Norette Ferns

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... Read more

Our response We welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation. Our response is drawn from discussions with a number of third sector organisations, including a formal discussion on the topic with the National Intermediaries group. Annual reporting by charities to the... Read more

Politics and power in post-referendum Scotland with Juliet Swann, Electoral Reform Society Scotland In the second of SCVO's Policy Podcasts, Policy Officer Jenny Bloomfield and Juliet Swann, Campaigns and Research Officer at ERS Scotland, discuss some topical political issues... Read more

Timetable Lord Smith's initial request was to provide views by today, 10 October, in order to meet the challenging timetable agreed by the Better Together parties. Whilst we have appreciated the extension to 31 October, which was granted three days later, this has given rise to... Read more

SCVO is urging third sector organisations to submit views and proposals on further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament to feed into the Smith Commission. Lord Smith of Kelvin, who has been appointed to take forward the devolution commitments on further powers for the... Read more

What does the independence referendum mean for the third sector and communities in Scotland? This is the topic for discussion in the first of a new series of SCVO podcasts as Policy Officer Jenny Bloomfield talks to Nic White, Head of Scotland at Breast Cancer Care, on the impact... Read more

Comments on the Bill To give communities a greater say over local spending priorities, 10% of the total budget for the public sector in each local authority area could be allocated for participatory budgeting processes We support the introduction of a single, clear process for... Read more

Context Coproduction is a much used/misused term. The Christie Commission made a very strong case for service user involvement and for trust to be a key part of public service delivery. The arguments made by Christie have strong application to the integration of health and social... Read more

Context Across Scotland, the third sector has been dealing with the impact of welfare cuts and wider austerity policies head on. The picture we have is now well developed with increasing evidence of people being left in extreme need, and in some cases, with nowhere to turn: A... Read more

The Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the above consultation. Our response covers a number of areas: Recognising the third sector as an EQUAL partner Ensuring those whose lives will be deeply affected by integration have a... Read more