Relief as PVG fee waiver for volunteers is retained
Last year the Scottish Government consulted on a range of proposals related to Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme members fees and discounts, including a proposal to replace the current fee waiver for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs) with a fee discount. Today Disclosure Scotland announced that this proposal will not go ahead and that the current fee waiver for volunteers will be retained.
Scottish Government to continue PVG fee waiver for volunteers
Following our public consultation on fee waivers and discounts, we are delighted to announce that we will continue to provide free Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership for Qualifying Voluntary Organisation (QVO) volunteers.
National Care Service Statement
Following yesterday’s announcement from the Scottish Government that many of the proposals detailed in the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill will not progress, we share the frustrations of those who have invested time in plans so far but cautiously welcome commitment to proceed with several important plans including breaks for unpaid carers and Anne’s Law. Read more in our statement.
Charity legislation changes: are you ready?
Legislative change can sometimes feel quite distant and many people, including charity leaders, would be forgiven for either missing it or thinking that it doesn’t affect them.
Volunteer Scotland Statement: PVG Fees and Discounts Consultation Analysis Report
On the 3rd January, the Scottish Government published it’s report analysing responses to the PVG fees and discounting consultation undertaken in the first half of 2024. This report reinforces our belief that the decision to replace the current fee waiver for volunteers in QVOs with a fee discount is completely untenable. We again urge the government not to proceed down this path.
Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 – December Update
From 1st April 2025 the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme becomes a legal requirement in Scotland. You still have time to prepare and we’re here to help you along the way
The Gathering 2025 – Book a session now!
We are delighted to be Strategic Partners with the SCVO Gathering again for 2025. The Gathering will take place in-person on 4th and 5th February 2025 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). Booking for all sessions are now open!
Scottish Budget – Cause for Optimism but Questions Remain
On Wednesday 4th December, the Finance Secretary Shona Robison presented her budget to the Scottish Parliament. Last week, we sent all Scottish MSPs this briefing to inform their scrutiny of the budget. Whilst there were some glimmers of hope in the budget at first glance, several urgent questions remain to be answered.
Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government pledges support of the Volunteer Charter
This morning we had a very productive meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, John-Paul Marks, and the Director General for Communities, Louise MacDonald.
Creating a nation of volunteers
Alan Stevenson, Volunteer Scotland CEO, explores the urgent decline in formal volunteering, with rates dropping significantly since the pandemic. Learn about the bold five-year strategy to create a nation of volunteers and why reversing this trend is vital for Scotland’s communities. Discover how you can be part of the solution.
Scottish Household Survey (SHS) – 2023 Results
The 2023 Scottish Household Survey results on volunteering point to a crisis in volunteering. The formal volunteering participation rate has dropped to 18% – four percentage points lower than the 2022 figure and eight percentage points lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Scottish Household Survey 2023: Decline in Volunteer Participation in Scotland
Volunteer Scotland is deeply concerned about the further decline in volunteer participation in Scotland, as highlighted by the latest 2023 Scottish Household Survey results.
Guest Blog, People Know How – When the Funding Runs Out
This powerful guest blog from Amy at People Know How provides a stark insight into the impact of funding cuts and service closures on both volunteers and the staff who support them.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee Report on 3rd sector funding
The Social Justice and Social Security Committee published their report regarding 3rd sector funding principles on the 13th November.
Knowledge Event – What We Do Together: The relationship between volunteering and other activities
Join us for an interactive knowledge event where David Bomark will share insights from his PhD research on what makes volunteering unique compared to hobbies, sports, and activism.
The Volunteer Charter Reaches 250 Charter Champions
In June 2023, Volunteer Scotland relaunched the Volunteer Charter with the goal of reaching as many organisations and individuals as possible who share the vision of creating a positive volunteer experience for every volunteer. The Charter sets out key principles to ensure volunteers are valued, supported, and recognised for their contributions. As of October 2024, there are now 250 Charter Champions, ranging from Volunteer Centres/TSIs, MSPs, Volunteer Involving Organisations, volunteer-run groups, councils, NHS Boards, and more.
Are you a Charity Trustee? Then you have a rich and enthralling history.
To celebrate Trustees’ Week, Dr Shirley Otto shares the heritage of trusteeship in the UK – as far back as 1601! Dr Shirley Otto is a specialist in charity governance and her academic research focuses on the history of trustees.
Volunteers in Resilient Communities
It is the start of November, the clocks have changed, the leaves are falling, and we’ve already had our first named storm of the year. Winter is just around the corner.