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 Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
SCVO responds to Programme for Government
Responding to the Programme for Government, Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) Chief Executive, said:
"I’m pleased to see that the Programme for Government recognises the essential role the voluntary sector plays in addressing some of Scotland's biggest challenges, from child poverty and gender-based violence to community cohesion and public service reform.
"We welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to a Third Sector Partnership, founded on trust, collaboration and mutual respect. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to deliver the kind of partnership with government that voluntary organisations have long called for, one that brings meaningful change.
"We also welcome commitments to multi-year funding in a number of areas, and the first public recognition that the voluntary sector, alongside communities, must play a significant part in shaping public service reform. I look forward to seeing these commitments delivering significant progress in delivering Fair Funding across government portfolios and public bodies.
"Finally, I welcome the First Minister's commitment to strengthen community cohesion and counter those who seek to divide Scotland. Voluntary organisations across Scotland are on the frontline of supporting people targeted by bigotry, racism and hatred, while bringing communities together in the face of division. Their work demonstrates the very best of Scotland: compassion, solidarity and a determination to ensure everyone belongs. Achieving that ambition will require sustained recognition, support and investment from the Scottish Government."
ENDS
Notes for editors:
In its 2026 manifesto, Scotland's Essential Sector: Priorities for the Next Scottish Government, SCVO called for the new Scottish Government, its agencies and public bodies, to commit to a new, formalised partnership with the voluntary sector. Informed by deep engagement with charities, voluntary organisations and community groups across Scotland, SCVO has been clear that this partnership should be underpinned by statute; accountable for delivery across public bodies; focused on shared outcomes; protective of the sector's independence; and aligned with Fair Funding principles.
