Gillian Reid-McKee Depute Chief Executive, Routes to Work An experienced third sector leader, Gillian,As Depute CEO at Routes to Work and a career working across the third sector, she has been dedicated,Furthering her commitment to the sector, Ashley sits on the board of the Third Sector Employability Forum,and procurement in relation to the employability and skills sector.,more resilient voluntary sector across the country.

Context Scotland’s voluntary sector is a major employer, employing over 135,000 people - 5% of Scotland,, housing, and towards digital inclusion, and a huge range of advice services.,Medium voluntary sector organisation “Funding issues ensure that no one has security of employment.,communities and in employment security”.,Voluntary sector intermediary

Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector.,We champion the sector, provide services and debate big issues.,We’re passionate about what the voluntary sector can achieve.,The evidence clearly shows digital exclusion exacerbates existing deep routed inequalities.,issues are particularly acute for those most likely to seek money advice.

However, there are risks to pursuing the Barnett route; Owing to a failure to spend in the current ESIF,for the sector.,In Scotland for example, many in the third sector rejected the UK approach to employability as regressive,We made genuine offers to help and our “expert advice” was not even acknowledged on occasions.,third sector.

Employability Effective, responsive employability support is key to the overall success of social security,to employment.,sector involvement.,There should be consideration of progression routes, particularly given the importance of progression,There must be a well-resourced advice sector to ensure support is accessible to everyone.

The third sector has much to say and offer in relation to the transfer of employment support powers.,should be explored to avoid the need for this fund – e.g. insurance through credit unions, savings advice,Recognises that the route out of poverty is not always paid work.,Contact Lynn Williams Policy Officer lynn.williams@scvo.scot 0141 559 5036 Scottish Council for Voluntary,SCVO works to support people to take voluntary action to help themselves and others, and to bring about