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Land Use Strategy discussion workshops
24th February 2010
The development of Scotland's first Land Use Strategy offers a landmark opportunity for you to have your say on the way Scotland's land is used for generations to come. How can Scotland produce enough food, develop its renewable energy capacity...
More Details >>Inspiring Scotland announces investment to play charities
24th February 2010
Inspiring Scotland is today, 3rd February, announcing the 24 charities that have been successful in gaining investment from the £4m Go Play programme. These charities are receiving investment. Go Play is targeted at 5 to 13 year olds to increase the...
More Details >>LLOYDS BANKING GROUP HAS "DISOWNED ITS HERITAGE" SAYS CHARITY CHIEF AS GROUP CUTS TIES TO SCOTTISH FOUNDATION
24th February 2010
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has announced that Lloyds Banking Group in London has served notice to terminate its Covenant with the Foundation, thus ending the relationship that has existed between the two since 1985. The Foundation, an independent...
More Details >>Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator urges sector to report all fraud
24th February 2010
By Paul Jump, Third Sector Online, 19 February 2010 Regulator says notification of cases provides 'valuable intelligence', even if they have been dealt withCharities should report fraud to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator even if...
More Details >>NHS HEAT Targets
17th February 2010
NHS HEAT Targets In our last article we looked at local delivery plans for the NHS and briefly touched on the NHS HEAT targets. Here we will expand on them a bit further. HEAT targets are short to medium term, specific targets that contribute directly...
More Details >>More Scots get active with latest 2014 Communities grants
16th February 2010
Exercise and fitness classes for parents and nursery children in Ayr, sport leadership training for high school pupils in Dalbeattie and weekly dancing sessions for primary school pupils in Baillieston are just some ways people across Scotland will be...
More Details >>SCVO accuses councils of cutting budgets without consultation
16th February 2010
By John Plummer, Third Sector Online, 9 February 2010 Umbrella body voices concern about 'astonishing' cuts at City of Edinburgh CouncilCouncils are cutting voluntary sector budgets for 2009/10 without proper consultation, according to the Scottish...
More Details >>Dimensions of diversity: Population differences and health improvement opportunities
16th February 2010
This report provides a concise overview of basic information about 13 characteristics or groups of the population of Scotland, linking users to sources of further information. It covers: age, asylum seekers and refugees, carers, disability, ethnicity...
More Details >>Self Management for Men Project
16th February 2010
MHFS have recently secured funding from The Self Management Fund for Scotland administered by the Long Term Conditions Alliance (LTCAS) to develop a project that will help a range of agencies to support men in effective self management. There are over...
More Details >>Highland Council Cuts Funding to Voluntary Sector
12th February 2010
The leader of Highland Council has told fellow councillors that having to cut £350,000 from funding for voluntary organisations was "bloody painful". Dr Michael Foxley's comment came as councillors debated a package of savings worth £12m. They agreed...
More Details >>Chairman of National Trust for Scotland stands down with immediate effect
4th February 2010
By Paul Jump, Third Sector Online, 29 January 2010 Shonaig Macpherson will be replaced on an interim basis by Dick BalharryShonaig Macpherson has stepped down as chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, with a permanent successor yet to be found....
More Details >>Scots feel charity begins at home, according to research
4th February 2010
By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 29 January 2010 NfpSynergy report says 60 per cent would prefer their donations to be spent in ScotlandNearly 60 per cent of Scottish people think the money they give to charity should be spent in Scotland, according...
More Details >>Mental Health Foudation Be Mindful Website Launched
4th February 2010
How people handle the way they feel plays a big part in mental health. In difficult times, it is not unusual to focus solely on negative thoughts and feelings and become consumed by them.Mindfulness helps people change the way they think, feel and act...
More Details >>E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund
4th February 2010
E. ON developed the E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund launched ain April 2009 as part of a further commitment to community, E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund supports the development of efficient and sustainable energy measures for community organisations.E.ON...
More Details >>Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grants
4th February 2010
If you have the drive to generate your own renewable energy, then the cost may not have to hold you back. Grants are available to cover 30% of the cost of installing a renewable energy system at home, up to a maximum of £4,000. Application pack and guidance...
