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Level 5 Award in Coaching Social Enterprise Leaders
A new national, accredited CPD route for social enterprise advisers.
Developed by Junction Point CIC in partnership with Durham University, a business school ranked in the top 1% globally. We’re putting the finishing touches to this nationally recognised Level 5 qualification, designed for experienced practitioners who want to advise social enterprises with confidence, rigour and integrity.
Building knowledge, skills and credibility to advise social entrepreneurs well
About the Level 5 social enterprise adviser qualification
Despite the growing importance of social enterprise support, there has historically been no clear, nationally recognised development route for social enterprise advisers. This qualification has been created to address that gap, providing a professional, values-led standard for those supporting purpose-led organisations.
Developed in partnership with Durham University, a business school ranked in the top 1% globally for research excellence, this qualification brings academic rigour to a field that has traditionally relied on informal or experience-led learning alone.
This qualification is designed for people who support social enterprises professionally and want to do that work responsibly, effectively and with confidence.
It focuses on the real-world practice of coaching social enterprises, supporting learners to develop the judgement, tools and ethical approach needed to work with founders and organisations at different stages from early ideas through to growth and consolidation.
The qualification emphasises practical application, reflective practice and learning through real advisory contexts. Learners build capability by applying learning directly to their advisory work and developing a professional portfolio that demonstrates competence in practice
“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.
Who is this Qualification for?
This qualification is designed for people who are already working with, or preparing to work with, social enterprises in a support or advisory role. A basic level of knowledge is required to access this qualification which will be discussed upon enquiry.
It’s a strong fit if you are:
• A social enterprise adviser, consultant or coach working with founders or organisations
• A business support professional within a local authority, funder, university or support agency
• A sector practitioner or manager whose role includes supporting others to develop sustainable social enterprises
• An experienced founder or leader who wants to formalise and professionalise their advisory practice
This qualification is not designed for people starting a social enterprise themselves. If you are building your own venture, Level 2 is likely to be the more appropriate route.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:
Provide informed, ethical advice to social enterprises across business models, impact, governance, income and sustainability
Diagnose the real needs of a social enterprise, distinguishing between what a client wants and what they need at different stages
Use practical advisory tools and communication approaches to build trust, analyse strengths and challenges, and support sound decision-making
Co-create realistic action plans with social enterprises, supporting progress while maintaining professional boundaries
Demonstrate professional advisory competence through a portfolio of real-world evidence and reflective practice
If you’re interested in participating in a Level 5 qualification or up-skilling your advisory team, you can find out more through our curriculum overview or brochure. You can also join the waitlist for the next cohort via the button below.
How does the course work?
Time commitment: 240 hours
Assessment: Workbook responses, practical portfolio, and observed practice
No exams.
This qualification is designed for experienced practitioners who advise, support, or lead social enterprises and need the judgement, credibility, and ethical grounding to do so responsibly.
The programme uses a blended, practice-led approach with greater emphasis on self-directed learning and real-world application. Delivery typically includes:
Structured self-directed learning via a digital learning portal
Course workbook and expert-led podcast content
8 half-day practical workshops delivered over approximately 4 months
1:1 coaching and observed advisory practice
Level 5 is intentionally less classroom-based and more applied. Learners are expected to bring real advisory contexts into the course and build a professional evidence portfolio demonstrating responsible, effective social enterprise support.
Delivery may be adapted for:
Adviser teams within support organisations
Cohorts of independent advisers
Regional or place-based delivery models
This level is about depth, judgement, and practice – not just knowledge.
Why Junction Point?
Junction Point CIC is a SFEDI-accredited centre supporting changemakers across the North East and beyond. Our qualifications are practical, supportive, and grounded in lived experience - not theory for theory’s sake.
All trainers are founders of social ventures themselves, combining real-world insight with academic rigour. This course was co-designed with social enterprise advisers from across the UK, 6 industry experts, and 5 academics from Durham University to ensure it reflects both best practice and real advisory challenges.
Your Learning Journey
Not sure where you fit yet? That’s fine.
This qualification is part of a clear progression pathway - If Level 5 feels right, start here. If you’re now ready, check out level 1 and 2 instead which may be more suitable for you at this point:
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
