Tag: SCVO

Edinburgh charities nominated for national awards

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist!

Nine Edinburgh-based organisations have been named as finalists for this year’s Scottish Charity Awards. 

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 39 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. While a judging panel will determine the winners under ten distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Friday 24 May 2024.

The nine Edinburgh-based organisations and individuals who have been shortlisted are:

  • The Yard – Our Kids Won’t Wait – Campaign of the Year
  • Grassmarket Community Project – Kevin Radzynski – Employee of the Year
  • Forth Rivers Trust – Climate Impact
  • Edinburgh Tool Library and LGBT Health and Wellbeing – Partnership of the Year
  • Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans – Michael Craig – Trustee of the Year
  • Cancer Card – Jen Hardy – Trustee of the Year
  • Lead Scotland – Digital Difference
  • Fischy Music – Charity of the Year (turnover under £500k)
  • Edinburgh Women’s Aid – Charity of the Year (turnover over £500k)

Winners will be announced on 20 June 2024 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “We’re very excited to bring you the 2024 Scottish Charity Awards. It’s been another record-breaking year with nearly 500 entries, so arriving at the 39 finalists has been really difficult.

“The finalists demonstrate just how essential the voluntary sector is to Scottish society, with dedicated organisations and individuals going above and beyond to make a positive and often life-changing impact in their communities.

“The public has the chance to celebrate each of our finalists through the People’s Choice vote which is now open, so don’t miss your opportunity to get involved and get behind your favourite finalist by voting!

“I’d like to wish all our finalists the very best of luck and look forward to shining a light on their essential contributions at our awards ceremony in June.”

The full shortlist is:

Campaign of the year

  • The Yard – Our Kids Won’t Wait
  • Aberlour Children’s Charity – Cancelling School Meal Debt
  • Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre – Never Allowed
  • Diabetes Scotland – Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait

Volunteer of the year

  • Mary Osei-Oppong – African and Caribbean Elders in Scotland
  • Mary Hepburn – Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
  • Lauren Boag – Scottish Huntington’s Association
  • David Corstorphine – RNLI 

Partnership of the Year

  • SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland)
  • Edinburgh Tool Library and LGBT Health and Wellbeing
  • Larkhall & District Volunteer Group and Heart of Africa
  • Special Olympics Grampian Area, Special Olympics GB and Inclusive Skating

Employee of the Year

  • Vicki McGrain Rae – Asthma and Allergy Foundation
  • Amanda Fleet – Highlands and Islands Students’ Association
  • Janice Lee – Ardgowan Hospice
  • Kevin Radzynski – Grassmarket Community Project

Community Impact

  • Feeling Strong
  • National Ugly Mugs (NUM)
  • Fersands and Fountain SCIO
  • Creatovators CIC 

Climate Impact

  • The Volunteer Tutors Organisation
  • Forth Rivers Trust
  • R:evolve Recycle 

Trustee of the Year

  • Ken Brown – Bridge Community Project
  • Michael Craig – Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Jen Hardy – Cancer Card
  • Michelle Robertson – Fallin Community Voice

Digital Difference

  • Lead Scotland
  • The Why Not? Trust
  • Perth Theatre and Concert Hall
  • Strathearn Arts 
  • Charity of the Year – Turnover under £500k
  • Dates-n-Mates
  • Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA
  • Fischy Music
  • Playlist for Life

Charity of the Year – Turnover over £500k

  • Edinburgh Women’s Aid
  • Fife Young Carers
  • Simba
  • St Vincent’s Hospice

Wee Eilish’s campaign is in the running for National Award

A disabled girl’s campaign that secured £2 million of funding to improve support for disabled kids in Scotland has been nominated for a national award. 

Eilish Cowan (5) and her dad Lawrence (39) from Dunfermline launched the Our Kids Won’t Wait Campaign alongside Edinburgh disabled children’s charity The Yard in September 2023, with a call for the Scottish Government to reverse a 76% real terms cut to the amount of funding the charity received per family supported.    

