for this change, stating the need to empower staff and give patients more choice.
The NHS Next Stage Review includes a number of recommendations that present huge opportunities for new and existing social enterprises.