People and Planet First accreditation renewed for a third year

This global verification brings together organisations that are committed to putting people and the planet first, and we are proud to be part of a growing international movement of enterprises prioritising purpose over profit.

Developed to recognise organisations that meet five key standards:
1. Purpose: Exists to solve a social and/or environmental problem.
2. Operations: Prioritises purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions.
3. Revenue: Has a self-sustaining revenue model.
4. Use of Surplus: Reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose.
5. Structure: Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock in purpose long-term.

This verification covers a wide range of enterprise models, including social enterprises, cooperatives, fair trade organisations, mutuals, not-for-profits and social businesses, as well as newer approaches such as regenerative and steward-owned businesses. It is open to any enterprise that meets the standards and demonstrates a clear commitment to putting people and planet first.

We accessed this verification as part of the Social Enterprise Scotland network, and we are proud to stand alongside organisations across Scotland and beyond working to build an economy centred on people and planet. Since first achieving verification in 2024, we have continued to connect capital with communities, supporting organisations with ambitions around climate action, inclusive growth and social impact. This work sits within our long-term ambition of Building An Impact Economy. Now halfway through our ten-year strategy, we are building on 25 years of experience supporting communities, currently reaching 6.1 million people annually. In recent years, this has included helping organisations respond to the economic impact of COVID-19, investing in sustainability through our Just Transition and Net Zero Transition Funds, and championing financial inclusion for Scotland. Between April 2024 and March 2025, we delivered loans and investment to 216 social enterprises, supporting the creation of 956 full-time jobs and providing growth and resilience training to 326 social enterprise leaders. As a not-for-profit, we reinvest any surplus back into our purpose to expand our impact further.

Internally, we embed responsible business practices across our organisation, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.
We benefit from working with people and partners from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences, and our organisation thrives as a result of the perspectives and skillsets of our people.

If you are part of the Social Enterprise Scotland community and are considering verification, it is free for members and offers a great opportunity to increase visibility, connect with a global network, and be part of a shared movement creating positive change.

Learn more here: People and Planet First Verification - Social Enterprise Scotland

You can explore our full ESG commitments and Good Market profile here: Social Investment Scotland