They successfully convinced politicians, including the then First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to back the move and invest further in growing The Yard’s reach. The investment means in particular that the charity can improve its service in Tayside and open up a new centre in the West of Scotland. 

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Charity Awards are the charity’s version of the Oscars. Eilish, who has a rare genetic condition affecting her TUBA1A gene, struggles to walk and has a learning disability, is nominated in the Campaign of the Year category.

The family are calling for people to get behind the campaign and vote for them to win at https://scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards . 

Eilish’s dad Lawrence Cowan, said, “We’re so proud of our wee girl. We hope that this nomination is something she can look back on and feel proud about. 

“Eilish’s genetic condition means she struggles with things we all take for granted like walking or talking and she has a learning disability. But just like any other wee girl she deserves love and a place to feel like she belongs.

“The Yard provides a place for disabled children like Eilish to have fun, make friends and be proud of who they are. We need to expand the great work of The Yard right across Scotland so we were delighted when the First Minister visited and announced the extra funding. 

“To be able to say that Eilish contributed to growing the Yard’s work and opening up more opportunities for disabled children to be celebrated makes my wife and I so emotional and proud. 

“But to win we need your votes! So please get behind Eilish’s campaign.” 

Eilish added, “I’m proud. I love The Yard. Vote for me!” 

Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said, “Thanks to this campaign we are now in a position to grow the work of the Yard.

“The funding from the Scottish Government will mean that we can make real improvements to our service in Tayside and open a new service in the West of Scotland. A huge thank you to Lawrence, Eilish and all of our families who rallied behind the campaign. It makes a huge difference.” 

The Yard works with children and young people with additional support needs through adventure play sessions in Dundee, Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy. 

The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.

Scottish Charity Awards 2024 Finalists Announced

Vote for your favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award!

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 39 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country.

While a judging panel will determine the winners under ten distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Friday 24 May 2024.

Winners will be announced on 20 June 2024 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “We’re very excited to bring you the 2024 Scottish Charity Awards. It’s been another record-breaking year with nearly 500 entries, so arriving at the 39 finalists has been really difficult.

“The finalists demonstrate just how essential the voluntary sector is to Scottish society, with dedicated organisations and individuals going above and beyond to make a positive and often life-changing impact in their communities.

“The public has the chance to celebrate each of our finalists through the People’s Choice vote which is now open, so don’t miss your opportunity to get involved and get behind your favourite by voting! I’d like to wish all our finalists the very best of luck and look forward to shining a light on their essential contributions at our awards ceremony in June.”

AND THE SHORTLIST IS:

Campaign of the year

  • The Yard – Our Kids Won’t Wait
  • Aberlour Children’s Charity – Cancelling School Meal Debt
  • Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre – Never Allowed
  • Diabetes Scotland – Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait

Volunteer of the year

  • Mary Osei-Oppong – African and Caribbean Elders in Scotland
  • Mary Hepburn – Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
  • Lauren Boag – Scottish Huntington’s Association
  • David Corstorphine – RNLI

Partnership of the Year

  • SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland) and Simon Community Scotland
  • Edinburgh Tool Library and LGBT Health and Wellbeing
  • Larkhall & District Volunteer Group and Heart of Africa
  • Special Olympics Grampian Area, Special Olympics GB and Inclusive Skating

Employee of the Year

  • Vicki McGrain Rae – Asthma and Allergy Foundation
  • Amanda Fleet – Highlands and Islands Students’ Association
  • Janice Lee – Ardgowan Hospice
  • Kevin Radzynski – Grassmarket Community Project

Community Impact

  • Feeling Strong
  • National Ugly Mugs (NUM)
  • Fersands and Fountain SCIO
  • Creatovators CIC

Climate Impact

  • The Volunteer Tutors Organisation
  • Forth Rivers Trust
  • R:evolve Recycle

Trustee of the Year

  • Ken Brown – Bridge Community Project
  • Michael Craig – Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Jen Hardy – Cancer Card
  • Michelle Robertson – Fallin Community Voice

Digital Difference

  • Lead Scotland
  • The Why Not? Trust
  • Perth Theatre and Concert Hall
  • Strathearn Arts

Charity of the Year – turnover under £500k

  • Dates-n-Mates
  • Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA
  • Fischy Music
  • Playlist for Life

Charity of the Year – turnover over £500k

  • Edinburgh Women’s Aid
  • Fife Young Carers
  • Simba
  • St Vincent’s Hospice

The public can vote for their favourite finalist to win the People’s Choice Award by casting their vote on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/vote

Scottish Government funding: How’s it working for you?

