GCU hosts global experts ahead of Social Enterprise World Forum

Baroness Glenys Thornton will deliver the 2018 John Pearce Memorial Lecture as part of the symposium.

Glasgow Caledonian University will host an academic symposium for the world’s leading social business experts ahead of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2018.

Delegates from the USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand and across Europe will gather on campus next month for the two-day event to discuss how academia can advance social enterprise teaching, research and community engagement across the globe.

The Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health will host around 100 academics and social practitioners on September 10 and 11.

GCU's annual John Pearce Memorial Lecture (JPML), which will be delivered by Baroness Glenys Thornton this year, is one of the highlights of the two-day programme.

John Pearce, who died in 2011 aged 69, was one of the most influential figures in community enterprise. The University houses an extensive archive of his work.

Baroness Glenys Thornton, who has spent 40 years working with co-operative, social and community organisations, will outline how social enterprises can positively enhance wellbeing during the 2018 JPML, which will be held in the Deeprose Lecture Theatre on September 10.

GCU has become world-renowned for its ground-breaking work in social enterprise research and was chosen as the venue for the symposium following last year’s forum in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Around 1500 delegates are expected to attend the 2018 Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh, from September 12 to 14.

Now in its 10th year, SEWF offers representatives from social enterprises the chance to come together, share ideas and highlight best practice.