Scotland’s communities need a strong voluntary sector, not hostility and intolerance 

Over the last couple of years, society at large has faced increased hostility and intolerance as misinformation and the rhetoric of division have spread. The wholly negative impacts on our communities are palpable, as friends, colleagues, and neighbours are left anxious, fearful, or, in some cases, at the very real threat of abuse and violence. 

Our essential sector is not immune to this. 

We have heard, and continue to hear, of voluntary sector staff and volunteers across Scotland experiencing such intimidation and aggression, including examples of possible danger, and an uncertainty of how best to approach the issues and situations that are arising. 

In May, we brought many charities and voluntary organisations together to hear firsthand what the sector needs in such challenging times, to allow us to challenge polarisation, protect our staff and volunteers, and ensure the services that our communities rely on are able to continue unharmed. 

Since then, SCVO and Volunteer Scotland have been working in partnership, and with input from across the sector, to progress work that can provide the resources and spaces needed to better navigate the current climate. And, at the same time, allow voluntary organisations across the country to stand alongside each other, rather than feeling alone. 

Over the last couple of months, we have been coordinating a sector-level response, to be led by working groups comprised of organisations with the experience, knowhow, and capacity to take forward work in key areas: 

• Developing shared messaging that allows Scotland’s voluntary sector as a whole to speak with a united voice. 

• Formulating policy asks of the Scottish Government to ensure that decision-makers are taking the responsibility to increase community cohesion, alleviate hostility and intolerance, and improve the support needed by our sector. 

• Creating safe spaces for volunteers and staff across the sector to share experiences and resources, have their voices heard, and organise collectively within communities. 

In addition to the work in these areas, Volunteer Scotland and SCVO, with invaluable contributions and support from sector colleagues, have been pulling together a raft of resources, bringing together evidence, expertise, and good practice to help organisations better support people delivering vital services and community-based support across Scotland. 

With incredibly useful information and advice covering six distinct areas, such as expert led safety advice and specialist communications guidance, this week’s launch of the Navigating Hostility and Intolerance: Practical Resources for Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups marks the first tangible output from our co-led response. 

In the coming months, we will continue to work with colleagues across the sector to help build the resilience of organisations and provide the tools and resources needed to navigate these hostile times, while standing shoulder to shoulder with volunteers and sector staff across Scotland. 

Our communities do not need nor want division and disunity.  

What they do need is the support provided by Scotland’s essential sector, and the people within that sector need to feel safe and secure carrying out their roles, equipped with the knowledge needed to ensure their wellbeing, and given the confidence that comes with knowing that they are not standing against the tide alone.  

By working together, in solidarity, we can ensure that we are giving our sector, and our communities, the best support possible in troubling times.