SCVO

Day

Tuesday 10 February

Time slot

11:00-12:00

Room

Pentland auditorium
Wheelchair accessible

Contact

Rachel Le Noan
0131 474 8000

Topic

Policy

Overall aim

What does good partnership between the voluntary sector and public bodies look like? Earlier this year, SCVO asked organisations for their views, and the message was clear: we need a formalised relationship—one that is set in law, outcomes-focused, protects independence, and aligns with Fair Funding principles. This commitment now sits at the heart of SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto.

In this workshop, we’ll explore why such an agreement matters and what “good” looks like in practice. Together, we’ll discuss best practice engagement, sustainable structures, collaborative culture, and shared accountability, drawing on your insight and experience.

Through facilitated prompts, live polling, and open-floor contributions, your input will help shape the next steps in making this ambition a reality. Come ready to contribute, challenge, and connect.

Description

Your knowledge and experience are not just welcome—they’re essential.

Earlier this year, SCVO policy team heard from voluntary organisations about what good partnership working with the public sector would look like. Their feedback was clear. They want a new, formalised relationship with the Scottish Government — one that is set in law, outcomes-focused, protective of the sector’s independence, and aligned with Fair Funding principles.

This commitment now sits at the heart of SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto. We want all political parties to commit to this and for the next government to deliver — and deliver well.

Join us to share your insights on why this agreement is needed and what “good” looks like. Together, we’ll explore best practice engagement, sustainable structures, culture, accountability and more.

This session invites participants to contribute feedback, ideas, and lived experiences through facilitated prompts, live polling, and open-floor contributions.

Your input will help inform the next steps in taking this project forward. Come ready to contribute, challenge, and connect.

Suggested readings prior to the event:

• UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant
• The Welsh Third Sector Scheme
• Scotland’s Essential Sector, SCVO 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto

Who is the event aimed at?

Directors, Managers, Project/line managers

Who is speaking at this event?

TBC