Evidence-based recognition for social entrepreneurs.
The LSSE Society of Social Entrepreneurs awards professional recognition through a structured assessment process based on evidence, judgement, integrity and contribution. Recognition is not automatic and is only granted where applicants meet the standard for the relevant membership grade.
LSSE assessments are guided by five core principles.
Recognition must be supported by credible evidence, not self-description alone.
Applicants are assessed against the appropriate level of recognition. Early-stage applicants are not expected to provide the same evidence as senior practitioners.
All claims must be accurate, responsible and capable of being reviewed.
Recognition depends not only on achievement, but also on ethical practice, responsible leadership and compliance with Society rules.
Where required, assessment decisions are reviewed by appropriate LSSE assessors, moderators or panel members.
LSSE may request further information, clarification or a private review conversation where required.
| Grade | Post-Nominal | Assessment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Social Entrepreneur | ASE-LSSE | Social purpose, beneficiary awareness, ethical intent and credible project direction |
| Certified Social Entrepreneur | CSE-LSSE | Active practice, delivery logic, stakeholder understanding, sustainability and impact evidence |
| Professional Social Entrepreneur | PSE-LSSE | Sustained delivery, leadership, partnerships, income, grants, contracts or institutional engagement |
| Fellow of Social Entrepreneurship | FSE-LSSE | Senior contribution, ecosystem leadership, philanthropy, civic impact or public-value institution building |
Applicants should select the grade that best matches their evidence and experience. LSSE may recommend a different grade where the submitted evidence is stronger or weaker than the level applied for.
Applicants may be asked to submit evidence across the following areas, depending on the grade:
Evidence should be clear, relevant and truthful. LSSE may request clarification where claims are unclear or unsupported.
A portfolio is the main evidence document for assessed professional membership.
A strong portfolio should include:
A short professional background and current role.
The problem, need or opportunity the applicant is addressing.
Description of the project, organisation, venture, programme or contribution.
Outputs, outcomes, beneficiary feedback, reports, case studies or measurable indicators where available.
How the work is delivered, resourced and sustained.
Who the work serves and how the applicant understands their needs.
The level of detail expected will depend on the grade applied for.
Some recognition grades may require interview, presentation or panel review.
Normally assessed through foundation portfolio and reflective statement.
May require portfolio review, project or venture case study and final presentation.
Normally requires experience portfolio, case study and professional interview.
Requires nomination or application, evidence dossier, references and senior panel review.
The level of detail expected will depend on the grade applied for.
LSSE protects assessment integrity through appropriate assessor controls.
Where possible:
These controls help ensure that recognition is based on evidence, not personal association, payment or informal endorsement.
Some recognition grades may require interview, presentation or panel review.
The applicant meets the standard for the grade applied for.
The applicant is suitable for recognition, but at a different level than requested.
The applicant may be reconsidered after submitting additional evidence or gaining further experience.
The applicant does not currently meet the required standard.
Where appropriate, LSSE may provide brief guidance on next steps, evidence gaps or progression options.
Applicants may request a review of an assessment outcome where they believe:
Appeals should be submitted within the timeframe stated in LSSE’s assessment policy.
An appeal does not guarantee a change of outcome. It is a review of process and fairness, not an automatic reassessment.
LSSE may suspend or withdraw recognition where a member:
Post-nominals may only be used by approved members in good standing and in accordance with LSSE rules.
LSSE professional recognition is institutional recognition issued by the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics through the LSSE Society of Social Entrepreneurs.
It is not statutory licensing, chartered status, government-regulated professional authorisation or permission to practise.
Completion of an LSSE programme, payment of a fee, Open Membership or attendance at Society activities does not automatically confer professional recognition.
Recognition is awarded only after evidence review, assessment and approval.
Apply for assessment if you are ready to evidence your social enterprise practice, leadership or contribution.
