SCVO responds to Scottish Government's announcement on Third Sector Partnership

Welcoming the Scottish Government’s commitment to a “Third Sector Partnership”, Anna Fowlie, SCVO Chief Executive, said: 

“Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face. They make our communities better places to live. Too often, however, public bodies overlook the voluntary sector in planning, decision-making and delivery. That must change.   

“To ensure that our sector is properly recognised as an essential partner, we need the right infrastructure in place – to support genuine partnership working between the voluntary and public sectors. Our manifesto sets out why a formalised relationship, set in law, would help achieve this. We welcome all commitments that move Scotland closer to achieving that goal and will engage constructively with their development. 

“It is essential that any future scheme is properly resourced, and co-designed with the voluntary sector, so that it reflects, from the start, the experience, evidence and needs of Scotland’s essential sector.” 

ENDS  

Notes: 

SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto, Scotland’s Essential Sector, is available here. 

Full details of the partnership can be found here.