SCVO FAIR FUNDING SURVEY

Is your voluntary organisation expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year?

Get involved with our quick and easy research survey to help us understand your experiences of timely funding notifications!

Learn more: https://bddy.me/49rh9JW

If you don’t have the time (or the desire!) to read this blog in its entirety – just read this: we are looking for voluntary organisations who are expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year to take part in a quick and easy monthly survey for six months. To get involved, contact details can be found at the bottom.

If you do have time to read the whole blog – here’s a bit more on why we’re doing it:

At SCVO, we’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to build our Fair Funding asks in response to what the sector has told us. We’ve also been putting a lot of time and effort into taking those asks to parliament. A result of that has been the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding by 2026 and, although that remains largely undefined at present, some additional commitments have filtered out since.

One of those commitments relates to funding notifications. We know that timely decision making, and subsequent issuing of funds, is crucial to ensuring no organisation is disadvantaged by the funding process.

When decisions and notifications are delayed, organisations are plunged into uncertainty which can have hugely negative impacts on their ability to deliver services, retain staff, and plan ahead.

And so, as part of our Fair Funding package, we have been asking the Scottish Government to ensure funding decisions are issued no later than December and funds paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.

We were encouraged, then, when Colin Smyth MSP submitted a written question at parliament at the end of November, asking “what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April”. 

The fact that we had not had prior contact with Colin would suggest that our Fair Funding calls, with the support of sector organisations echoing those calls, are very much landing with MSPs.

But even more encouraging was the Scottish Government’s response: “We understand that organisations need timely grant decisions and payments in order to reduce financial uncertainty and effectively resource delivery,” the Cabinet Secretary said. 

“In line with the commitment given by the First Minister, we are working, within the context of the Scottish Budget process, to issue notifications of funding arrangements to third sector organisations, as soon as is practicably possible and no later than end of March for funding beginning on 1 April.”

With that in mind, we are keen to track the experiences of voluntary organisations who expect to receive funding from the Scottish Government this coming financial year.

We’re looking to build a group of such organisations to participate in a monthly survey, beginning in a few weeks and running for six months. The survey itself will be quick and easy to complete, the results gathered will be kept entirely anonymous, and your participation will allow us to document the journeys of organisations between February and July this year in terms of the relevant correspondence and notifications they are receiving from the Scottish Government.

In July, we will then hopefully be able to congratulate the Scottish Government on realising this commitment on timely notifications. Alternatively, if that is not the case, we will have the statistics that will allow us to hold the Scottish Government to account and to demand that Fairer Funding genuinely does incorporate this and many other of our Fair Funding asks in future.

If your organisation is awaiting notification from the Scottish Government on funding for the forthcoming financial year and you’d like to participate in this series of surveys, or you would like a little more information, please get in touch with Jason Henderson at: jason.henderson@scvo.scot

SCVO: Charities face staff and volunteer crisis

A third of organisations reported this as one of their top challenges  

Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned.

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and volunteers are one of the top challenges for a third of voluntary sector organisations.

Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.  

In August 2021, 35% of organisations reported a significant concern about staff and volunteer numbers. Just two years on, that figure has now risen to 65%, with only finances currently proving a bigger challenge for the sector.  

While staff and volunteer support remain a growing concern, third sector groups report an ongoing increase in demand for their core services and activities over the six waves of the tracker. In Wave 1 (Aug 2021), 56% of organisations reported an increased demand, rising to 63% by Wave 6 (Apr 2023). 