More Details >>Comic Relief Grants Now Open
4th February 2010
The Comic Relief UK grants programme is inviting applications fromUK wide voluntary and community sectors for funding towards capital and revenue projects. Go to the following link to see the full application details:http://www.comicrelief.com/apply_for_a_grant...
More Details >>Story Sharing Guidance
4th February 2010
A guide to inform the process of sharing personal experiences related to mental health and recovery has been produced by the Scotish Recovery Network. Most people agree that personal stories can be a great source of information, ideas and inspiration...
More Details >>Voluntary Action Fund -Community Chest
4th February 2010
Community Chest is a small grant programme providing grants of up to £1,000 and free training to help small community groups in Scotland sustain and develop their activities. Groups can apply for funding for a wide range of activities or operational...
More Details >>Skills for the future Heritage Lottery Funding
4th February 2010
Programme budget : £100,000 to £1million Skills for the Future will fund projects which provide paid training placements to meet a skills gap in the heritage sector, and fully support trainees to learn practical skills.It will fund traditional conservation...
More Details >>Scottishpower Energy People Trust
4th February 2010
Applications are accepted for projects from not-for-profit organisations and groups (such as children's charities, local community groups, support organisations, housing associations, local authorities and others).Organisations and groups can apply...
More Details >>Haiti earthquake
25th January 2010
Key Messages· More than 400 Red Cross aid workers have been sent to Haiti, working alongside thousands of Haitian Red Cross staff and volunteers. · There are many more in need than those we are currently reaching – we are scaling up our...
More Details >>Morag Alexander to retire as Scotland Commissioner of Equality and Human Rights Commission.
18th January 2010
Morag Alexander is to retire as Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission when her term of office comes to an end in 2010. Speaking today, Morag said: ' I have greatly enjoyed my time at the Equality and Human Rights Commission...
More Details >>Rural Priorities Assessment Round Dates Spring 2010
15th January 2010
Due to the continuing adverse weather conditions, a decision has been made to extend the dates for the forthcoming Spring assessment round.As announced in a press release on 8 January, the deadline for submitted cases has been extended.Applicants now...
More Details >>Funding for rural communities
15th January 2010
Funding of £96.6 million has been awarded to more than 1,000 projects across rural Scotland.The cash investment comes from the Rural Priorities scheme within the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Projects approved from this round alone will...
More Details >>Planning for health in 2010-2011, the time for third sector action
15th January 2010
At the end of 2009 the updated Menu of Local Outcome Indicators for Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) was released, along with a Good Practice note for their use. Guidance was also released which outlined the priorities and format for Local Delivery Plans...
More Details >>LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND CONGRATULATES CHIEF EXECUTIVE HONOURED BY HM THE QUEEN
13th January 2010
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has congratulated its Chief Executive Mary Craig on being awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List. Chairman Christine Lenihan, speaking on behalf of the Board and colleagues, said: "Mary's commitment...
More Details >>Trustee payments in Scotland 'should all be reported'
12th January 2010
By Paul Jump, Third Sector, 12 January 2010 Proposal by Charity Law Association in response to consultation by Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scottish charities of all sizes should be required to report on any financial interactions they have...
More Details >>£400 million Lottery investment in Scotland's communities
12th January 2010
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG), the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, has announced that £400 million, £100 million more than previously was anticipated, will be invested in Scotland's communities between 2010 and 2015, this...
More Details >>UnLtd Sports Relief Awards (UK)
12th January 2010
UnLtd Sports Relief Awards, a UK wide funding programme funded by Comic Relief, provides opportunities for young people between 11 and 21 years of age to bring communities together, to help promote understanding and solve problems through sport, arts...
More Details >>Jan 14 2010 Highland Third Sector Forum meeting postponed until further notice
5th January 2010
The Highland Third Sector Forum meeting due to take place on January 14th 2010 (11:00 am-13:00 pm followed by lunch)has been postponed due to weather conditions. VAH will work with the HTSF Vice Chair to find a suitable future date. The meetings area...
More Details >>Children in Need launches new grants programme
4th January 2010
Children in Need launches new grants programmeBy Andy Ricketts, Third Sector Online, 23 December 2009 Funding of up to £10,000 a year for three years available to organisations working with young peopleChildren in Need is offering small grants of up...
