The voluntary sector has a long tradition of contributing towards the provision of children's services in Scotland. Voluntary organisations also have a key role in contributing towards local planning of children's services and in representing the views and interests of children and families.
A Compact between the Government and the voluntary sector was signed in October 1998. The Compact is an agreement on the principles of working in partnership, based on a mutual understanding of the distinctive values and roles of the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament and the voluntary sector. Good practice guidance on the Compact has been prepared by the Scottish Executive Voluntary Issues Unit, covering issues including, funding, consultation and partnership working.
Scottish Ministers have acknowledged the vital contribution that voluntary organisations make at national and local level to the delivery and development of children's services, including:
- the ability to attract additional resources and the added value this provides;
- the commitment made by volunteers;
- establishing a positive relationship with children and young people;
- direct experience and specialist knowledge of service delivery; and
- developing innovative and flexible approaches.
The report of the Action Team on Better Integrated Children's Services, For Scotland's Children, noted that the voluntary sector provides many excellent services, but that tendering exercises were absorbing staff and financial resources that could be better directed towards service provision. The Scottish Executive is, therefore, consulting with statutory and voluntary agencies to determine how best to establish long-term service partnership relationships at local level that do not conflict with procurement regulations.
The Scottish Executive has also been working on arrangements to better co-ordinate the funding that it provides direct to voluntary organisations dealing with children and young people. In 2003, following consultation, the Executive established a new funding scheme, The Children, Young People and Families Unified Voluntary Sector Fund, incorporating existing Executive grants in this area. Applications for the Fund are normally invited by mid- November. The Fund was reviewed during 2006. Details of the review and arrangements for the 2007-10 funding round were issued to contacts on 10 November 2006. Organisations currently in receipt of core headquarters grants which are due to expire in March 2007 will be able to apply for continued support. Further information and an application pack are available for those organisations from Children and Families Division.