These factors, on top of growing financial pressures due to the rising costs crisis and public sector funding cuts, are leading to a perfect storm for charities and voluntary groups, with strain put on already stretched teams.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The Scottish voluntary sector is a significant employer, providing jobs for 5% of the Scottish workforce. 

“At a time where many organisations are facing recruitment challenges, the funding environment means that many voluntary organisations are struggling to keep pace with salary increases needed to attract and retain staff. 

“Existing staff and volunteers have been working flat out since Covid, helping organisations and communities to weather the cost-of-living crisis.  We can no longer afford to rely on their goodwill to go the extra mile. 

“The invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector need sustainable investment to ensure their survival.” 

Volunteer Scotland are also concerned by the staff and volunteer crisis facing the sector, highlighted by the Third Sector Tracker.

The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.  

In light of the current crisis, the actions that can be undertaken by volunteer involving organisations include ensuring that volunteer expense policies are clear and considering how roles can be made more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available.  

Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland said: “The many impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on volunteering has meant that we can no longer take for granted the contribution of our volunteers.

“While recruitment and retention issues are being felt more acutely by some, the first step for all must be the focus on good volunteering practice, appropriately supported.” 

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges. 

The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker.   

An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here: 

https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2023-scottish-third-sector-tracker-waves-1-to-6-executive-summary 

Third-Sector-Tracker-W1-6-Executive-SummaryDownload

Free digital support helpline provided by People Know How

The Connecting Scotland Helpline provides digital support to anyone in Scotland. It is free to call and is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. 

Anyone can call this freephone number and receive support and advice on topics including:

  • Using devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers
  • Connecting to the internet
  • Navigating the web and social media
  • Completing everyday tasks online
  • Connecting with the community, family and friends
  • Managing finances, paying bills and saving money online
  • Reducing costs (energy, data plans, shopping, etc.)
  • Finding opportunities for education and employment
  • Feeling less isolated and having someone to talk to

The helpline is run by charity People Know How, in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). It forms part of the charity’s Reconnect service, which aims to improve digital inclusion across Scotland.

Part of the wider Connecting Scotland scheme set up during the pandemic, the helpline was set up to support those who received devices as part of that programme. It has since been expanded to help anyone in Scotland who needs digital support, regardless of whether they interacted with the original scheme.

“Thank goodness for Connecting Scotland…We felt we were living in the 19th century; now we’ve joined the 21st century, and we’re enjoying every moment of it!” – Greta & Heidi, helpline callers

The charity has supported thousands of people through the helpline. 

Sisters Greta and Heidi received iPads that made their life in a rural part of Scotland much easier, with continual support from the helpline that allowed them do things like order food and essentials to their home instead of making the 60-mile round trip to the nearest shop.

David was able to solve connectivity issues after recently moving to Scotland, allowing him to apply for local college courses and build his skills as he supports his family. 

Mary still calls in regularly for advice after the team supported her to regain access to her iPad, which is vital in her life to access medicine and food and to communicate with friends and family.

Rachel eased her worries online and improved her knowledge of online safety, learning about spotting spam emails and identifying trustworthy websites. 

The helpline is available to anyone who needs it, whether you’re an individual in need of advice, or a support worker or community organisation looking for a helpful resource to refer those you support to.

Call the helpline today for free digital support and advice: 0800 0 590 690


Find out more at: https://peopleknowhow.org/reconnect/#connecting-scotland

Applications open for Scottish Charity Awards 2024 

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and individuals across the country to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.  

Now in its 18th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.  

Applications are now being accepted for 2024, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and individuals that reflect the diversity of this essential sector.  

All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work/volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter. 

This year SCVO has also tried to make the awards simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible, with a number of improvements to the application and judging process – including the introduction of a new Small Charity of the Year award in recognition of charities with turnover of £500k and below.  

The award categories are Charity of the Year, Small Charity of the Year Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Community Impact, Climate Impact, and Digital Difference; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges.  

All finalists will also be entered into the running for the People’s Choice Award, giving members of the public a chance to vote for their favourite finalist to win.

SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications and over 14,000 votes cast for the People’s Choice Award, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.   

This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow on 20 June.   

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “In these stormy times, it’s great to have something to look forward to. The Scottish Charity Awards always light up our calendars and remind us of the invaluable, inspiring work voluntary organisations across the country are doing every day.  

“Being shortlisted for an award spotlights your story and celebrates the massive contribution of people and organisations to our communities and our country.  

“Every year I’m blown away by the diversity, dedication, expertise and passion that runs through every part of our sector and I’m sure 2024 will be no different – maybe even better! Prove me right and enter or nominate for this year’s awards.” 

Applications are open until 12pm on Friday 15 March 2023 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.  

Nicole Scottsville, co-founder and chair of 2023 Charity of the Year Diversified, added: “Since winning Charity of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2023, our organisation has gone from strength to strength and it has brought national recognition to the work we do.  

“As a small and young charity, we never expected to win Charity of the Year, and were absolutely thrilled that we did! Winning such a prestigious award has helped us demonstrate to our wider community that we are passionate about what we do and that we provide exceptional services to our autistic youth community.” 

JustRight Scotland star in SCVO’s #EssentialSector campaign

Legal charity highlighted as part of national campaign 

Glasgow-based legal charity JustRight Scotland is the latest star in a nationwide campaign highlighting the work of Scotland’s voluntary sector.  

#EssentialSector, a campaign developed by and about the voluntary sector, has been launched to great acclaim, with voices from across Scotland praising the opportunities provided for grassroots groups that are often overlooked.  

Work towards #EssentialSector began earlier this year, with ten organisations selected as part of a new programme to highlight how voluntary organisations change people’s lives for the better, bring communities together, improve policy and contribute to the economy. 

The films feature real people, telling their stories in their own words and paint an inspiring and raw picture of the value, diversity, and impact of the voluntary sector. They show the challenges the sector faces, as well as its many achievements. 

Now, the general public have their chance to view the series of short films which capture the everyday work done by the dedicated individuals behind charities and voluntary groups in every corner of Scotland.  

The #EssentialSector campaign partners are led by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Scotland’s national membership body for the voluntary sector, and include: ACOSVO, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Evaluation Support Scotland, Social Enterprise Scotland, the TSI Scotland Network, and Volunteer Scotland.  

The films were premiered at SCVO’s Gathering 2023, the largest voluntary sector event in the UK, in Edinburgh last month and are now being showcased on a weekly basis.  

The project saw the ten groups given support and access to everyday equipment to make their own films, with training provided by ethical media production group media co-op. Charities were given the skills to produce their own video content, which was edited by SCVO’s video content creator, James Ewen.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “The #EssentialSector films tell the stories of just 10 of Scotland’s 46,500 voluntary organisations. The films are a lovely celebration of the work they do.  

“We want to highlight as many stories as we can on a national stage to bring to life the vital role of voluntary organisations in communities across Scotland.” 

JustRight Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) providing legal services to defend and extend people’s rights.

JustRight Scotland is a charity founded by human rights lawyers. They use the law to defend and extend people’s rights by providing direct legal advice to people who would otherwise struggle to access justice.

They work in collaboration with others to achieve social justice, with the aim of reducing discrimination and disadvantage. With their partners they have established four centres of legal excellence and a legal policy, research and training hub.

All of JustRight Scotland’s legal centres have been recognised as making a significant contribution to defending people’s rights across Scotland.

The charity has seen huge growth during their first five years, and has moved swiftly to meet people’s needs and to seize opportunities. Over the coming years, they plan to continue to make sure they are resilient and sufficiently agile to be able to thrive.

Alongside their core legal work with the people we serve, they will continue to develop their capability to influence policy, to communicate effectively, and to support others to learn and build on the approaches they have pioneered.

Emma Hutton, CEO at JustRight Scotland, said: “Taking part in the #EssentialSector campaign allowed us to share our stories and demonstrate the direct impact of our work nationwide, raising awareness of our work with wider networks. 

