The future of SCVO: consulting on a new strategic approach After a time of change and reflection, the,We have come up with a proposed way forward and we would very much appreciate the views of our members,Defining SCVO’s purpose We considered various purpose statements to define what SCVO’s role is.,cost We have a clear rationale for how SCVO’s activities deliver our purpose and belief statement We,What do you think of this approach and of how we have described our purpose, beliefs and principles?

,ambitious for the voluntary sector Setting the scene As we launch this new five-year strategic plan,,We learned a lot from that and developed new areas of expertise that we’re taking forward to improve,what we do every day.,We hope over the course of the next five years things will have changed for the better and we’re confident,Our sector is diverse, complex and often misunderstood and under-appreciated.

But, since the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament 20 years ago, new avenues have opened up that,Looking back on the last two decades, we can now reflect on the benefits of that action and appreciate,the term ‘lobbying’ has developed negative connotations, and new rules have been introduced to ensure,Just as the parliament has grown and developed as an institution so, for example, we have seen the phenomenal,This book is a celebration of what the sector has achieved in the first 20 years of the parliament.

SCVO Digital Call To Action 3 A rapidly-changing context What changed from March 2020 Our ambition: everyone,At SCVO, we spent a lot of time encouraging people to get started on their digital journey.,Now it’s time to reflect and work out what to keep doing over the longer term. ,to come New services and modes of working have exposed gaps in digital skills and high demand for employees,Support organisations need to help the sector appreciate the potential of digital to help in all aspects

However, some clear themes surfaced during SCVO’s interviews with senior leaders of voluntary sector,This section details what senior leaders said on the funding challenges their organisations face.,When decisions relating to funding are made, this can often slip into the new financial year.,While core funding from the Scottish Government is extremely appreciated, a significant challenge is,have seen during the pandemic.

I really appreciate the positive working relationship that SCVO has enjoyed with you previously as Cabinet,I hope we can build on that relationship in your new role.,I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss any barriers in greater detail and how SCVO can support,processes severely strain voluntary organisations, burdening governance and service delivery, necessitating what,teams would be pleased to meet officials at the ScottishExchequer to discuss plans and any support we

Age is no barrier for Nan who, at 80 years old, continues to be a much-loved, valued and appreciated,The organisation is proud to have established a new Centre for Enabling Technology, empowering people,We have been overwhelmed by the public support we have received during the pandemic and would like to,SCVO chief executive, Anna Fowlie said "At SCVO we know that every day, voluntary organisations across,We are thrilled to have been able to join together in person to celebrate the achievements of our finalists

Learning any new skill takes time and digital skills are no different.,We don't assume we know what people want.",We have found that one of the most important things is to ensure small successes at the beginning and,"We purchased 5 iPads, which have been used extensively in our Football Memories sessions to encourage,“There’s nothing for me on the internet” We don’t know what we don’t know.

This section details what senior leaders said on the impact of funding challenges their organisation.,organisations’ confidence and causing frustration that they cannot make the impact they would like to have,deliver services for their members and wider communities are constrained by gaps in support, wasted time,Those interviewed also spent a great deal of time chasing the Scottish Government for a decision or has,experience of spending lots of time adjusting to new monitoring and reporting approaches that often

Justice and Social Security Committee highlighted the importance of enhanced data collection to target new,We also appreciate the First Minister’s recent emphasis on the need for transparency to underpin delivery,Within this data, Scottish Government should record Fair Funding progress by collecting and publishing what,funding intentions at least three months in advance and make payments no later than the first day of the new,of optimising the application of the budget we have available, and as part of developing the 2024-25