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Safe services

Scotland is currently under a temporary lockdown and it is illegal for anyone to leave home, except for essential purposes. Where services can be delivered digitally they should be.

As a general principle, if staff and volunteers were able to work from home in March 2020, the Scottish Government expects them work from home now. This guidance explains the legal position.

Face to face services

Essential services that cannot be delivered remotely, such as foodbanks, might decide to continue to operate as long as all guidance is followed.

An essential support group is one where participant’s health (including their mental health) and wellbeing would be significantly impacted by non-attendance.

Scottish Government Guidance for support groups

In this clip Jason Leitch discusses the factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not a service is essential. This was filmed before the temporary lockdown was announced but the messaging is still relevant.

Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director- 08.12.20

It is important to note that the new variant of Coronavirus can transmit more easily than before. Any activities that are continuing face to face should be reviewed. It is crucial that staff, volunteers and users are following all of the measures you have put in place to reduce the risk of transmission.

Sector Guidance

Specific sector guidance also exists for over 80 different areas. Those likely to be of most use for voluntary organisations are listed here:

  • culture and creative sector support
  • creative studios and shared workspaces
  • museums, galleries and heritage attractions
  • events sector guidance
  • tourism and hospitality sector guidance
  • caravan sites and holiday parks
  • retail sector guidance​​​​
  • community learning and development sector
  • childminder services guidance
  • childcare sector support
  • unregulated activities for children
  • advice for unpaid carers
  • guidance on domestic abuse
  • guidance for social landlords
  • information for homelessness services
  • community food-growing spaces
  • safer public spaces – urban centres and green spaces
  • health and wellbeing support guidance

The resources below link to information produced by voluntary sector support organisations.

Resources

 

Community organisations

Comprehensive guidance covering the range of support activities taking place in communities, from collecting prescriptions to preparing food.
by SCDC and Public Health Scotland

 

Youthwork recovery resources

Toolkits and guides to help the youth work sector navigate the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.
by Youthlink

 

Sport and physical activity

Guidance for a range of specific sports, and sports governing bodies.
by Sport Scotland

 

Unpaid Carers

Support available to unpaid carers, including information on wellbeing, staying safe and managing food and medication.
by Carers Scotland

 

Farms and gardens

Information, toolkits and webinars to help social farms and gardens reopen safely.
by Social farms and gardens

Page last modified on 13th January 2021
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The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Find out more

© 2021. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations