Social Firms Australia
©Social Firms Australia 2009
Social Firms and Partners
The social firm model was first developed in Italy in the 1960s, which then spread through Europe and the UK. The social firm model has now been adopted in many countries around the world.
SoFA provides continual research and evaluation of the model, assisting in the development of best-practice social firms in Australia.
Working in partnership with a range of established organisations, SoFA assists in the development and support of a social firm, whether it is established or a start-up.
Our partners
ACE National Network Inc (known as ACE) is the peak body for Australia’s Disability Employment Network.
ASTERIA Services Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support, education and employment to individuals with a disability and their families within the Central Goldfields Shire.
Housing Choices Australia (HCA) is a rapidly growing provider of quality affordable housing that is socially committed, commercially competent and transparent.
Options Victoria provides a range of services across the south-eastern suburbs of the city of Melbourne. Services come under two divisions – Community Services and Employment Services
What is a Social Firm?
A social firm is a business created with the specific purpose of employing people with a disability or other disadvantage in the labour market and to provide a needed product or service. Modifications required for employees in need of support are built into the design of the workplace.
Ideally, 25-50% of a social firm's workforce consists of disabled or disadvantaged employees. Every worker, regardless of their disability or non-disability, is regarded as equal and is treated as such, with equal rights and equal obligations. All employees are paid award rates or productivity-based salaries.
Work opportunities are equal between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged employees.
Social Firm Case Studies
Situated in the Dandenong ranges,Bonsai – The Imagination Tree is a wholesale bonsai nursery creating innovative employment opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities. As a Social Firm, Bonsai - The Imagination Tree offers employment for people with a mental illness and trains staff on mental illness awareness.
Cleanable is a successful cleaning business operating as a Social Firm. Established in 2005 by Westgate Community Initiatives Group (WCIG) in partnership with SoFA and Social Ventures Australia (SVA), Cleanable is a highly professional and sustainable business offering competitive rates. In contracting Cleanable, business owners in Melbourne can easily increase their corporate social responsibility. Cleanable operates at 17 sites across Melbourne and employs over 15 people with a mental illness.
Outlook Environmental is a visionary concept bringing together the needs of the environment and the community in powerful partnerships that demonstrate what can be achieved by working together. With its council and waste management partners, Outlook Environmental runs innovative, state-of-the-art waste transfer sites at Mornington, Knox, Pakenham, Hampton Park and Reservoir. Click here to view the SVA Social Return on Investment report on Outlook Environmental.