Our story, mission & vision

Our history

In 1997, SSE began with a straightforward belief from Lord Michael Young: the best way to learn how to change things is to get on and do it. So he gathered a small group in East London and built a different kind of school. One where lived experience mattered. Where learning was practical. Where you were expected to take action between sessions, not just talk about it.

That approach travelled. From one cohort to many. From local beginnings to a UK-wide and international footprint. Over the years, we’ve backed thousands of people tackling big issues in their communities, and we’ve worked with partners who want to see real outcomes, not just activity.

We’ve also learned how to fund growth in a way that rewards sustainability. In 2017 we launched Match Trading™, linking funding to increases in trading income, so organisations can build stronger foundations as they build their impact.

SSE has changed in scale, but not in spirit. We exist to help people turn conviction into something real, lasting and impactful.

Our purpose

To back people with purpose and build a better world together.

Our vision

A fair and sustainable world where the potential of all people is realised.

Our mission

To equip people with skills, funding, and networks to realise their potential, improve lives and protect the planet.

Our Values

Integrity

We do what we say we’re going to do. We take ownership and responsibility for our actions. We rely on open, authentic relationships.

Entrepreneurial

Purpose-led and ambitious, we combine creativity with commercial thinking to deliver real impact. Resourceful and solutions-focused, we turn ideas into sustainable growth and meaningful results.

Impactful

Everything we do is ultimately about creating impact and achieving our vision and mission. We are impact-focused in all we do.

Collaborative

We go further together. By partnering openly and supporting our social entrepreneurs and fellows, we amplify their work, ask for help, share solutions, and enjoy the journey.

Equitable

We value talent and insight, recognising unequal barriers. We actively amplify underrepresented voices in our programmes and in how we work.

Our commitment to inclusion

Diversity is a fact of life. Inclusion is a choice and a practice – for organisations and individuals.

At SSE, we aim to drive inclusion into every area and activity of what we do: from access to programmes, to grant investment, to board, staff and partnerships. We challenge ourselves to build diverse teams. We recognise that diverse teams improve the quality and richness of our work, and that diverse connections are essential for creating lasting change.

We choose to be consciously inclusive and to champion the value of diversity.