Tag: third sector

Programme for Government: SCVO repeats call for Fair Funding

VOLUNTARY SECTOR FACING ‘UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES’

Tomorrow’s Programme for Government from the Scottish Government must include urgent action to deliver multi-year funding and progress Fair Funding to support voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers, and the people and communities our sector works with, says SCVO.

Read SCVO’s full briefing: https://buff.ly/478TpKI

SCVO and colleagues across the voluntary sector welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals.

Despite this renewed focus, 18 months on from the policy prospectus, there has been little progress.

Our sector continues to face unprecedented challenges.

In the Programme for Government (PfG) action is urgently needed to deliver multi-year funding and progress Fair Funding to support of voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers, and the people and communities our sector works with.

Background

For over a decade, the Scottish Government has recognised the need for multi-year funding, committing to longer-term funding for the voluntary sector across multiple government strategies, including within several Scottish Budgets and Programmes for Government, and the Economic Strategy.

In April 2023, the Scottish Government’s policy prospectus, New leadership – A fresh start, renewed these ambitions, committing to delivering Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals. This was followed in May 2023 by a commitment in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy to adopt multi-year spending plans.

Despite this renewed focus, 18 months on from the policy prospectus, there has been little progress. The most recent Scottish Budget made no further commitments, deferring action on any multi-year funding to the upcoming Medium-Term Financial Strategy, and making no reference to voluntary sector funding.

The problem

It is widely understood that our sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Years of underfunding and poor funding practices, and crises such as the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have put the sector under increasing pressure, exacerbating financial and operational challenges.

The running costs and cost-of-living crises continue to put pressure on voluntary organisations – with demand for services increasing, costs rising, and financial uncertainty ongoing.

The Third Sector Tracker found:

The most recent Third Sector Tracker results were published earlier this month and cover the three months to April 2024.

By April 2024, the Third Sector Tracker found:

  • 62% of organisations believed that rising costs had affected the ability to deliver core services or activities since December 2023.
  • 47% of organisations reported cost increases in their top three challenges.
  • 33% of respondents had not been able to deliver all their planned services in the preceding 3 months.
  • Only one third (32%) of respondents have been able to meet all of the increased demand for their services in the preceding 3 months. For the organisations who had been unable to meet increased demand, the main difficulties included: staff capacity (54%); raising funds to meet the demand (50%); and volunteer capacity (41%.).

As local councils fund far more voluntary organisations than Scottish government, the fallout from the local government settlement will also have a significant impact on voluntary organisations, further exacerbating these pressures. Similarly, any reduction in local services will result in further increased demand for some voluntary organisations.

The Emergency Budget Response has also left organisations awaiting confirmation of Scottish Government funding vulnerable.

The solution

SCVO and colleagues across the sector welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals. Without action in the Programme for Government (PfG), achieving this target becomes increasingly unlikely.

To make progress, the  PfG should commit to aligning the Scottish Government’s “Fairer Funding” principles with SCVO’s definition of Fair Funding– which was developed through significant research and engagement with Scotland’s voluntary sector. This includes commitments to:

  • A longer-term funding model for the voluntary sector across all Scottish Government departments.
  • Define multi-year funding for voluntary organisations as a three-year minimum commitment.
  • Record progress by collecting and publishing what proportion of grants and contracts are delivered on a multi-year basis and accommodate other essential Fair Funding elements.

To be meaningful and support a sustainable sector, multi-year funding must also recognise and incorporate other essential Fair Funding elements including:

  • Flexible, unrestricted core funding
  • Inflation-based uplifts
  • Accommodate at least the Real Living Wage and uplifts on par with those offered to public sector staff.
  • Full costs recovery, which includes core operating costs.

Long term funding should also be provided to local authorities, to allow them to enter into multi-year agreements with voluntary organisations. Between one quarter and one third of voluntary organisations receive funding from local authorities.

Without these commitments, achieving “Fairer Funding” by 2026 becomes increasingly unlikely.

To make and monitor progress, it is also essential that the PfG takes action on transparent funding, including developing timelines, goals, and actions to both monitor progress, and ensure progress can be scrutinised by the voluntary sector and Parliament.

Testimonials

“Like all voluntary organisations, we have very short-term funding, so while our contracts are on paper secure, everyone knows their job is only as secure as the current piece of short-term funding” – Registered charity

“Everything we do is dependent on funding, and amounts are often not confirmed until very late in the financial year” – Registered charity

“Due to annual funding from Scottish Government, which doesn’t cover our core costs, recruitment is often on short-term contracts or is subject to ongoing funding, of which there is no guarantee” – Voluntary sector intermediary

Conclusion

Scotland’s voluntary sector is an employer, a partner, and a vital social and economic actor central to delivering on the Scottish Government’s three missions of equality, opportunity, and community.