More Details >>Welcome to the Highland Interface
18th December 2009
The third sector in Highland now has a stronger voice as work progresses with the Highland Interface. Representatives from Voluntary Action Highland(VAH), Volunteering Highland (VH) and the Councils for Voluntary Services (CVSs) are working together...
More Details >>LEADER up to 90 percent intervention
17th December 2009
From 1st January 2010, LEADER Local Action Groups will have the facility to award up to 90 percent of eligible project costs instead of the current 50 percent intervention rate.This increase in intervention rate will be for a trial period of one year...
More Details >>Comment: Agreement reached with other Foundations
17th December 2009
Mary Craig, Chief Executive of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, has commented on the announcement that the other three Foundations have reached agreement with Lloyds Banking Group around interim funding and a revised covenant going forward: "...
More Details >>CHARITIES RECEIVE FINAL FUNDING FROM FOUNDATION
17th December 2009
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has awarded £194,000 in funding to 34 Scottish charities. These are the last planned awards by the Foundation, which was forced to close its doors to new applications in October. Commenting on the latest awards,...
More Details >>New petition on Scottish Parliament website
17th December 2009
There is a new petition on the Scottish Parliament website that calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make representations to the banking and other private funding sectors to ensure that funding which they provide to charities...
More Details >>Paid position available with the MS Society Scotland
17th December 2009
Please find information regarding a paid position with the MS Society Scotland. They are also recruiting Volunteer Self Management Course Leaders. Potential Self Management Course Leaders must have a long term health condition themselves. There is...
More Details >>Using the NHS Scotland Costs Book
17th December 2009
Every year the Information Services Division, Scotland's national organisation for health information, statistics and IT services, collects annual data on the cost of providing health care in Scotland and publishes this information in Scottish Health...
More Details >>Voluntary Action Highland Accepting Applications for Associate Membership
17th December 2009
Voluntary Action Highland is now accepting applications for associate membership with no extra burden or cost to your organisation. If you would like more information and an application form please contact VAH using the details below.Voluntary Action...
More Details >>Communty Chest announces new funding opportunity
17th December 2009
Community Chest is our small grant programme providing grants of up to £1,000 and free training to help small community groups in Scotland sustain and develop their activities. Groups can apply for funding for a wide range of activities or operational...
More Details >>Absentee crofters targeted by new Crofting Bill
17th December 2009
The long-awaited and sometimes controversial new Crofting Reform Bill has been launched at a croft in Inverness-shire by Scottish Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham. The Bill, which follows on from the Shucksmith Report on Crofting and an extensive...
More Details >>Companies Act 2006 - a simple guide to key changes
17th December 2009
To All Organisations that are registered companies: The Companies Act 2006 is changing the law for companies. These changes affect every company operating in the UK. Passed in 2006, the Act reached its final stage of implementation on 1st October 2009...
More Details >>Big Lottery Fund announces new youth programme
11th December 2009
Big Lottery Fund announces new youth programmeBy Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 10 December 2009 Five-year grants available for projects that support young carers, people leaving care and young offendersThe Big Lottery Fund has announced that it...
More Details >>Safeguarding the future of crofting
11th December 2009
Measures to ensure crofting survives as a way of life have been unveiled.The Crofting Reform Bill, published today, will tackle absenteeism, neglect and speculation and protect crofting for future generations.The Bill's key points are:action to address...
More Details >>FOUNDATION WARNS THAT LLOYDS BANKING GROUP MAY BE CONSIDERING TERMINATING RELATIONSHIP
7th December 2009
One of Scotland's leading charitable funders, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, has warned that Lloyds Banking Group may be considering serving notice on the Covenant that provides long-term funding to the organisation. This follows an exchange...
More Details >>European Disability Forum
7th December 2009
EUROPEAN DAY PUTS FOCUS ON INDEPENDENT LIVING: "My real life began when I was 30 years old, the day I left the institution to lIve my own life!"03 December 2009 /// To mark the European Day of People with Disabilities, the European Commission...
More Details >>Commission issues compliance notices to three local authorities on gender inequality: Councils face enforcement action
7th December 2009
The EHRC Commission has issued compliance notices to three local authorities warning that they need to take steps immediately to address gender inequality in their community or face legal action for failing to comply with the Sex Discrimination Act....
More Details >>Commission to hold Inquiry into harassment of disabled people
7th December 2009
The Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland today announced that it intends to conduct a Formal Inquiry into disability related harassment and how public authorities are protecting disabled people's human rights to live free from violence and...