“We emphasised the crucial role played by our dedicated team in achieving our mission of defending and extending people’s rights. Only through their strong commitment and passion, can we make a significant impact in the lives of people and communities throughout Scotland.”

Watch the full film here: www.youtube.com/@SCVOtv 

Charities face staff and volunteer crisis 

A third of organisations reported recruitment as one of their top challenges

Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned.  

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and volunteers are one of the top challenges for a third of voluntary sector organisations.

Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.  

In August 2021, 35% of organisations reported a significant concern about staff and volunteer numbers. Just two years on, that figure has now risen to 65%, with only finances currently proving a bigger challenge for the sector.  

While staff and volunteer support remain a growing concern, third sector groups report an ongoing increase in demand for their core services and activities over the six waves of the tracker. In Wave 1 (Aug 2021), 56% of organisations reported an increased demand, rising to 63% by Wave 6 (Apr 2023). 

These factors, on top of growing financial pressures due to the rising costs crisis and public sector funding cuts, are leading to a perfect storm for charities and voluntary groups, with strain put on already stretched teams.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The Scottish voluntary sector is a significant employer, providing jobs for 5% of the Scottish workforce. 

“At a time where many organisations are facing recruitment challenges, the funding environment means that many voluntary organisations are struggling to keep pace with salary increases needed to attract and retain staff. 

“Existing staff and volunteers have been working flat out since Covid, helping organisations and communities to weather the cost-of-living crisis.  We can no longer afford to rely on their goodwill to go the extra mile.  The invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector need sustainable investment to ensure their survival.” 

Volunteer Scotland are also concerned by the staff and volunteer crisis facing the sector, highlighted by the Third Sector Tracker. The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.  

In light of the current crisis, the actions that can be undertaken by volunteer involving organisations include ensuring that volunteer expense policies are clear and considering how roles can be made more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available.  

Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland said: “The many impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on volunteering has meant that we can no longer take for granted the contribution of our volunteers.

“While recruitment and retention issues are being felt more acutely by some, the first step for all must be the focus on good volunteering practice, appropriately supported.” 

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges. 

The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker.  

An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here: 

https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2023-scottish-third-sector-tracker-waves-1-to-6-executive-summary 

Finances proving biggest challenge to charities as rising costs bite

 Research also found a third of organisations were dipping into reserves

An overwhelming majority of charities in Scotland have reported financial challenges as their biggest source of concern. The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found 7 in 10 charities cite financial challenges as their biggest challenge, up significantly in just two years. 

Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.  

Throughout the waves of research, the frequency with which organisations have reported financial challenges has hugely increased, and in the most recent data collection (April 2023), these were the most frequently reported challenges (71%), compared to just less than half of respondents (47%) just two years ago.  

It is concerning that a third of organisations reported having made use of their financial reserves in the 3 months leading into April 2023, an increase compared to the same period in 2022.  

Almost half (44%) of the organisations using their financial reserves believed that this situation is unsustainable. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “Charities, community groups and social enterprises can be financially fragile at the best of times, and the Tracker research clearly demonstrates that we are currently far from the best of times.

“We are seeing that voluntary organisations are experiencing more financial challenges now than they did during the pandemic due to rising costs, particularly of energy and wages.  

“Voluntary organisations make an invaluable contribution to Scotland’s social and economic fabric and the people, communities and causes they support are experiencing more pressures than ever before. Public giving of money and time have been hit by the cost-of-living crisis and we are seeing many organisations having to dip into their reserves just to keep going.

“Reserves are there as a safety net and are not meant to prop up business as usual. It’s akin to households having to buy their groceries on a credit card, simply storing up more problems for the future and threatening their medium to long-term viability. 

“Everyone can play a part in supporting the sector, whether it is government and councils ensuring there is fair and sustainable funding in place, philanthropic funders investing their money wisely and the public giving when they can.

“A good start would be Scottish Government passing on the money that the UK Government allocated for energy bills relief to see charities through the winter months.” 

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges. 

The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker. 

An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here:

https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2023-scottish-third-sector-tracker-waves-1-to-6-executive-summary