The Programme for Government is an opportunity for the First Minister and the cabinet team to recognise and support the many contributions of voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers across Scotland by making progress towards the Fair Funding our sector desperately needs.

To achieve this the Scottish Government must commit to progressing multi-year funding, develop timelines and goals, and make plans to monitor progress. To support a sustainable sector, multi-year funding must also recognise and incorporate essential Fair Funding elements.

Additional information

SCVO’s full proposals for the 2024/2025 Programme for Government cover two areas and can be found here:

  1. Delivering Fair Funding by 2026
  2. Transparent funding

Addressing the Challenges in Health and Care Systems

A call to value our workforce & embrace Third Sector solutions with immediate increased funding

With over 40 years of experience in various roles within the health and care systems, from a clinician in the acute sector to working in primary care, and now as the Chair of LifeCare Edinburgh, I have witnessed significant changes and challenges (writes LORNA JACKSON-HALL).

The recent impact of financial cuts to third sector care contracts in Edinburgh, along with the recent changes in the Westminster Government, compel me to share some thoughts on short-term solutions as we work towards long-term strategies.

Valuing Our People

It’s crucial to value everyone involved in our health and care systems, both the workforce and those we serve.

The NHS faces immense pressure, primarily driven by the need to manage patient flow into hospitals and expedite their discharge into supportive environments. The workforce crisis, identified over a decade ago, continues to escalate.

An ageing population among clinical staff, coupled with cuts in university courses, training places, and bursaries, has led to a crisis in the number of Allied Health Professionals, Nurses, and Doctors.

Addressing this workforce gap will take approximately ten years as we train and equip new staff with the necessary skills.

Maximising the Potential of the Care Staff Workforce

In the interim, we must focus on our care staff workforce in both social care and the third sector.

It’s essential to examine the health economics of utilising this workforce to its full potential. These dedicated individuals perform incredible work, significantly contributing to keeping people supported in their home environments, thereby delaying or even preventing hospital admissions.

Programmes such as befriending services like Vintage Vibes and buddying services for isolated individuals, play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of our older population. 

Urgent and immediate increased funding for third sector organisations such as LIfeCare Edinburgh could help to alleviate some of the current pressures on hospitals.

These organisations run meals on wheels, care at home services, and day services, all of which support frail elderly individuals and/or those living with dementia their carers to remain at home longer.

Impact on Hospital and GP Services

Implementing these measures would help reduce the influx of patients into hospitals and improve the discharge process, allowing acute hospitals to focus on reducing elective lists.

This, in turn, would ease the burden on GP Practice services, enabling them to prioritise preventative care. Such a shift is essential to support the growing number of people living with multimorbidity in Scotland today.

By valuing our workforce and maximising the potential of third sector organisations through true partnership working and appropriate funding, we can make meaningful progress in addressing the immediate challenges while laying the foundation for a healthier future.

Lorna Jackson-Hall,

Chair and Trustee LifeCare

SCVO receive funding for key third sector climate project

Growing Climate Confidence has been supported by the Scottish Funders’ Forum 

A leading third sector climate project offering vital support to charities and voluntary organisations looking to tackle the climate crisis will be funded for another two years, it has been announced.  

This initiative is delivered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Third Sector Net Zero steering group, with advisory input from Scottish Funders and Net Zero experts.   

The £200,000 awarded will cover strategic support, raising awareness of the campaign, and training provided by others in the sector.  Funding has been provided by the Corra Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, SSE and the William Grant Foundation.

This new funding – over two years from June 1, 2024 – will provide fully funded carbon reduction and climate resilience training, self-serve digital tools to help organisations develop a net zero action plan, and strategic support to influence the funding landscape for climate work. 

Beth Mukushi, SCVO head of support services, said: “The Growing Climate Confidence project helps third sector organisations understand and own their responsibilities to take action on climate change.  

“We know that the majority of organisations care deeply about the climate emergency, but only 42% of organisations have policies in place to reduce their own carbon emissions.  

“Our net zero scorecard has given over 400 organisations a tailored action plan, and this funding will help us reach more organisations, offer wrap-around training and support, and link organisations into existing networks of climate action across the country.” 

Kate Still, chair of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support SCVO in expanding its Growing Climate Confidence Initiative, thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players. 

“Through our funding we aim to help communities become more environmentally sustainable and to make the changes that help support a healthy planet. 

