SCVO briefing- Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Inquiry into Lobbying

Briefing

Since the inception of the Scottish Parliament, the third sector’s role in the creation of public policy has had a positive effect. By developing strong links with parliamentarians and government officials the third sector has formed productive relationships which ensure policy makers are better informed, more knowledgeable and account for a wider variety of views. The third sector has played a key role in advocating for successful policy developments such as the ban on smoking in public places, climate change legislation and minimum pricing for alcohol. This contribution has delivered good outcomes and clear benefits for the public. The third sector engaging with politicians for public benefit is fundamentally different in character from corporate lobbying for private interest. Lobbying is associated with money and the protection of interests, which is very different from the campaigning for social change undertaken by the sector. This campaigning is a key component of a healthy democracy and must be protected, not discouraged. Any proposals for new regulation of the third sector must be proportionate and weighed up in terms of benefits delivered against the burdens imposed. It is our view that a lobbying register would have a profoundly negative effect on the free flow of information and ideas between the sector, parliamentarians and government officials. This would have a detrimental effect on the quality of public policy. SCVO believes therefore that the most proportionate and cost-effective way to increase transparency of decision making is to have the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament publish Ministers and Members of the Scottish Parliament’s diaries. These should be made available on the Scottish Government’s and the Scottish Parliament’s websites where they would be easily accessible. This approach would meet the objectives of openness and transparency without placing unnecessary barriers in the path of third sector organisations. Read SCVO’s full response to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee enquiry.

Contact

Felix Spittal Policy Officer Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Mansfield Traquair Centre 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB Email: felix.spittal@scvo.scot Tel: 0131 474 8000 Web: www.scvo.scot

About us

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national body representing the third sector.There are over 45,000 voluntary organisations in Scotland involving around 138,000 paid staff and approximately 1.3 million volunteers. The sector manages an income of £4.9 billion. SCVO works in partnership with the third sector in Scotland to advance our shared values and interests. We have over 1600 members who range from individuals and grassroots groups, to Scotland-wide organisations and intermediary bodies. As the only inclusive representative umbrella organisation for the sector SCVO:

• has the largest Scotland-wide membership from the sector – our 1600 members include charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations of all shapes and sizes
• our governance and membership structures are democratic and accountable - with an elected board and policy committee from the sector, we are managed by the sector, for the sector
• brings together organisations and networks connecting across the whole of Scotland

SCVO works to support people to take voluntary action to help themselves and others, and to bring about social change. Our policy is determined by a policy committee elected by our members. Further details about SCVO can be found at www.scvo.scot.

References

Scottish Voluntary Sector Statistics 2012, SCVO http://www.scvo.scot/news-campaigns-and-policy/research/scvo-scottish-third-sector-statistics/