Standing Together to Strengthen Glasgow’s Voluntary Sector

31st October 2024

A guest blog from our Partnerships and Membership Coordinator, Lynn Williams

After returning to GCVS in the new role of Partnerships and Membership Coordinator, I wanted to reintroduce myself to members and the sector in Glasgow. Spending a year working with organisations (TSIs) like GCVS across Scotland, one thing stands out: Charities and community groups across the country share the same challenges to find sustainable funding to respond to increased demand from citizens.

Three things have exacerbated that demand: 1. Responding to the devastating effects of austerity, plugging the gaps that cuts to public services left behind; 2. Being at the heart of community and shielding responses to the COVID pandemic and 3. The cost of living crisis. Yet again, we are the fourth emergency service, seeing more and more people in real need, standing with them, and offering desperately needed assistance and advice. Your work is invaluable, and the impact you make is immeasurable.

We understand the challenges

Like colleagues across our sector, at GCVS, we have been worried about the new Government’s first Budget. The language surrounding it has been all about ‘tough choices’, decisions that make it harder still for our sector to survive. As we begin to analyse some of the key announcements made at the Despatch box this week, we know that some choices will likely fall onto the shoulders of those already isolated, facing poverty or who focus purely on surviving every day. That’s especially the case for social security reform.

We’re taking some time to review the details, but all the key documents can be accessed here.

It is clear that we will need to unite and dig deep (again) to find the energy to stand up for people and communities who feel left behind by big set pieces like the Budget. And we’re having to do that at a time when public finances and Government decisions have led to an incredibly difficult operating environment for frontline voluntary organisations. Especially as our recent research shows:

“…‘we’ve not really had the period to recover in terms of well-being and energy and demand’. (GCVS and University of Strathclyde research, 2024)

At GCVS, we’re doing everything possible to support the many life-changing community organisations working across Glasgow. Whether through advice on funding and income generation, training to upskill staff and volunteers, and networks and events that bring us together with key decision-makers, our team is listening to and working with organisations and groups across the City, to tackle poverty and inequality.

How can we support you?

Our annual survey helps us gather your feedback and ideas. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete this for us. We’d particularly like to hear about the challenges your organisation is facing, your experiences with GCVS, and anything we can do to improve, including our services and membership offer. There’s an open question at the end where you can include anything you think might be relevant!

Coming up

We’re planning a range of exclusive events and updates over the coming months. Our round table event with senior Bank of England officials on the 14 November, will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the impact of the Budget. Join us to share your organisation’s experiences and those of communities you support with the Bank, which plays a huge role in how the economy works.

We’ll also share a budget analysis with members, and at a special General Meeting on 7 November where we’ll consider the key announcements in more detail and what these mean for communities in Glasgow. Members are also being asked to vote on some changes to our resolutions. Please email membership@gcvs.org.uk to join us for that (online).

Another event will take place on 13 December with Emma Hutton, Chief Executive of Just Right Scotland, looking at what happens now that the planned Human Rights Bill has been delayed.

It’s vital for people and communities that our sector stands and works together as we face yet another difficult period – so we hope you can join us, meet and collaborate with organisations across Glasgow. Please do consider becoming a member if you aren’t already.

Is there more we can do?

As Partnerships and Membership coordinator, I’d also be delighted to come and meet you and your organisation to hear about what would help ensure we’re doing all we can as your local TSI. Please contact me by email at lynn.williams@gcvs.org.uk.

Read the Governments Summary of the 2024 Autumn Budget here