# Reflecting on the sector’s journey after 18 years at SCVO

Well, after almost a fifth of a century, I'll be leaving SCVO - and what a ride it's been! Welfare rights activists defending the most vulnerable in Parliament. 200,000 people circling around Edinburgh to march against poverty. Work colleagues arriving, making their mark, then going on to great things - all these moments I'll remember forever.

My SCVO journey began in early 2001, when the voluntary sector was way off the political map, its spirit and drive yet to be discovered by the young Scottish Parliament.

My first job was very internally focused, as a young researcher, to work out the metrics of our sector and how we could measure its impact. When OSCR came into being, I supported Government to get a grip on the scale and scope of the sector, its sensitivities and strengths.

Over time, our sector's status as a major social player grew, and by the mid-2000s, having rediscovered our identity as a civil society force for change, we hosted the international civil society extravaganza, the CIVICUS World Assemblies in 2006-8, where I met many fascinating and inspiring people from around the world - a major highlight for me.

Then came austerity, welfare cuts and the divergence of policy with Westminster. I was engaged in major campaigns which aimed to protect human rights, rethink the economy and challenge the attack on the voice of charities. When many went silent, we stayed strong and bold, and kept the field open for the diverse voices our sector works with.

My final gambit at SCVO was to bring home the big global opportunities; open government, Sustainable Development Goals and the data revolution. This brought a renewed focus to my work, and re-energised many of the agendas I'd been working on, and continues to do so.

I will miss everyone at my SCVO home terribly, as much as I am seriously excited to be moving into the environmental protection world, where I will be directing external affairs for the amazing Scottish Wildlife Trust. Thanks to all of you for encouraging, inspiring and challenging me to grow as a person and as a civil society activist during my time at SCVO.

**[Find out more about the work of SCVO's brilliant Policy Team!](https://scvo.org/policy-research)**

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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)