​Nicola Sturgeon meets third sector leaders for first time since taking office

Third sector leaders met with Scotland’s Frst Minister last week in a "hugely informative meeting.”

Charities and voluntary groups outlined priority areas to Nicola Sturgeon in what was her first official meeting with the sector since taking office.

Much of the discussion centred on the shared agenda with the First Minister’s stated priorities – such as tackling inequality, social justice and citizen participation - and how this could be turned into more tangible initiatives.

Welfare, commissioning of services and funding were also dicusssed at the meeting held in Edinburgh.

It is essential this is now firmly embedded within policy making

Philip Dunion, of Apex Scotland, said: “We found the meeting to be a useful tool, and hopefully the first in a series, to explore the opportunities for government to better understand the views, aims, concerns and role of the third sector and for us to influence governmental thinking through our independent roles.

“It was also an opportunity for us to hear, first hand, the view of government in a number of shared agenda points including prevention, civic participation, and the sector's role and the economy.”

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, added: "It was encouraging to hear the First Minister's appreciation of the third sector in Scotland.

"This includes the sector's substantial contribution in supporting community level action, but also our role in pushing the Scottish Government to go further.

"The meeting was a chance to welcome the Scottish Government's stated focus on tackling inequality.

"However, it is essential this is now firmly embedded within policy making and budget allocation in Scotland - and underpins how we measure success."