Bridging the Participation Gap Roundtable Report

Between November 2025 and March 2026, Volunteer Scotland held nine Bridging the Participation Gap roundtables with 180 stakeholders. Seven themes and recommendations emerged, shaping future priorities across five programmes. The report reflects strong engagement and informs upcoming organisational work.

Our Policy Work

Our Approach

We make sure public policy represents the voice and interests of Scotland’s spectrum of volunteers, from formal to informal. Find out more about our Policy plans and approach here.

Policy Publications

Browse our latest Policy Publications including consultation responses, briefings for decision-makers on key themes or issues and information about policy campaigns.

Our Volunteering Manifesto

A sustainable and inclusive future for Scotland’s voluntary sector is possible. Together with the VAP Policy Champions Network, we have identified ten policy asks for political parties to consider ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

No Volunteers, No Community

Without volunteers, Scotland would lose the foundation of its communities. Help us protect and grow volunteering across Scotland. Together, we can build a nation where everyone can give their time, feel included, and help communities thrive.

Policy Champions Network

The Policy Champions Network seeks to ensure volunteering is reflected in key government policies. It discusses and agrees the best approach(es) to improve impact

VolunteeringActionPlan.co.uk

Cross Party Group on Volunteering

Volunteer Scotland is secretariat of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Volunteering. The CPG involves members from all parties, sharing an interest in volunteering.

Volunteering in Scottish Policy

Volunteering is regularly referenced in Scottish Government and Parliament meetings and publications. We’ve compiled a snapshot.

Policy Blogs

Read the latest opinions on key policy issues.

Quick Links

Volunteering Action Plan

Volunteering For All Framework

Programme for Government

National Outcomes

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