“SCVO has great experience and expertise in supporting Third Sector organisations to take action on the climate emergency,  and the expansion of this initiative will build the momentum and equip many more Third Sector organisations with tools to assist them on their net zero journey.” 

An SSE spokesperson said: “The climate emergency is one of society’s most pressing challenges. We know from our community grant making that many third sector organisations want to do their part in tackling it but don’t know where to start.  

“The Growing Climate Confidence website and support programme helps them get clarity on what to focus on, and how. SSE is therefore proud to support the roll out and further development of this important work with partners.” 

Nick Addington, chief executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: “We believe that all charities and social enterprises have a role to play in helping achieve a fair transition to a sustainable and climate-adapted future – whatever their mission – so we’re really pleased to be able to partner with other Scottish funders to enable SCVO to enhance its support to Scotland’s third sector around climate action.” 

EVOC annnounces strategic review

CHIEF EXECUTIVE BRIDIE ASHROWAN TO STEP DOWN

EVOC has announced a strategic review that puts a renewed commitment to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh at its heart.

The ongoing cost of living crisis is hitting groups and organisations hard and this is a chance to refocus on creating a strong sector for a strong city.

An engagement programme will take place in the coming months, involving the sector in shaping a new EVOC strategy, and to ensure stakeholders are fully briefed on the changes. 

After 3 years, Bridie Ashrowan has decided to step down as Chief Executive of EVOC to concentrate on research interests around nature-based learning and biodiversity recovery.

In the meantime, two interims have been appointed to lead EVOC through this period of change – David Peace (Interim Chief Executive) and Claire Ritchie (Strategic Advisor to the Board).

Bridie’s tenure at EVOC has brought many successes. She has been a strong advocate for investment in the community and voluntary sector, to support organisations through the ongoing cost crisis, and to strengthen sector capabilities to lead change.

Against a background of decreased funding and increased running costs, EVOC is focused on reducing costs and delivering a balanced budget for the year ahead. This will include an analysis of the current organisational structure.  

EVOC Convenor, Diarmaid Lawlor said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Bridie for her commitment, passion and advocacy for the voluntary sector during her tenure at EVOC and we wish her well in her next ventures. 

“Our focus continues to be the wellbeing of the many community and voluntary organisations who play such a vital role in the city. We are working with partners and funders to make sure that remains our top priority throughout this strategic review.”  

David Peace added: “As Interim Chief Executive, I will be working with staff, Claire and the Board to refocus our efforts and ensure we continue to support voluntary and community groups in delivering core programmes and activities in the city. 

“As a sector leader we remain focused on building a strong, sustainable and resilient future for our sector. I welcome engagement with the sector, partners and funders to help shape the way ahead collectively.”

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

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

Choudhury: Third sector community organisations crying out for support

A Labour MSP for Lothian has rung alarm bells about the barriers to funding for small, community-based organisations.  

Foysol Choudhury yesterday (17th January) hosted a roundtable at the Scottish Parliament for third-sector community organisations to discuss the current funding model, barriers to access for smaller organisations, and what lessons could be learnt. 

 The roundtable attendees and MSPs heard from Citadel Youth Centre, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), EVOC, North Edinburgh Arts and The Larder.  

Mr Choudhury is Chairperson of ELREC and will be well aware of the challenges faced by third sector organisations.

Following the roundtable, Foysol Choudhury praised the work of these third-sector organisations in working so closely with, and to benefit of, local communities. He said, however, that more could be done to support these vital organisations to be more included in the funding process: 

“The third sector in Scotland is a vital contributor to both the economy and society as a whole.   

“The recent Scottish Budget announcements have left many organisations in the third sector unable to be sure of secure funding for the year ahead, directly impacting on their ability to provide vital services to communities when they need it the most post-pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis.   

“It was made clear from today’s discussion that sustained, long-term and fair funding is needed for the sector. 

“Some third sector organisations may be smaller, but they have a big impact and they must be consulted with and represented in the Scottish budget. 

“This is especially true where they cater to minority communities and exclusion from the budget may increase inequalities for those communities.” 

Mr Choudhury says that the conversation at the table today was positive and collaborative but that the organisations were also “crying out for more support and recognition of their vital work”.  

Organisations at the roundtable raised how many smaller organisations were in competition with each other for grants and core funding, so the system should facilitate more collaboration.

Other groups also raised how smaller organisations are missing out on funding because they don’t meet criteria, or don’t have the experience and funds to hire fundraisers to make applications like many bigger organisations do.

Mr Choudhury says he will continue to build on this constructive conversation and represent small third-sector community organisations in the Scottish Parliament, pressing for more funding and consultation wherever possible.

