Press releases

Responding to the Spring Statement 2025, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “At a time when many voluntary organisations are facing severe financial difficulties, announcements in the Spring Statement will increase pressure on the sector. “Across society, people on the... Read more

Public sector spending on the third sector in Scotland has frozen. Public sector funding to Scotland’s voluntary sector has dropped by £177million in real terms since 2021, a new report has found. Research by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) shows the... Read more

Following a debate on the National Insurance Contributions Bill in the House of Lords on Tuesday, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie said: “The Treasury decision to increase employer National Insurance Contributions will cost medium... Read more

New research from SCVO outlines the state of the sector’s finances. Charities across Scotland have continued to draw on their reserves “unsustainably” despite funding from government staying relatively stable, new research shows. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and the people who work and volunteer in Scotland’s voluntary sector to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards. Now in its 19th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to... Read more

Commenting on the announcement that the Scottish Government will provide additional multi-year funding in the form of 45 grants to organisations across Scotland, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “The voluntary sector has a... Read more

SCVO has responded to comments from the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, that the public sector in Scotland will have to “absorb” a £200 million shortfall because of the UK government’s decision to increase employers’ National Insurance contributions.  Read more

Commenting, Kirsten Hogg, SCVO’s Head of Policy and Research, said: “While lip-service continues to be paid to reforming the broken public funding landscape voluntary organisations contend with, today’s budget takes us no further forward. “This is despite the Social Justice and... Read more

SCVO’s Head of Policy and Research, Kirsten Hogg, said: “The chancellor's decision not to support voluntary sector employers with increasing National Insurance contributions is shortsighted, and belies a lack of understanding of our essential sector. We will continue to push... Read more

Calls come as Holyrood Committee publish report on public funding to voluntary organisations. Responding to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s report on Scottish Government funding to voluntary organisations, published today (13 November 202... Read more

Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council Professor John Connaghan OBE, Chair of NHS Lothian cc Pat Togher, Chief Officer By email 31 October 2024 Dear Cllr Day and Prof Connaghan Proposal by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to remove grant-funding from voluntary... Read more

Responding to the Autumn Budget 2024, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “At a time when many voluntary organisations are facing severe financial difficulties, announcements in the UK budget place new strains on the sector, while cutting key funding that people and... Read more

Responding to the publication of Audit Scotland's latest report on tackling digital exclusion, David McNeil, SCVO Strategic Director of Development, said: “This report shows that while government aims to save money through developing digital services, the burden of support often... Read more

Responding to the result of the UK general election, David McNeil, SCVO Strategic Director of Development, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Keir Starmer on his appointment as Prime Minister. “There is a pressing need for a more humane politics that puts people... Read more

Growing Climate Confidence has been supported by the Scottish Funders’ Forum.  Read more

Responding to the First Minister's resignation, Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) Chief Executive, said: As Scotland stops to watch the political goings on at Holyrood, it is vital that we don’t take our eye off the ball. While it is not clear how... Read more

Responding to the Spring Budget 2024, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “I share the disappointment of other voluntary sector bodies that the Spring Budget did not recognise the essential services and support of voluntary organisations both in Scotland and across the UK... Read more

A third of organisations reported this as one of their top challenges. Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned. The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and... Read more

Research also found a third of organisations were dipping into reserves. An overwhelming majority of charities in Scotland have reported financial challenges as their biggest source of concern. The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found 7 in 10 charities cite financial... Read more

Responding to the 2024/25 draft Budget, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “The draft Budget represents a missed opportunity to set out vital support for Scotland’s voluntary sector – at a time when it is being squeezed by the cost-of-living and running costs crises. “While... Read more

SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie responding to the 2023/24 Autumn Statement. Read more

Richard Jennings will join the team later this year. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has announced a new Convener for its Board of Trustees. Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector welcomes Richard Jennings, who will take over... Read more

Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) Chief Executive, responds to the 2023/24 Programme for Government. Read more

Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at SCVO’s annual awards ceremony The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced in a celebratory awards ceremony last night (Friday 23 June) at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh. Hosted by Sally... Read more

Responding to the Scottish Government’s policy prospectus, New leadership – A fresh start, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s latest commitment to progress Fairer Funding across its support for the voluntary sector, including the... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Charity Learning Consortium (CLC) are proud to announce their new partnership aimed at supporting learning and development in the voluntary sector. SCVO, the national membership organisation representing and... Read more

In response to the UK Government's Spring Statement, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: "The UK Government's announcement of over £100m of additional support for charities and communities in England is welcome news and comes on the back of calls from organisations across the... Read more

“While we are pleased that the Energy Bill Discount Scheme will continue to support charities at the same level as businesses, we are disappointed that the level of support will fall." Read more

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding Principles in this week’s budget - including a commitment to multi-year funding. Read more

Media Release Embargo: Immediate SCVO statement on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth Chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Anna Fowlie, said: “On behalf of SCVO, I would like to express my condolences to all those affected by the sad... Read more

“We are concerned with the suggestion of households and organisations footing the bill for this energy price guarantee through their bills and taxes for years to come." Read more

"The needs of the sector, even those that cost nothing, are simply invisible." Read more

Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at annual awards ceremony The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced last night (15 June) in a glittering awards ceremony hosted by Sally Magnusson at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has warned that third sector groups have been let down by today’s Spending Review.  Read more

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has been honoured in Scotland’s Flexible Working Awards, run by social business Flexibility Works. Read more

Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector has warned the Scottish Government’s flagship economic plan has ignored the importance of the sector. Earlier this week Economy Secretary Kate Forbes unveiled Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for charities and individuals across the country to apply for its annual charity awards! Now in its 16th year, the Scottish Charity Awards highlight the best, most innovative and effective charities, social... Read more

Following yesterday’s announcement of the Scottish Budget for 2022-23, SCVO’s Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: "We are disappointed that despite all the talk of the importance of Scotland’s voluntary sector during the pandemic, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy... Read more

Findings from a third sector research project are providing crucial insights into how Scotland’s charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Run by independent research company DJS Research on behalf of the Scottish Council for... Read more

Scottish voluntary organisations are invited to join two new structures for civil society to engage with decision-makers on the EU/UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement The UK Government recently held a consultation on engagement with civil society on the implementation of the Trade... Read more

Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at annual awards ceremony The winners of an annual awards ceremony dedicated to recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced tonight (1 October) in a glittering online event hosted by Sally Magnusson live from the EICC. Run... Read more

A national employability programme which supports young jobseekers into employment in the voluntary sector is being recognised in Parliament this week after celebrating its 10,000th employee. The Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme, funded by the Scottish Government and... Read more

Scotland is in danger of prioritising an outdated approach to economic recovery over the wellbeing of people and the environment. A coalition of third sector bodies is calling for the membership of the Scottish Government’s Council for Economic Transformation, which is due to... Read more

A new report is encouraging non-environmental charities and social enterprises to take action on climate change in the run up to COP26. Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SenScot) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have combined the findings of surveys... Read more

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist! Run annually by SCVO, the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist includes 47 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country... Read more

In response to today's announcement of the new Scottish Cabinet, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “On behalf of all of us at SCVO, I would like to welcome Shona Robison to her new role as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government which includes... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has today released a short film showcasing the difference that charities, community groups and social enterprises are making to people and communities during the coronavirus pandemic. The film – created by Media Co-op - is... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for charities and individuals across the country to apply for its annual charity awards. Now in its 15th year, the Scottish Charity Awards highlight the best, most innovative and effective charity organisations... Read more

A new strategic partnership has been launched to boost collaboration between the voluntary sector and national and local government. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Scottish Government have... Read more

Young people and job seekers in communities across Scotland will be able to access free training to support work skills and career prospects through a new portal launched today (9 March 2021). The Skills for Work portal has been developed by The Open University in partnership... Read more

SCVO has helped thousands of young jobseekers across the country find work through its Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme, which works with voluntary sector organisations to offer young people aged 16 to 29 years a job. The programme focusses on those who are most... Read more

Following this week's publication of the report 'If not now, when?' from the Social Renewal Advisory Board – established in June 2020 by the Scottish Government to consider Scotland's social renewal in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – SCVO’s Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie... Read more

Research findings published today by Scotland’s charity regulator have been welcomed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) for highlighting the difficulties voluntary sector organisations across the country are facing due to the impact of coronavirus... Read more

Scotland’s charities and community organisations have seen a dramatic fall in income due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, yet with more and more people in need of support, for many demand is soaring. Many others are struggling to emerge from a hard stop when they are... Read more

SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie today welcomed Scottish Government’s position statement on the post-Brexit replacement for European funding:“The UK Government has been promising details of a UK Shared Prosperity Fund for two years now, but we remain completely in the dark... Read more

Maureen McGinn – Convener of Children in Scotland Board – has joined the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) as Honorary President. As former Chair of the Scotland Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund and former Trustee of Evaluation Support Scotland... Read more

Charities and individuals from across Scotland have been recognised for the life-changing difference they make at the 2020 Scottish Charity Awards on 25 September. Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the... Read more

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist includes 45 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. While a... Read more

This week, the Scottish Government published its landmark review of the progress Scotland has made in delivering the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The review was developed in partnership... Read more

Following this week's publication of the report 'Towards a robust, resilient wellbeing economy for Scotland' from the independent Advisory Group on Economic Recovery - established in April 2020 by the Scottish Government to advise on Scotland’s economic recovery in the wake of... Read more

Following today's announcement during the Scottish Parliament Debate: COVID-19 Next Steps (Communities) about the creation of the Social Renewal Advisory Board to drive progress towards a fairer, more equal Scotland in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SCVO Chief... Read more

The second round of the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund is now open to applications from voluntary sector organisations providing crucial services to people as a result of coronavirus. The Fund is being delivered through an innovative model which involves national... Read more

The Third Sector Employability Forum (TSEF) and Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have joined forces to provide a platform and collective voice for voluntary sector organisations in Scotland, in relation to policy and practice in employability services. Through... Read more

Following this afternoon's announcement by the First Minister that the Wellbeing Fund is now open for expressions of interest from all third sector organisations, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: "The Wellbeing Fund has already seen much-needed money get to the frontline... Read more

