Summit will look at how democracy can be strengethened
A major summit has been announced which will plan the way ahead for democracy in Scotland after the independence referendum.
People and groups from across civil society will take part in the meeting which will aim to deepen political participation – whatever the outcome of the 18 September poll.
The Third Sector Summit – being organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) – will take place on 20 November.
It will be aimed at tapping into the momentum created by the referendum campaign and looking at what role civil society can play in a new Scotland.
SCVO director of public affairs, John Downie, said: “On 20 November the third sector will have an opportunity to make sure our voice is heard as we set about building a fairer, more equal society, a new economy and a new democracy.
"The result will hopefully be the catalyst we need for people, communities, and organisations in the private, public and third sector to work together to create real change in Scotland.
To deliver fundamental change in Scotland we need to change the way we do things
“How fundamental that change will be depends not just on the result of the vote but on what we - people, communities, third, private and public sectors - actually do. One thing for sure is that the third sector will play a bigger role. That role will and its prospects for success will depend how we collectively approach the opportunity a post-referendum Scotland brings.
“Of course there’s no magic wand we can wave to solve all our problems or immediately make things better. Tackling deep-rooted issues, such as poverty and inequality, will take at least two generations.
“But to deliver fundamental change in Scotland we need to change the way we do things.
“As a sector we need to tap into and sustain the momentum created by the referendum to ensure that in the future people are more involved in the important decisions about the economy, health and their communities, which as more people are recognising are far too important to be left to the politicians. They all too often fail to deliver on their promises.”
Further details of the summit – which will take place in Glasgow – will be made known after the referendum.
