We will ensure that action is taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the voluntary sector
The voluntary sector in Scotland has been at the heart of the response to the Coronavirus crisis, delivering essential services efficiently and flexibly. Despite this the sector is under pressure. COVID-19 has put enormous strain on sector finances and for many, increasing demand on services.
We are working with voluntary organisations, government, parliament, and other bodies understand the impact of the crisis on the sector both now and in the future.
We also produce research on coronavirus and its impact on the Scottish Voluntary Sector.
In the thick of the pandemic, we ensured the sector’s voice was heard in national conversations including the Framework for Decision Making, the Social Renewal Advisory Board, the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, several Scottish Parliament Committee enquiries and in the House of Lords. We gathered evidence to inform our work directly from the sector through online events, from #NeverMoreNeeded and from SCVO’s Policy Forum Manifesto for the Future.
One of the key points we have raised in these forums is that while emergency support was much needed and very welcome, we must also recognise that the operating environment for voluntary organisations before the pandemic was far from perfect. This evidence to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee is an example of how we are using the sector’s experiences during Covid to push for long term sustainable changes to the sector’s operating environment:
Kirsten Hogg leads our policy work in this area. Contact kirsten.hogg@scvo.scot
Collaborate with us to develop voluntary sector policy perspectives for Scotland.
