Edinburgh Napier University

  This article uses a case study of the transfer of a social firm model from Scotland to Poland for the development of two social firm hotels in order to illustrate an international voluntary–public–private sector partnership in action, and to propose a toolkit for the development of such enterprises. Social firms are defined and their principle characteristics described, located against attempts in European countries to provide employment for people with mental health problems who are disadvantaged in the workplace. Drawing upon an action research approach, key issues associated with the firms’ development are discussed illustrating the distinct characteristics of international voluntary–public–private sector partnerships. This leads on to a proposed toolkit to guide further such industry developments.