Policy
A voice for the voluntary sector
At SCVO we work to ensure that policies and decision-making at a national level reflect the needs and concerns of Scotland’s voluntary sector. We take action to build a better future for voluntary organisations. Our policy pages set out our work with the Scottish and UK governments, and other public bodies.

Our policy priorities
We focus on areas of work that impact on all voluntary organisations, regardless of their size or area of work. We work to improve the conditions in which voluntary organisations operate.
Fair funding & procurement
We champion Fair Funding, a long-term, flexible, sustainable, and accessible approach to voluntary sector funding.
We also ensure sector wide challenges are recognised within the Scottish and UK Budgets, Fair Work, procurement, funding transparency, and public sector funds.
Better regulation
We work across the voluntary sector and beyond to ensure that regulation-related decisions are made by taking the sector's circumstances, views and concerns into account.
We cover everything from charity regulation and auditing to freedom of information legislation and access to banking.
Partnership
We believe that all partnerships involving the voluntary sector should include the sector as an equal partner where its value is recognised.
National and local governments must recognise the expertise of Scotland's voluntary sector in both the design and delivery of policy strategy and services on the ground.
Latest news & opinion
The latest news, comment and opinion from SCVO. Read more
Latest briefings & policy reports
The latest briefings and policy reports from SCVO. Read more
Policy network
SCVO’s Policy Network connects voluntary sector professionals in Scotland with an interest in policy and public affairs. Our members have access to a highly valued training and events programme and an online space designed for collaboration and connection. The network is open to anyone in an SCVO member organisation either working in or with an interest in policy.

Meet the team

Jason Henderson
Leads our Fair funding work and is also responsible for the Scottish budget and our work on navigating hostility and intolerance.

Rachel Le Noan
Leads our partnership work (including the Covenant and Third Sector Partnership Agreement) and is also responsible for the Programme for Government.

David Livey
David is the Policy & Research Manager. He manages SCVO's policy, public affairs and research teams, and works with colleagues across the organisation and the voluntary sector to develop evidence, inform policy debates, and support engagement with decision-makers.

Sheghley Ogilvie
Leads our better regulation work and is also responsible for our work on the sector as an employer, the UK budget and Local Government elections.