This will include influencing the content of Single Outcome Agreements, and being involved in the delivery of SOA objectives. It will also mean being involved with Community Planning. There is a need however for the sector to focus its message and highlight the contribution it makes and can still make to meet the needs of Scotland’s communities. SCVO is therefore hosting a discussion in the round about SOAs, Community Planning Partnerships and the role of the Third Sector.

This conference will provide a timely and much anticipated opportunity for all those that make, influence or deliver policy objectives defined within SOAs. As such it will be of interest to Local Authorities / CPP partners and local Third sector 'Interface' organisations (Councils for Voluntary Service, Volunteer Centres, Social Enterprise Networks), and also for those voluntary organisations (national, regional or local) that deliver or campaign on local public services. The conference will build in a particular focus on national organisations, many of whom need to learn 'localism' faster than anybody else, and who need to change their business models most radically to fit these purposes.

The Key Note Speaker is John Swinney MSP , Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.

The programme will include: The Governments vision for enhancing Third Sector’s role in SOAs; Discussion on how best for the Third Sector to engage in CPPs, SOAs and other local architecture; Discussion on how the CPP and SOA should be influenced by the Third Sector; Discussion on how the CPP and SOA process makes a difference for people and communities; A discussion on the impact of the end of ring fenced Fairer Scotland Funding on poverty and regeneration; and A discussion on how Local Authorities are meeting their equalities duties. Conference outcomes: A set of priority actions to address the sector’s barriers and opportunities in engaging the SOA and CPP agendas; and Increased and shared knowledge and understanding of best practice of sector engagement in SOAs and CPPs and proposals on how to improve this.

To book your place, please send your completed booking form to Helen Swatton. It is expected that demand for this conference will be very high and places will be limited so please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

To discuss the content, please contact Peter McColl or 0131 474 6179.

In recognition of the importance of this agenda, delegate fees will be on a sliding scale to ensure wide and inclusive sector participation. A fee-waiver will be considered for those in exceptional circumstances.