SLCVO

In this week’s blog, we explore what data protection really means for community groups and charities. We look at the common pitfalls organisations can fall into—and how to avoid them—along with the core data protection policies every group should have in place. We also explain how the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can support you to stay compliant, highlight recent changes in legislation, and provide a simple checklist that boards and committees can use to strengthe

In this week’s blog, we take a look at a week full of learning, collaboration and useful tools to support community groups across Skye and Lochalsh. We share updates on our committee governance training, highlights from Michelle’s funding workshop and review our online Cybercrime and Online Fraud Awareness resource hub. There is an update on the new Highland CPP report on health inequalities, insights on volunteer minibus use, and a quick guide to using PowerPoint Live in Tea

This week’s blog highlights a range of consultations and opportunities for groups to get involved in — from funding and childcare to onshore community benefits and Cross‑Party Group meetings on islands. It also reflects on the team’s week and shares useful resources to support young trustees. Team Update This week, the SLCVO team have once again been out and about across the area — covering around 350 miles between us. When not on the road, the team held six 1:1 meetings with

This week’s blog highlights the rich tapestry of cultural, recreational, and sports third sector organisations across Skye and Lochalsh, alongside an update on SLCVO’s Spring Training Sessions and what the team has been working on. Team Update This week, Jo-Anne and Matt have been focusing on adult social care—an area where our Befrienders Service contributes alongside many other community groups across Skye and Lochalsh. Early in the week, we were preparing for next week’s D

This week’s blog highlights support for older people across Skye & Lochalsh, signposts useful local services, and explores why intergenerational work is so important for our communities. Team Update This week, Jo-Anne and Michelle met with Jo Cowan, Age Scotland’s National Community Development Officer, who is planning a series of events over the coming months to bring together local lunch clubs and other groups supporting older people. It was great to catch up with Jo and di

This week we explore how to get involved in volunteering, what a group needs to consider when changing their governing documents, and take a look at support for village halls including SCVO’s Village & Community Halls Handbook and OSCR's guidance. This week, the SLCVO team was working at around 50% capacity as Jo‑Anne was off ill for three days. When she was working, Jo‑Anne supported a couple of groups looking to update their governing documents and met with a couple of peop

This week we highlight new collaborations supporting cancer bereavement, update on the Community Outreach Hub project, and shine a spotlight on vital local services shaping community wellbeing. Third Sector Support Services This week, Michelle has been busy working on our Service User Survey and Membership Review, along with planning our spring training week at the start of March.   She has also been reviewing the updated UK‑wide Charities Statement of Recommended Practice: A

This week we explore how the third sector brings investment into Skye and Lochalsh. We highlight the scale of funding flowing through local charities—almost £30 million—and where that investment is going, from community facilities and health projects to support for young carers. Nearly £30 Million Flowing Into Our Communities Through Charities Charities bring a significant and often under‑recognised level of investment into our local communities. New analysis from publicly av

In this week’s blog, we’re sharing a round‑up of key activity across SLCVO, including team highlights, our latest performance statistics, an update from the ‘Gaps in Services’ workshop held in November, and a short introduction to governing documents Third Sector Support Services On Wednesday, Michelle hosted the second Reduce, Recycle, Reuse  event, bringing together a range of community groups to explore actions in more depth and establish a working group to take forward th

The First Blog of 2026 by Jo-Anne Ford SLCVO Chief Officer   The SLCVO team is excited about the year ahead, with several new projects on the horizon. We’ll continue to build on our training and support services for community groups and deliver regular outreach sessions across the area.   I kicked off the new year at the Skye and Raasay Future Board meeting, where partners including The Highland Council, HIE, Development Trusts, SLCVO, and the West Highland Chamber of Commerc