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The Global Financial Crisis has potentially severe implications for the sustainability of the Scottish voluntary sector which is already facing serious financial difficulties.
Paradoxically, as we face a potential recession many people will have a new need for the services delivered by voluntary organisations, whether debt advice, accommodation or care services. Without financial security, many voluntary organisations will be unable to expand their services to meet new needs and the quality of their services will be threatened by excessive demand.
Events
SCVO has now held two seminars about the impact of the economic crisis on the third sector. Information about each is available here.
13 February 2009 - Third Sector and the Economic Downturn
This event was co-hosted by SCVO, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Scottish Government in Edinburgh. It formed part of a knowledge transfer lecture series aiming to bring together academic research and practitioner experience.
25 November 2008 - Weathering the Economic Downturn
This event took place in Edinburgh immediately prior to our AGM.
Weathering the Economic Downturn - Continuing the Dialogue
SCVO held a seminar as part of its Autumn Event which focused on the economic downturn, the effect it is having on voluntary organisations and what SCVO and others can do to help them to weather the financial storm. Your input is vital in helping us to shape government policy and campaign for recognition of voluntary sector needs. Any answers to the following questions would be gratefully received at ian.lees@scvo.org.uk
1) Has your organisation/sector already been affected by the financial crisis and/or economic downturn? If so, how?
2) What impact do you anticipate in the medium to long term on your organisation/sector?
3) What practical steps do you think we should be taking collectively to respond to the rapidly changing economic situation and longer term effects of a downturn in the economy?
4) How can we build on the four point plan already proposed to the government (see briefing paper)? What additional government support would be helpful?
5) What additional non-governmental support would be useful to your organisation? We are in discussion with colleagues in a wide range of third and private sector intermediaries so this can include specialist as well as generic support.
The voluntary sector in Scotland and the economic downturn – a review of publications (14 August 2009)