Introduction

Background

“SEE Mark” is a professional, objective and comprehensive assessment system which is applicable for social enterprises with different sizes and natures. Up till Oct 2020, there are 217 cumulative accredited social enterprise projects, accounting for 22%* of social enterprise projects in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises (HKGCSE) commissioned “Project Flame” of the City University of Hong Kong in 2013 to develop the assessment tool for Social Enterprise Endorsement (SEE) Mark. SEE Mark officially launched in 2014, this is the first accreditation system for social enterprises in Hong Kong. An Independent Committee has been set up since 2016 for handling disputes to ensure the fairness and equality. In April 2019, a newly independent Endorsement Panel is formed to approve and endorse the assessment recommendation.

The scheme is funded by Standard Chartered Hong Kong 150th Anniversary Community Foundation.

*According to “SE Directory 2018” of Hong Kong Council of Social Service, there are 654 social enterprise projects in Hong Kong.

 

Mission​

To enhance the public recognition in social enterprise’s value and to strengthen the public trust in social enterprises. Ultimately to facilitate social enterprises for better enhancement of an inclusive society

 

Objectives​

To improve the operational capability and transparency of social enterprises
To raise the awareness of the public about social enterprises
To raise the confidence of the public and investors in social enterprises to encourage “Buy Social”

 

Social Enterprise Endorsement Mark Vetting Committee

Dr. CHANDRA Yanto

Ms. KAN Pui Har, Christina

Dr. SZETO Wing Fu, Ricky

Mr. WONG Kit Lung, Simon, BBS, JP

 

Who is Dr. SEE?

Dr. SEE is the symbol of social enterprise. He is a penguin, wearing glasses with sharp color. His head slightly up, his eyes squinting forward, symbolizing the spirit of social enterprise with hope and courage. Through the accreditation, the operation of social enterprises tends to be more distinctive, transparent and fair!

Penguins gather as a large group and stand tightly with each other to resist cold weather. They are docile, persistence, kind, lovely, compassionate, taking good care of and protect their babies with a warm nest under their stomach from coldness. Their toughness symbolize the spirit of social concern and mutual aid among communities of social enterprise. They stand up humbly yet respectfully even in harsh environment, with this metaphor to social enterprises, it represents persistence and strength.