More Details >>The Highland Compact
7th December 2009
The Highland Compact is a written agreement which defines and manages the relationship between public sector organisations and the Third Sector (including voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, cooperatives and mutuals)...
More Details >>Update from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
30th November 2009
Since I last was in touch, a great deal has happened for the Foundation. First of all, can I express our unease and regret over a link being made to the Foundation in recent stories surrounding the resignations of members of the Lloyds TSB Scotland&#...
More Details >>National Freephone Telephone Counselling Service for Disabled People in Scotland
30th November 2009
National Freephone Telephone Counselling Service for Disabled People in Scotland. 08088 01 03 62'Your Call' is a free telephone counselling service which is open to disabled people from all over Scotland. The `Your Call' counsellors are...
More Details >>Sunday saw the successful unveiling of the new logo for the Aviemore Sports Centre Project.
30th November 2009
The event was held at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort and was the conclusion of a competition held throughout Badenoch and Strathspey, working through the local schools to find a logo to use to move the community based project forward.There were...
More Details >>Inverness City Vision: thinking about the Inverness of the future
30th November 2009
Inverness is a special place which means many things to many people - be they city residents, visitors from across the Highlands, and tourists from further afield. The future of Inverness is about people and their relationship with the natural and built...
More Details >>Climate Challenge Fund - grant applications
30th November 2009
As you may be aware, the Climate Challenge Fund is a £27.4M fund (2008-2011) which was set up by the Scottish Government to provide grants to empower communities to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local...
More Details >>OSCR publishes guidance on scrutiny of accounts
26th November 2009
OSCR publishes guidance on scrutiny of accountsBy Dana Nialis, Third Sector Online, 19 November 2009 Scottish regulator offers advice on independent examination and accounting requirementsThe Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has published guidance...
More Details >>Investigating the Community Action of Young People
26th November 2009
The Universities of Cambridge and Leicester, alongside CSV, are looking for organisations that are willing to complete a five minute questionnaire about the young people they work with. You can fill in the survey online here - www.surveymonkey.com/s...
More Details >>Help Scheme is at hand for you to switch to digital TV
26th November 2009
I am sure you are now aware that TV is going digital in North Scotland. The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up by the Government and is run by the BBC. Its purpose is to make digital TV easy for older and disabled people by converting one of their...
More Details >>'Steps for Stress' social marketing campaign - The Scottish Government
24th November 2009
The Steps for Stress campaign was launched to the public and to the media on Monday 2 November 2009. The new campaign is aimed specifically at those experiencing socio-economic deprivation in the 25 - 54 years old age range. It will help individuals...
More Details >>Outcome Focused Planning at a local level
24th November 2009
In our last article we introduced the ideas behind the Outcome Focused Planning Tools which NHS Health Scotland has developed to support community planning partners in developing and measuring their health improvement plans. The tools are available for...
More Details >>Community services and facilities funding to stay with Rural Priorities - for now
23rd November 2009
Funding for community services and facilities under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is to remain under the Rural Priorities option for the time being instead of transferring to LEADER. The switch to LEADER had been announced in September...
More Details >>SCVO Energy partner established now in Scotland
20th November 2009
Following unprecedented demand for their services north of the Border Utility Aid Ltd as the chosen partner in the utilities sector for the SCVO is delighted to introduce Mr Paul Clark as its newly appointed Glasgow based Regional Director, with an...
More Details >>CINEMA IN SCOTLAND'S RURAL COMMUNITIES
20th November 2009
Regional Screen Scotland is the development agency for access to cinemagoing opportunities: improving Moving Image access, participation and learning in Scotland's rural communities. In 2009, working with HI~Arts and Scottish Screen, we awarded over...
More Details >>LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND SETS OUT TO RAISE £12M
20th November 2009
LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND SETS OUT TO RAISE £12M TO CONTINUE FUNDING SCOTLAND'S CHARITIES Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has announced that it is seeking to raise funding of £12m to guarantee its future for the short term. Trustees...
More Details >>Scottish Government consults on regulation of charitable incorporated organisations
20th November 2009
Scottish Government consults on regulation of charitable incorporated organisationsBy Paul Jump, Third Sector Online, 17 November 2009 Responses are sought by February next yearThe Scottish Government has launched a consultation on how tightly Scottish...
