#SmithCommission: Third sector must be the change it wants to see

At the SCVO Summit on 20th November, many of us in the Third Sector will have the opportunity to consider what impact the referendum result and the Smith Commission could have on the sector and on our role in helping to shape the sort of Scotland we want to live in. Through the various sessions of the day our speakers will, I hope, challenge us to consider and conclude what we as individuals, as organisations and as a sector can do to facilitate and even lead the change that we want to see in post-referendum Scotland. In the run up to the referendum many of us were engaged in encouraging people to think beyond short-term personal economics and consider of the type of Scotland they wanted to live in. What are the values and characteristics we want for the Scotland of the future? My hope is that we will engage in similar discussions at the SCVO Summit, particularly if we want to fulfil the potential that the sector has to lead the change we want to bring about. There are many ways in which the Third Sector can lead change in policy and practice across the country. However, as anyone who sets out to lead others to bring about change knows, we first have to look at the change required in ourselves. If any leader ceases to develop and change, their capacity to lead and change others will be severely restricted. They in effect, become a barrier to the change they want to see in others. As we discuss taking a values-based approach to how devolved powers should be administered in Scotland, perhaps we should also look at the values that we share and demonstrate as a sector. Are there ways in which our own values might stand in the way of how we would like others to behave?

We cannot expect others to change if we do not first seek to change ourselves for the better

We often talk of seeking change in the way other sectors of society operate and increasingly so in the private and public sectors. We must first look inwardly though. We cannot expect others to change if we do not first seek to change ourselves for the better. Similarly, if we want to take a prominent role in leading change then perhaps we should reflect on just how attractive our leadership appears to others. As the ancient Chinese proverb says, “a leader without followers is just someone taking a walk”. We cannot lead any change if others are not willing to follow us in implementing that change. There is much to discuss. How can we influence the devolution of democratic processes from Westminster, to Holyrood and on into local communities? What are the relative merits of tax raising and spending decisions at national and local levels? I am looking forward to engaging in these discussions in the context of a shared values base and a willingness to change ourselves in advance of seeking change in others. I am really looking forward to a stimulating day together, and not just as an academic exercise, if we can be clear on our values and our ethos and are open to change in us. Now is our opportunity as a sector. We can establish values that will have a life transforming effect on so many in Scottish society especially those who are most disadvantaged. We must be open and honest about how we demonstrate those values and in doing so we can instil transformational change that will affirm Scotland as a caring and compassionate nation.