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Welcome to Interchange - your source for the latest third sector news, policy resources, events and funding information.
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GCVS Manifesto for a Fairer and Healthier Glasgow
GCVS is calling for action to make Glasgow a fairer and healthier city in our 2016 Manifesto for May's Scottish Parliamentary elections. We shaped our manifesto following extensive engagement and research undertaken throughout 2015-16, including a special event devoted to the subject with third sector organisations in March 2016.
Our manifesto calls for action by our elected representatives under four broad headings:
- to end poverty and inequality,
- to maximise the third sector's contribution to partnership and prevention,
- to ensure stable investment for the third sector and;
- to effectively empower people and communities.
The conversations that we have had throughout this process have proven that notions of social justice, and the desire to make this country a fairer place remain strong in Glasgow.
This is our Manifesto for a Fairer and Healthier Glasgow
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OSCR Updates guidance for trustees
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has updated their guidance to reflect the practical experience of many Scottish charities. The law and charity trustees duties have not changed. The guidance sets out, in a more straightforward way, what charity trustees must consider, so that they meet legal requirements, ensure that their charities are well-run, and avoid some of the common problems that can arise. More
For organisations interested in political campaigning at this time of year, electoral laws apply. OSCR provides guidance on this issue on their website.
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Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (previously known as the Historical Child Abuse Inquiry) was established on 1 October 2015. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference cover that period which is within living memory of any person who suffered abuse as a child whilst in care. The abuse must have taken place not beyond 17 December 2014.
The Inquiry has released an important communication on the preservation of records that organisations working with children and young people should be aware of.
The Inquiry will be interested in records relating to any legal responsibilities which organisations may have or have had in relation to children in care. The Inquiry may also be interested in records relating to the ongoing effects of abuse for victims and their families. More
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Auto enrolment: - don’t forget your Declaration of Compliance
If you have reached or will soon reach your staging date (the date that an employer must start to comply with the law on automatic workplace pensions enrolment) then remember that you must also complete a Declaration of Compliance.
This must be completed and submitted within 5 months after your staging date. It is completed online. You cannot submit it before your staging date but you can start filling it in in advance.
The Pensions Regulator has produced a webinar which explains all about what it is and what employers must do.
The Pensions Regulator has also provided a checklist of all the information that you will need to complete the declaration, and where to find it.
GCVS Employers Advice Service provides information, advice and support on all aspects of employing and managing paid staff.
Contact Linden Stables to find out how little it would cost for your organisation to subscribe.
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Glasgow seniors co-housing project plans revealed
Plans have been revealed for a seniors co-housing project in Glasgow in a submission to Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee. Pollokshields has been chosen as the destination for the project, which is based on a Danish model and aims to provide communal spaces for residents over the age of 55 in a bid to tackle social isolation. More
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GCVS IT Service and IT Health Checks
Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector has over thirty years experience of providing practical, expert support to Glasgow’s voluntary and community organisations. This includes our highly-regarded I.T. support service, which is available at low-cost to our member organisations.
Interested? Then test us out at no obligation by taking our free IT Check-up. For more information about our service email Maureen.macmillan@gcvs.org.uk or tel: 0141 332 2444. |
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Funding for sheds in local communities available
A new fund is now open to support the opening of sheds in Scotland’s communities. The Men in Sheds movement has proved popular with older men, who are often hardest to reach and have some of the poorest health outcomes. Sheds provide a space for men to meet, share tools, make things and socialise and are one response to tackling isolation among older people. Set up by the Asda Foundation, the fund will award grants of between £250 and £1,000 to groups looking to set up sheds in their own communities. More
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Do you know a family that could do with a free break?
As part of VisitScotland’s Spirit of Scotland campaign, a range of Scottish businesses will allow almost 100 vulnerable and disadvantaged Scottish families the opportunity to experience more of the Spirit of Scotland for themselves.
All families must be referred by someone who knows them professionally like a teacher, social worker, health visitor or another charity so please circulate this to your colleagues, contacts and partner organisations. More |
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Consultation on the community right to buy abandoned, neglected or detrimental land as introduced by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
The consultation seeks comments and feedback on policy proposals relating to certain key aspects of forthcoming secondary legislation for Part 3A of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the community right to buy abandoned, neglected or detrimental land. More
Asset Transfer under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015: Consultation on Draft Regulations
Community ownership or control of land and buildings can make a major contribution to empowering communities. It helps to provide stability and a sustainable base from which a community organisation can develop its activities, and can create a stronger sense of community identity and cohesion. More
Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 – Participation Requests: Consultation on Draft Regulations
Participation requests are a new process which will allow a community body to enter into dialogue with public authorities about local issues and local services on their terms. More
Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 - Community Planning Guidance and Regulation Consultation on Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, Part 2 Community Planning, Guidance and Regulation. High quality public services which work together and with Scotland's communities are essential to support a fair and prosperous society. More
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 1 - Children's Rights and Services Planning
This consultation seeks your views on a) non-statutory guidance for Part 1 (section 2) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, which cover duties on each public authority named in the Act to publish a report every 3 years on steps it has taken to give better or further effect to children’s rights. More
Consultation on the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility
Our vision of Scotland as the Best Place to Grow Up is one that extends to all our children and young people. A holistic approach to understanding and responding to the needs of children and young people, including those involved in offending behaviour. More
Reports/resources
Destitution in the UK
A Joseph Rowntree Report on the desperate plight of people experiencing destitution in the UK. More
GCVS Quick Guide to welfare benefit reforms
GCVS has produced this useful quick guide to explain the changes that have been made to the social security system, including the introduction of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits. More
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