Volunteer boards and management committees are not just a important part of the voluntary sector in Scotland - they are arguably the defining characteristic of a voluntary organisation.  Voluntary organisations start when a group of citizens voluntarily come together to plan coordinated action that will tackle an issue or address a need.  An organisation might grow, recruit other volunteers to give practical help or even employ paid staff.  Yet this group of citizens, changing over time as some people leave and others join, will remain the core of the organisation.  It might be called the board or management committee.  Its role and responsibility is known as governance.

Because of the importance of boards and management committees to the sucess of Scotland's voluntary sector, SCVO aims to help and support them in their work as far as our resources will allow.  That support includes:

• This website - a one stop information shop for boards and management committees
• Supporting others who help boards and management committees get to grips with their role, including the network of Councils for Voluntary Service operating across Scotland
• Training and events relevant to the needs of board and committee members
• Development support for national voluntary organisations (currently on a fee basis but with discounts for SCVO members)