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Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
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Supporting Scotland's vibrant voluntary sector

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Legislation & regulation

Find out about the legal procedures and licences you need to be aware of when running a voluntary organisation.

New charity law in Scotland

Everything you need to know the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023, new legislation coming soon

Data protection

If you hold and process information about your clients, employees or suppliers, you are legally obliged to protect that information

Lobbying

Find out more about the Lobbying (Scotland) Act and what it means for your organisation

Fire safety

The Fire Safety Act places responsibility for assessing risk to those with control of any premises

Music & film licensing

If you or people using your facilities use music for the benefit of customers, visitors or staff, you need permission from the relevant copyright owners

Premises licensing

If you want to serve alcohol, food, or provide entertainment you will need to contact your local authority to apply for a premises licence

Food hygiene & catering

How to provide food in a village hall or other community setting

Health & safety

All organisations have a responsibility to look after the health and safety of their staff, volunteers and people accessing their services.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is a registration system for anyone who carries out work (paid or unpaid) with vulnerable groups in Scotland

Freedom of information

Freedom of Information is a valuable resource for the voluntary sector

Register of Persons with a Controlled Interests in Land

Find out who is covered, and whether you need to submit data to avoid a fine
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About

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
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2025. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.