Susan Smith calls on readers to help TFN become an even louder voice for the third sector

Spring is in the air, and for Third Force News (TFN) this year, that heralds the start of an exciting new adventure as it gets ready to become a monthly magazine.

We’ve recognised that most of our readers now prefer to read news digitally, so the last weekly TFN newspaper will be published on Friday, 29 June 2018.

And from August, we'll be replacing it with a new 32-page monthly magazine full of exclusive features and analysis of what’s going on in Scotland’s third sector.

This is part of a new strategy to ensure TFN is providing Scotland’s third sector with a valuable news and journalism service that will help organisations grow and tell their stories effectively.

The magazine is the print element of this strategy, and it will complement our news-focused digital service and the growth of our live events calendar.

We’ve made this decision after listening to our readers, many of whom took part in our 2017 readers’ survey. There was a clear call for more indepth coverage of the third sector and for less repetition across print and online.

Alongside comment and analysis, the magazine will also feature a series of investigations into what’s really happening in the third sector. We want to help draw attention to issues that need to change to enable third sector staff, volunteers and service users to flourish.

All the latest news and comment will contine to appear on the TFN website on a daily basis and we will provide this for free through our suite of e-bulletins. In 2019, we will be looking at how we can develop our digital and live content even further.

The only difference for now is that from August, content produced for TFN magazine will be available on the website only for those who have a password to access it. If you are an SCVO member or TFN subscriber, you’ll receive a password in time for the launch of the magazine.

So, the summer of 2018 is an exciting time for TFN and Scotland’s third sector. We have a great opportunity to refresh the service we provide for you, and you have the chance to help TFN become an even louder voice for the third sector.

We’re always on the look out for news, blogs and other contributions but the team also welcomes readers getting in touch to talk about our plans and provide ideas. To make sure the new TFN magazine covers the issues that really matter to you, email or call the editorial team on 0131 474 8000 to give us your ideas.

Susan Smith is editor of Third Force News.