Is this Scotland’s Last Chance to Get Reform Right?

22nd September 2026

Glasgow’s Third Sector Calls for a Seat at the Table

Last week, GCVS members met with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, to discuss the future of public services in Scotland and showcase the vital work taking place across Glasgow’s third sector.

The event built on the policy priorities members developed ahead of the Scottish General Election and reinforced a clear message to the new administration: if public services are to be successfully reformed, the third sector must be involved from the outset.

Members challenged the Cabinet Secretary to ensure community organisations are not simply consulted but recognised as equal partners in shaping the future of services and support.

Public Services Reform: A Defining Opportunity

Public services reform is a central priority for the Scottish Government and features prominently within the recently published Programme for Government.

There was broad agreement in the room that the current system is under immense pressure and cannot continue as it is. Public services face growing demand, workforce challenges and financial constraints. At the same time, communities are experiencing the effects of wider global uncertainty, rising living costs and increasing inequality.

Against this backdrop, people are looking for hope and for practical change that improves lives.

For our members, that must be the starting point for reform.

The redesign of local governance and public services should focus on creating better outcomes for people and communities. Members urged the Government to match its ambitions with bold action and greater urgency.

Is This Scotland’s Last Chance to Get Reform Right?

A strong theme emerged throughout the discussion: this feels like a pivotal moment.

There was a tangible sense that Scotland has a real opportunity to build stronger communities and more effective public services. However, alongside that optimism sat a degree of scepticism. Many in the room have been around the block a few times; they’ve seen previous reform programmes but little lasting change.

This time must be different.

Reform must address the power imbalance between communities and public institutions. It must reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthen accountability and ensure decisions are shaped by the people most affected by them.

If reform simply reshuffles structures without changing how power, resources and decisions are shared, the opportunity will be lost.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Communities

The urgency expressed by members reflects the realities organisations and communities across Scotland face.

Discussions highlighted several key concerns:

• The ongoing crisis in social care.
• The cumulative impact of public sector funding reductions.
• Growing demand for support services.
• Increasingly divisive political rhetoric directed towards people receiving benefits, asylum seekers and refugees.

On this final point, members welcomed the Cabinet Secretary’s clear and unequivocal response.

She described social security as an investment in people and society and highlighted the positive contributions made by disabled people and those seeking refuge in Scotland.

For many organisations present, these comments provided important reassurance at a time when inclusive and compassionate leadership is needed more than ever.

Prevention Works but Requires Investment

Prevention and early intervention featured heavily throughout the conversation.

This is an area where third sector organisations consistently demonstrate their value. Every day, community organisations help prevent crises, support families experiencing poverty, improve mental and physical wellbeing and strengthen local communities.

Yet many organisations described how rising public sector pressures have shifted their focus to responding to crises and filling gaps elsewhere in the system.

Despite years of discussion about prevention, funding arrangements often remain short-term and insecure. Progress on fairer funding and greater financial stability has been too slow, while demand for support continues to rise.

The result is a sector that continues to deliver, but one that is increasingly stretched.

The Third Sector Is Ready to Help Shape Solutions

Despite these challenges, members spoke passionately about the impact their organisations are making across Glasgow every day.

They shared examples of work that:

• Supports families to move out of poverty.
• Improves mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Provides opportunities for children and young people to thrive.
• Strengthens communities through early intervention and prevention.
• Helps people access support before problems escalate.

Their message to the Cabinet Secretary was clear:

“We want to be at the heart of public services reform. We can help. We have ideas. Involve us now.”

Members also highlighted successful examples of collaborative investment, including the Wellbeing Fund and the Whole Family Third Sector Delivery Funds, as evidence of the difference community-led services can make, when properly supported.

A Seat at the Table Must Mean Just That

As the Scottish Government begins to develop reform proposals alongside public sector partners, participants made it clear that the third sector must be part of those conversations from the beginning.

If community organisations are genuinely valued for their expertise, insight and local connections, they cannot be brought in as an afterthought.

Scotland’s third sector is already helping to address some of the country’s biggest social challenges. It has the experience, evidence and relationships needed to help shape solutions.

The challenge now is whether government is prepared to make the sector a genuine partner in delivering the reform Scotland needs.

Because if this moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape public services, we cannot afford to get it wrong.

Stay Connected with GCVS

If you’re part of Glasgow’s voluntary, community or social enterprise sector and want to help shape conversations like these, become a GCVS member. Membership is free for voluntary-led groups and gives you opportunities to influence policy, connect with peers, access support, and ensure your organisation’s voice is heard.