In response to today's announcement of the new Scottish Cabinet, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “On behalf of all of us at SCVO, I would like to welcome Shona Robison to her new role as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government which includes responsibility for the third sector and social economy. While some parts of the sector will be very well known to the Cabinet Secretary from her previous work in relation to health and social care, we look forward to working with her to ensure that the breadth of the voluntary sector and the significant and diverse range of ways in which it contributes to Scottish society are uppermost in her thinking.
“It’s disappointing that, despite all five main political parties being unusually outspoken about the importance of charities, community organisations and social enterprises to Scotland’s recovery, the sector as a whole doesn’t even get a mention on the face of the Scottish Government’s new ministerial portfolios. From Justice to Health, Economy to Environment, voluntary organisations are integral to a successful Scotland. I look forward to seeing that recognised in the first 100 days.”