The chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations looks at the role the third sector has played in creating vital legislation in the past two decades
This book gives us a chance to celebrate the last 20 years of the sector working with – while also being prepared to challenge, debate, persuade and influence – our Scottish Parliament.
A thriving third sector is essential to achieving a Scotland that is a better place to be born, live, work, study, move, visit, volunteer, contribute and grow old in. Our work in tackling poverty and inequality, promoting health and wellbeing and safeguarding our environment and human rights plays a huge part in achieving this shared ambition.
Partnership is a key theme emanating from the 20 campaigns highlighted in the book. By working together we see that collective strength and identification of common purpose can be harnessed to create change. “Partnership-working” has become a buzzphrase in recent times, but an examination of these campaigns shows it is a genuine concept which has been alive and well in the third sector for many years.
Through scandals at home and abroad and at a time when the trust built up in our politics has eroded, the term “lobbying” has developed negative connotations, and new rules have been introduced to ensure contact with elected members remains above board. However, it must always be remembered that third sector lobbying has played a crucial role in delivering the societal change we now celebrate. As such, we must be careful to preserve the openness and accessibility of which the Scottish Parliament should be rightly proud and must continue encouraging and enabling third sector organisations to work with and hold our Parliament to account.
Through this publication, we hope to champion and celebrate the amazing work that the third sector carries out in Scotland. The 20 campaigns featured in the book – drawn from a list that could have filled volumes – demonstrate the variety, drive and talent that exists within our vibrant and eclectic sector.
It is crucial that charities continue to work constructively with the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and MSPs of all parties to ensure that the communities that we are there to support are not forgotten. By progressing in this spirit, together, we know that, 20 years from now, we will be able to reflect on even more positive change led by a vibrant third sector in Scotland.
Anna Fowlie is chief executive of The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
