A Year of Growth, Challenge, and Progress
13th February 2025
An update from Ian Bruce, GCVS Chief Executive at our AGM
A Sector Under Pressure
The context in which we operate remains tough. The demand on our sector has been steadily increasing since the mid-2000s, and the pandemic only exacerbated this trend. Many of you stepped up to respond to what was initially seen as a temporary crisis, but the reality is that this additional workload has not disappeared. Demand continues to grow, driven by the long-term impacts of Covid, demographic and societal shifts, and ongoing pressures on public services.
The economic landscape and external policy decisions are further straining the quality of life for the city’s most vulnerable citizens. Many of you witness these struggles daily. We know our members work tirelessly to support their communities. Our sector plays a critical role as a safety net, but that safety net frays when organisations themselves face existential threats.
- This year alone, the number of organisations we supported through our free capacity-building programme rose by 40%, from just under 350 to over 500.
- Our 2024 annual survey further highlighted the challenges:
- 68% of respondents cited insecure or insufficient funding as a major concern
- 67% reported a significant increase in demand for their services.
These figures underscore the importance of our work and our collective need to advocate for sustainable funding and resources.
Driving Change Through Service Design and Collaboration
Public service reform has been on the agenda for over a decade, yet the need for urgent redesign has never been greater. Strengthening communities, prioritising prevention and early intervention, and fostering collaboration must be at the heart of these reforms.
A key initiative in this area is the city’s Child Poverty Programme (formerly the Child Poverty Pathfinder), in which GCVS plays a vital role. Alongside the Council, DWP, housing associations, and financial inclusion organisations, we are ensuring that third sector voices and citizen experiences shape service design. Our focus includes improving commissioning processes and embedding the voluntary sector in meaningful collaboration.
Read more about the No Wrong Door project – part of Glasgow’s Child Poverty Programme and watch our video with families and partners who took part in Glasgow’s All Age Childcare Co-Design project.
Advancing Fair Work
Throughout the last year, we have continued with our exploration into Fair Work in the third sector, following our report produced by the University of Strathclyde. The findings confirmed what many of us already knew: the third sector attracts incredible people who are passionate about making a difference. While we excel in areas such as respect and engagement, we continue to face significant challenges around pay and job security.
In response, GCVS has committed £60,000 annually over the next two years to support meaningful progress in Fair Work. This initiative aims to help organisations navigate the current funding environment while also pressing funders to create conditions that enable fair employment practices.
Expanding Opportunities Through Paid Work Placements
This year saw the successful launch of our Paid Work Placement programme, funded by Glasgow City Council and delivered in partnership with Move On, the Chamber of Commerce, CEMVO, and Enable. In its first year, the programme created 85 paid placements for individuals facing employment barriers. We were thrilled when the programme was extended to September 2025, and we remain hopeful for a further extension that will enable even more opportunities within the third sector.
Leading on Human Rights and Climate Change
In our strategy, we committed to prioritising three key areas: Fair Work, Human Rights, and Climate Change, and we are making strides.
Our Scotland-wide Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities (THRE) project – funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Third Sector Interfaces in the Highlands and Edinburgh – aims to improve the understanding and implementation of human rights within the voluntary sector. This work strengthens organisational practices and enhances the sector’s ability to advocate for citizens’ rights.
We were delighted to launch the Glasgow Climate Action Hub in collaboration with partners this year. A resource which supports communities and organisations in taking meaningful climate action. Initial funding has been extended to cover 2024-25, and we are optimistic that both the THRE project and the Climate Hub will receive further Scottish Government funding for 2025-26.
Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing
2023-24 marked the third year of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, through which GCVS has had the privilege of distributing nearly £1.8 million to voluntary organisations in the city. While demand for funding continues to exceed supply, we are encouraged by the Scottish Government’s decision to include this fund in its Fair Funding pilot, securing at least two more years of support.
A New Home for GCVS
Finally, an update on our home base.
As we have previously shared, The Albany is no longer the right fit for GCVS post-pandemic. We are pleased to confirm that the building is being sold to a community organisation that can make full use of its potential. This transition also presents an opportunity for GCVS to hold larger events in spaces run by our members, strengthening our connections across the city.
For our own offices, we have purchased a new property on Argyle Street, which is currently being refurbished. We look forward to welcoming you there in the near future.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing our sector remain significant, but so do the opportunities. GCVS will continue to championing the voluntary sector, advocating for fair funding, and supporting organisations to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Glasgow.
Thank you for your continued commitment, collaboration, and passion for making a difference. Here’s to another year of progress and impact.