Scotland’s third sector is incredibly diverse, with wide-reaching impact. From housing associations, social care providers and grant making trusts, through to NGOs and social enterprises, right down to the grassroots level of residents associations and community sports groups, the sector plays a vital role in shaping Scottish civil society.

These associations build the networks and relationships that contribute so significantly to Scotland’s economy and quality of life. This makes Scotland a better place to live -
whether by caring for elderly parents, enthusing and training young people, preserving our natural and cultural heritage or giving people the opportunity to create art or play sport.

No other sector brings this value to the economy or our society. Our sector is trusted more than any other. We:

• Support the most vulnerable people in our society
• Work together for a fairer, ‘greener’ and more equal society
• Create networks and relationships to build strong, resilient communities based on trust and mutuality
• Deliver high quality, value-for-money services for the public good

Also in this section:

• Sector stats
• Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA)
• Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS)
• SCVO & rural communities
• SCVO & the environment
• Intermediaries network
• Evidence library
• Sector directory