More Details >>Regulator consults on integrated reporting
17th November 2009
What is Integrated Reporting? OSCR was formally established as a new statutory regulator in April 2006. Since April 2006 we have developed and published a comprehensive Scottish Charity Register, underpinned by a proportionate reporting system. In...
More Details >>SLCVO Celebrate 60 years of serving the local community
17th November 2009
2009 marks 60 years of serving the local community for Skye & Lochalsh CVO, and this September over 80 people joined the directors and staff in celebrating this milestone anniversary. Many of the services and community activities that happen in...
More Details >>A sexual orientation question for social surveys
17th November 2009
The Scottish Government has published a harmonised question for collecting information on sexual orientation. The question can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About/SurveyHarm and is available for face to face, postal and telephone...
More Details >>Charities to lose music royalties exemption
16th November 2009
By Paul Jarvis, Third Sector Online, 12 November 2009 NCVO brands Government's decision 'shameful' after Intellectual Property Office consultationCharities will have to pay fees for playing music at events or in public places such as charity...
More Details >>Two government reports relevant to alleviate poverty and deprivation released
16th November 2009
1. Informing Future Approaches to Tackling Multiple Deprivation in Communities: Beyond the Fairer Scotland Fund (Summary Report)http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/290858/0089370.pdf Full Report http://www.scvo.org.uk/EvidenceLibrary/Home/ReadResearchItem...
More Details >>Funding success for third sector
5th November 2009
Almost 300 organisations have applied for support from the Scottish Government's £12 million Enterprise Fund.The fund was launched in January to help organisations become more sustainable and increase their capacity.It has received 296 applications...
More Details >>LAUNCHING THE HIGHLAND COMPACT
4th November 2009
Monday 23rd November 2009Thistle Hotel, InvernessA Compact is an agreement between the Public and Third sectors setting out how they will work together. The Highland Compact has been developed over the last 18 months following extensive consultation...
More Details >>Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland: The Twice Yearly Count
29th October 2009
The latest twice yearly count of Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland has been recently published and can be seen by clicking on teh following link: Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland: The Twice Yearly Count - No. 15: January 2009 Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland...
More Details >>Integration in the workplace: emerging employment practice on age, sexual orientation and religion or belief
23rd October 2009
Integration in the workplace: emerging employment practice on age, sexual orientation and religion or beliefhttp://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/research/integration_in_the_workplace.pdf New guidance improves employee productivity, lowers...
More Details >>SCOTTISH CHARITIES HIT BY £6 MILLION BLOW
16th October 2009
Hundreds of Scottish charities are set to lose at least £6m a year in funding with the announcement that the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland is closing its door to new applications for grants for the foreseeable future. However, it is to fully honour...
More Details >>Voluntary Arts Scotland's 2nd National Conference
16th October 2009
Voluntary Arts Scotland's 2nd National Conference, 'Crafting the Arts', is taking place at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, West Lothian, on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2009 and we would love you to join us! Over two days we'll be...
More Details >>Building Community Capacity: guidance for staff working with communities
9th October 2009
New Guidance on Best Practice for Community Capacity Building New guidance on best practice for Community Capacity Building has been published on-line by Learning Connections. The new guidance has been produced in consultation with CCB practitioners...
More Details >>Outcome Focused Planning Tools
9th October 2009
At the recent VHS conference a point was raised that there may be merit in producing a single toolkit which would enable third sector organisations to better demonstrate their impact on health. This is something which crops up from time to time and maybe...
More Details >>Integrated Resource Frameworks
8th October 2009
Welcome to the latest article from Voluntary Health Scotland, which will look at Integrated Resource Frameworks (IRF) and their relevance to the third sector. The IRF approach has been developed as part of Shifting the Balance of Care to help local partners...
More Details >>Companies Act 2006 Changes
8th October 2009
The final changes to the Companies Act 2006 come into force on 1st October 2009. These changes affect every company operating in the United Kingdom. For more information and to view changes visit Companies House Website.
More Details >>OSCR review of annual monitoring
8th October 2009
OSCR have published a review of their annual monitoring programme which compares results from their study of charities' accounting practices for the last three years with the original objectives, and looks at the future of their annual monitoring...
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