A Framework for the Future

The Think Tanks were established as part of the Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA) programme. Its remit was "to develop a shared vision, purpose and direction for the voluntary sector support infrastructure in Scotland".

To this end, the 24 Think Tank participants attended three residential meetings and worked together to produce the final report (download below) which was launched at the inaugural 'Inspiring Change' joint CVS and VC conference on the 7th of October 2009. There was a 'Local Infrastructure Think Tank' and a 'Better Collaborations Think Tank'. The former was composed of CVS & VC senior staff members and the latter by senior staff from across national specialist intermediaries that are active across Scotland. There was an Away Day for the wider Third Sector in Hampden Park, Glasgow on the 24th of May 2009 that had approximately 100 participants which allowed for them to feed into the discussions that the Think Tanks were undertaking.

The final report is the culmination of a one year long investigation into the challenges that are facing organisations that work across the local and national Third Sector Infrastructure. Whilst the work of the Think Tanks has been completed the "implementation of change needs to be taken up by all involved in the Third Sector support infrastructure in Scotland and supported by the key stakeholders who influence and are involved in it."

Think Tanks Final Report - "A Framework for the Future"

Ian Hood of Learning Disibility Alliance Scotland, a Think Tank participant, has written an article that can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:-

Status Quo is not an option - Ian Hood

TFN Article 16/10/09 - SVA's national congress call

Shaping the Future Together Event

The Think Tank event, Shaping the Future Together at Hampden Stadium on 24th May 2009 had 140 participants.  Click to read the Summary Report from the Away Day.  Or view the video clips below to find out what some of the participants thought (to enlarge click the second button in from the bottom right of the video frame).

Part 1


Part 2


Or you can view the video in one go in high definition.

Umbrella Support for the Third Sector - an SCVO perspective
Click here to read a perspective from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on umbrella support.  This position comes from discussions within SCVO's governing Policy Committee earlier this year.

Find out more about the Think Tanks Project
Contact details for the Advisory Group members and contracted consultants delivering this project are available in section one of the reference pack.  For further information contact John Davidson, Think Tanks Project Coordinator, on 0141 225 8021 or email john.davidson@scvo.org.uk.