The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.
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
Three new funds announced today will support people across Scotland to gain essential digital skills and internet access. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has been working with Scottish Government, BT, Cellnex and Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation to... 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), in partnership with the Scottish Government and BT, has been delivering the Digital Participation Charter Fund over the past five years, supporting 169 projects across Scotland to get people online and develop essential... 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
A radical new UK collaborative has launched today (Thursday 11 July 2019) in response to the clear call from civil society groups to increase and improve their use of digital tools and techniques. Catalyst - incubated by the Centre of Acceleration of Social Technology (CAST) – is... 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
J.P. Morgan and Good Things Foundation have today launched ‘Power Up’, a £1.3 million project designed to support people in underserved communities to build the digital skills that they need to qualify for in-demand jobs. Power Up will support activity in Bournemouth, east London... 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 popular grants scheme which helps charities boost their cyber resilience has returned for 2019. Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the scheme will support charities with grants of up to £1,000 to help them... 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
A new round of funding designed to help people get online and develop essential digital skills was launched today (30 January) by Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy Kate Forbes at Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh. Over the past five years, the Scottish Council... 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
The UK’s first Charity Digital Code of Practice has launched today following an extensive consultation and input from across the sector. The Code, which has been produced to provide charities with practical advice on incorporating digital technology into their work, has been... 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
An SCVO colleague has been shortlisted for a prestigious award that recognises women in tech across the UK. Sally Dyson – Head of Digital Participation and Evolution at SCVO – is one of 200 women shortlisted in WeAreTechWomen’s TechWomen100 Awards 2018, which seeks to recognise... 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
A new project has been launched which aims to better understand how food can be used to tackle poverty and social exclusion. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the University of Edinburgh are aiming to examine the work that food projects are doing to... Read more
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has launched a second 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 201... Read more
A new Call to Action from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) reviews how the third sector in Scotland has developed digitally since 2016. Based on the learning from work with leaders from over 80 organisations, the report states that organisations should not... Read more
SCVO, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) have written a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, ahead of today’s Opposition day debate on Universal Credit in the House of Commons. The piloting of... Read more
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has today re-iterated its strong support for the UK to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union, following recommendations made in the Scottish Government’s paper ‘Scotland’s Place in Europe: Our Way Forward.’ In... Read more
Over the past four years, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (SCVO) Digital Participation Charter Fund – supported by the Scottish Government and BT – has provided funding to 150 projects across Scotland to get people online and develop basic digital skills... Read more
SCVO has repsonded to the First Minister's speech regarding Fair Work at the SNP Conference this afternoon. SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “We welcome the First Minister’s expanded commitment to Fair Work – it’s essential that the Scottish Government uses all the drivers... Read more
Commenting on the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) report Charity Street Scotland, which shows more than three quarters of Scottish households have used a charity service in the last 12 months, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Anna Fowlie said... Read more
Charities from across Scotland have been granted additional funding to continue the delivery of projects which aim to reduce the impact of welfare cuts and poverty. SCVO, through the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund, has awarded £135,000 to 14 organisations to build on the... Read more
SCVO response to Programme for Scotland 2018/19 Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) responded today to the Scottish Government’s Programme for Scotland 2018-19: “There’s plenty in the Programme for Government that will make a... Read more
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has joined forces with other leading third sector organisations to highlight concerns over the effect of Brexit on volunteering numbers. Alongside Volunteer Scotland, SCVO has prepared a letter to the Home Secretary Sajid... Read more
Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Home Secretary Home Office 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF 15 August 2018 Dear Home Secretary, The Contribution of Non-UK Citizen Volunteers The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership organisation for Scotland’s... Read more
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (SCVO) is delighted to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees. Fiona Gillespie, Kenneth Pinkerton and Sean Duffy have been selected to join the Board following an open recruitment process. The new trustees will play a... Read more
Over the past four years, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (SCVO) Digital Participation Charter Fund - supported by the Scottish Government and BT - has provided funding to 150 projects across Scotland to get people online and develop basic digital skills. This... Read more
Applications are now being accepted for the fifth Scottish Public Service Awards, which celebrate excellence within Scotland’s public services. The Awards, launched by Holyrood magazine in 2014, are held in association with the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament and... Read more
Google is opening Scotland's first Google Digital Garage on the high street in Edinburgh and launching a digital skills training programme in Glasgow as part of a major new investment in Scotland to help upskill local people. The Google Digital Garage, a high street training hub... Read more
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is to manage a new grants programme on behalf of the Scottish Government, to help charities implement the Carers (Scotland) Act in their local areas. Launched today (Wednesday 20 June 2018), the Carers Act Transformation... Read more