Available Upon Request
Level 1 Award: Piloting a social action project*
A community-led, entry-level qualification turning local ideas into action
*Full qualification title: Level 1 Award in Undertaking an Individual Role Within the Planning, Delivery and Review of a Social Enterprise Activity
About the Level 1 social enterprise qualification
This qualification is not generally open to the public. Instead, we work in partnership with community-based organisations to deliver place-based programmes of support, rooted in local context and lived experience.
Together, we facilitate a community-led mapping process, helping participants explore the strengths, assets and challenges within their local area. Through the structure of the qualification, participants are supported to research their issue in more depth, connect with their wider community, and develop a practical solution.
Using seed funding, each group pilots their idea, applying the principles of social enterprise to test a solution that is designed to be self-sustaining and responsive to real local need.
The qualification provides a recognised mark of achievement, strengthening employability and giving participants confidence to continue developing their social action projects beyond the programme.
“I was really nervous to start with, but it was really helpful to have someone leading each step to trialling my idea. The seed funding also really helped to test without any personal risk. I didn’t need insurance or anything to just give it a go. It was brilliant”
Course Participant.
Recognition and progression
This Level 1 qualification is part of Junction Point CIC’s accredited learning pathway and can support progression into further training, employment or continued social action activity. The qualification is awarded by SFEDI Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation
Who is the Social Enterprise Qualification for?
This qualification is for people who care about their community and want to take action, but may lack the confidence, connections or knowledge to get started.
It is particularly suited to:
• Residents looking to become more active in their local community
• Individuals with a concern, cause or early idea they want to explore
• Community members who want to test an idea in a safe, practical way
• Organisations looking to ignite grassroots social action in their community
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, participants will be able to:·
Plan and deliver a small-scale social action project
Identify and monitor the impact of their activity
Research and understand a local issue using community insight\
Work collaboratively with others to develop and test an idea
Apply basic social enterprise principles to create a sustainable solution
Reflect on learning and identify next steps for their idea or personal development
If you’re interested in participating in a Level 1 qualification, or hosting it with your organisation, you can find out more through our curriculum overview or brochure. You can also enquire via the button below.
How does the course work?
This is a Level 1 qualification designed to be flexible and accessible.
Format: Online, in-person, or blended delivery
Time commitment: 30 hours across 6–9 months
Assessment: Practical portfolio and workbook responses
No exams. No presentations.
The programme is modular and can be shaped around the needs of the group. Delivery might include:
Weekly short sessions (for example, between school drop-offs)
Monthly or fortnightly full-day workshops
Evening sessions for people working during the day
We typically work with local partners to deliver this qualification in place-based settings, building peer support and community connection as ideas develop.
Why Junction Point?
This qualification is delivered by Junction Point CIC, a SFEDI-accredited centre supporting changemakers across the North East and beyond.
Our approach is practical, supportive, and grounded in real-world experience. Every trainer is also a founder of a social venture, bringing lived experience of social action, community development, and enterprise building.
No theory for theory’s sake. Just learning that works in the real world
Your Learning Journey
Not sure where you fit yet? That’s fine.
This qualification is part of a clear progression pathway - If Level 1 feels right, start here. If you’re further along, explore Level 2 or 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.
Enquire Today
Whether you're:
Interested in hosting the qualification in your organisation or community, or
Looking to take part as an individual
Register your interest and we’ll be in touch with next steps.
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Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8AW
United Kingdom
