# SCVO Chief Martin Sime to retire

![Martin Sime](https://storage.googleapis.com/scvo-cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Martin-Sime_editedWEB-e1506517177344-300x217.jpg)The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has today announced that its Chief Executive, Martin Sime, is to retire following more than 25 successful years. Mr. Sime, who joined the charity umbrella body in 1991, has been credited with transforming the role of third sector bodies and growing the organisation to include more than 1,800 members, ranging from individuals and grassroots groups, to Scotland-wide organisations. Neville Mackay, Interim Convener of SCVO, said: "SCVO is hugely indebted to Martin for his leadership and vision. “His contribution has transformed the landscape in which Scotland’s third sector operates. Among his many achievements are driving positive change in charity law, charity finance and the esteem with which the sector is held by the public and parliament. “We are grateful for his many accomplishments over more than 25 years, and wish him a long and happy retirement. He leaves with Trustees’ gratitude and very best wishes for the future.” Mr. Sime said: “It has been my privilege to hold such a fantastic position for over a quarter of a century and to have been part of the changing face of the third sector throughout that time. “I have met and worked with some truly inspiring people and wonderful causes. I know that everyone at SCVO will help my successor to find their feet and contribute to addressing the many challenges and opportunities which continue to confront Scotland’s voluntary organisations.”

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## About SCVO

SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector.

Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact.

SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector.

Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners.

Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored learning opportunities.

SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience.

Discounts and savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org).

For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)