In response to today's funding announcement by Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: "I am delighted that today Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, and her colleagues in... Read more

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “Following the confirmation of cases of COVID-19 in Scotland, we are urging our members and the wider voluntary sector in Scotland to take care of the health of their staff, volunteers... Read more

A national charity event held recently at Glasgow’s SEC brought thousands of people together to donate items to Simon Community Scotland’s Period Friendly Initiative. The Gathering – now in it’s 16th year – is a two-day annual event run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary... Read more

The Gathering will be held at Glasgow’s SEC from 19-20 February 2020, bringing charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups together to learn, share and celebrate the best of the voluntary sector. Organised annually by SCVO, The Gathering attracts thousands of attendees and... Read more

At an event to celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector last night (Monday 6 January 2020), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the Scottish Charity Awards 2020 and encouraged charities from across the country to apply and share their successes. Speaking from... Read more

Commenting on the Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s report, ‘Looking ahead to the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2020-21: Valuing the Third Sector’, Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “SCVO strongly supports the... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is delighted to announce that in Round 3 of the Carer Act Transformation Support (CATS) fund, 22 voluntary organisations throughout Scotland have been awarded grants to help them to continue to develop local capacity... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership organisation for charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. It works to support, promote and develop a confident, sustainable voluntary sector in Scotland. Part of SCVO’s work focuses on... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has issued an open letter to all UK Parliament party leaders demanding action to stop a no-deal exit from the European Union. The letter – sent on 19 August 2019 - highlights the hugely negative impact no-deal Brexit could... Read more

In response to today’s publication of the Charity Tax Commission’s ‘Reforming charity taxation’ report, Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “SCVO welcomes the Commission’s attempt to undertake a fundamental review of... Read more

Following the publication of a report on the Scottish Government’s charity law consultation issued this afternoon (Wednesday 3 July 2019), David McNeill, Director of Development for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) said: “SCVO welcomes the broad support... Read more

Credit: Colin Hattersley Photography Charities and individuals from across Scotland have been recognised for the life-changing difference they make at the 2019 Scottish Charity Awards, which took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 14 June. Organised... Read more

In response to an article published today on the suspension of European Social Fund grants in Scotland, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “SCVO has been working with Scottish Government and colleagues in the voluntary sector since this potentially devastating situation... Read more

As the Scottish Parliament is marking its 20th anniversary this month, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have chosen to mark this milestone by working with representatives from across the voluntary sector to produce a limited-edition book. Entitled Charities... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has been recognised as a Carer Positive employer. The Carer Positive award is presented to employers in Scotland who have a working environment where carers are valued and supported. Carer Positive employers recognise the... Read more

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is set to launch a third round of the Carers Act Transformation Support (CATS) Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government, to give third sector organisations involved in the local implementation of the Carers (Scotland) Act... Read more

Scottish Charity Awards 2019 Finalists Announced Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s third sector. This year’s shortlist includes 44 individuals and organisations from charities and... Read more

Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that the Scottish Government will work to establish a Citizens' Assembly in Scotland, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Anna Fowlie said: “The First Minister’s commitment to... Read more

The Scottish Government’s review of Scottish charity law is currently taking place, and the recent call for responses to the consultation has now closed - you can view SCVO's response on our policy page. While SCVO welcomes the opportunity to review charity law, the organisation... Read more

A campaign calling for an independent review of the impact of Brexit on health and social care is set to continue. The Assess and Address campaign was created in response to concerns raised by those in the third sector over the implications that Brexit will have for health and... Read more

Attendees from SCVO’s Gathering donate hundreds of items to local foodbank A Glasgow foodbank has received a big donation following the largest third sector event in the UK. The Gathering – hosted annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) - attracts... Read more

Public urged to support local causes through turbulent times Charity workers in Scotland are struggling amidst ongoing economic, social and political uncertainty, according to findings published today. A survey conducted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO... Read more

Today, (Thursday 14 February) the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) held a webinar with UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Professor Philip Alston. The live event provided an opportunity for civil society representatives in Scotland to... Read more

SCVO is calling for charities and individuals across the country to apply for our annual charity awards. Now in its 13th year, the Scottish Charity Awards highlight the best, most innovative and effective charity organisations and individuals from the past year, and celebrate... Read more

Following the release of the Scottish Government's 'Fair Start Scotland', 'Work First Scotland' & 'Work Able Scotland' statistics publication, the fifth publication in a series about the devolved Scottish employability services, SCVO's Chief Executive Anna Fowlie responded today... Read more

Politicians are set to consider plans for an independent review of Brexit’s impact on health and social care. Brendan O’Hara MP introduced a Private Member’s Bill at the House of Commons last week (14 November 2018) in response to concerns raised by those in the third sector... Read more

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), today responded to Audit Scotland & the Accounts Commission's report ‘Health and social care integration: update on progress’: “The Auditor General has rightly reminded us that the purpose of... Read more

The Scottish Government has launched a grants scheme to help charities boost their cyber resilience. Managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the scheme will support charities with grants of up to £1,000 to help them achieve cyber essentials... Read more