Budgets are about spending priorities, and Labour trails both the SNP and the Conservatives at Holyrood. Elections to the Scottish Parliament will not take place until May 2026.

Of more immediate concern for voluntary sector organisations is the current budget process. The city council (a Labour-led coalition with Lib-Dems and Conservatives) is looking at further cuts as it sets it’s budget for 2024 – 25.

Councils blame the Scottish Government for funding cuts while Holyrood in turn blames the UK Government at Westminster. It’s a blame game that’s gone on for as long as I can remember, and while the politicians bicker, the poorest communities – and the charities and voluntary sector projects that support them – bear the brunt and feel the pain of service cuts.

That’s got to change – but sadly change, if it comes, will come too late for many – Ed.

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 

Forth & Inverleith Voluntary Sector Forum meets tomorrow

Forth and Inverleith VSF on Sep 28, 2023 10:00 AM (Zoom link and agenda below)

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84343600722?pwd=V05yVHpPTnhLRGp0Wk1WTkhuMVhnUT09

Meeting ID: 843 4360 0722

Passcode: 801341

Agenda:

  1. Welcome and Introductions
  2. Estate Investment Programme Forth and Inverleith – George Norval (CEC)
  3. Introduction from Community Centre Lead at EVOC – Robert Scott
  4. Group updates (any new projects/services)
  5. AOB

SCVO and partners unveil HR for Creatives project

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has unveiled the 20 organisations who will be a part of a groundbreaking HR for Creatives project. 

SCVO has partnered with Creative Scotland and Project Manager Kathryn Willens on the action research project to explore the support needed for micro and small creative organisations.

The project incorporates research into participant organisations’ learning journeys in order to share findings so that the wider arts, screen and creative industries can learn from this project. 

This will allow the project partners to learn from organisations that access support and to identify where there are key and shared opportunities, challenges, strengths and weaknesses for the sector. 

SCVO’s HR Service will now work with them to support them on their HR journey, including an audit of their HR policies and procedures, one-to-one advice and guidance, as well as access to webinars and a peer network.  

The partners hope this will Improve people management for arts, screen and creative industries organisations, starting with legal compliance and moving beyond this to help organisations create a space and place to work where their people – staff and freelance practitioners – thrive and where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity.

SCVO, Scotland’s national membership body for the voluntary sector, received over 80 applications from micro to small sized arts, screen and creative industries organisations from across Scotland. All applications were of a high standard, with only 20 places available. 

The organisations represent a wide range of artistic practice including animation, digital art, theatre, film, poetry, music and dance. (1)

The number of applications highlights the demand for HR support in the sector especially from micro to small employers, with SCVO planning to offer some support to the organisations that didn’t make it to the shortlist through access to webinars and resources. 

SCVO is delighted to be working with Creative Scotland, Kathryn, and research partner Tialt on the HR for Creatives action learning programme, funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. 

The programme will kick off in September 2023 and continue for 12 months. 

Caroline Christie, SCVO’s Head of HR, said: “We are thrilled with the response to the HR for Creatives programme. This level of interest highlights arts, screen and creative industries organisations commitment to HR and to Fair Work as well as a need for this kind of support. 

“HR for Creatives aims to offer support and learning to improve people management for arts, screen and creative industries organisations, support that will enable organisations to create work cultures where their staff and freelancers can thrive and where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity.

“SCVO’s HR Service and the HR for Creatives project team are very excited to start working with the 20 shortlisted organisations and with the research partners, Tialt.”  

Ashley Smith-Hammond, Creative Industries Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “As Creative Scotland develops its work in response to the Fair Work agenda, we’re committed to empowering organisations in the arts, screen and creative industries to best support their workforce. 

“We’re pleased to partner with SCVO on this vital programme, which responds to challenges that small and micro creative businesses have in accessing appropriate, specialist support around people management.

“In this challenging economic context, it’s an investment in more competent, confident creative businesses and better experience for those in the creative workforce.”

HR for Creatives organisations 

Africa in MotionGlasgow
An Tobar and Mull TheatreTobermory
Art Link CentralStirling
Civic Digits CICEdinburgh
Company of WolvesGlasgow
Cove ParkHelensborough
Creation Mill CICDumfries
Creative DundeeDundee
Forgan Arts CentreFife
ImaginateEdinburgh
Lung Ha Theatre CompanyEdinburgh
Media co-opGlasgow
Print Clan CICGlasgow
Produced MoonGlasgow
Push The Boat OutEdinburgh
Regional Screen ScotlandEdinburgh
Scottish Artists UnionGlasgow
Scottish Sculpture WorkshopLumsden
Sound FestivalAberdeen
The Work RoomGlasgow