SLCVO Blog 21st November 2025

This week, we spotlight the working week of our Third Sector Support Officer Michelle Seviour. From sharing wellbeing directories and attending training on Community Benefit Societies to exploring Martyn’s Law and promoting cybercrime awareness resources, Michelle’s week was packed with practical support and strategic insights

Meet Michelle – Our Third Sector Support Officer

Michelle Seviour is SLCVO’s Third Sector Support Officer, working 21 hours a week over three days. With over 25 years of experience supporting third sector organisations and community groups, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that local groups can rely on. Her insight and practical support make her an invaluable resource for anyone navigating governance, funding, or community development challenges.

As we take a closer look at Michelle’s working week and the variety of ways she supports groups across Skye and Lochalsh you will see we never have two days the same here at SLCVO.

Monday Michelle spent Monday on the road visiting Dunvegan and Portree, to distribute the Wellbeing and Community Support Services Directories and meet with local groups. She also sent out our latest newsletter, which currently has an average open rate of 50%, but a lower click-through rate. We’d love your ideas on how we can improve newsletter engagement. Take a look at the newsletter here and share your impressions and suggestions with Michelle at michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk.

Tuesday Michelle and Jo Ford joined an informative training session by DTAS and the Democratic Finance Team, gaining valuable insights into Community Benefit Societies and how they can support local development. See the next post for more information.

Wednesday Alongside following up on enquiries and planning for the new year, Michelle:

• Took a rare opportunity to read up on Martyn’s Law officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – a new UK legislation designed to improve security and preparedness at public premises and events. It introduces a tiered approach requiring those responsible for venues to plan how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and for larger venues, to take steps to reduce vulnerability. The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack, and aims to make public spaces safer. Michelle will be sharing more detailed information and practical guidance over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our updates.

• Shared details with development trusts about the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund. https://www.sserenewables.com/communities/sustainable-development-fund/ 

• Confirmed 22 January for the next Online Fraud and Cybercrime Awareness session and added a new resource-packed information page on SLCVO website for easy reference (details later in Blog). Anyone interested in this free one-hour online session can sign up here: https://www.slcvo.org.uk/help-with-online-fraud-awareness.

• Confirmed 14 January for the next Reduce Reuse Recycle Working Group online meeting and extended an open invite to join: https://www.slcvo.org.uk/working-with-groups-in-skye-and-lochalsh.

Other Highlights Michelle also responded to enquiries, including one group requesting a governance health check and another seeking support to tackle social isolation issues—important priorities as we look ahead to 2026.

Understanding Community Benefit Societies

At SLCVO, we’re always looking for ways to help community organisations thrive. One option that’s gaining momentum is the Community Benefit Society (CBS) model – a legal structure designed to embed community ownership and democratic control while running a business or enterprise for community benefit.

What Is a Community Benefit Society?

A CBS is registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It’s not a company and isn’t governed by the Companies Act, but it offers unique advantages for community-led projects.

Key Features:

• One member, one vote – regardless of shareholding.

• Ability to issue community shares, enabling local people to invest and become members.

• Shares are withdrawable but non-transferable – no speculation or capital gain.

• Asset lock ensures assets remain for community benefit.

• Members and directors have limited liability (up to the value of their shares).

• Can apply for charitable status with OSCR and HMRC for tax benefits.

Why Choose a CBS?

CBS structures are ideal for projects that need community investment and want to strengthen local engagement. They’re commonly used for:

• Renewable energy schemes

• Community hubs

• Shops, pubs, and other rural enterprises

Unlike Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG) or Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO), CBS can raise funds through community shares and bonds, making them a powerful tool for sustainable development.

Where to Learn More

If you’re considering this model, here are some excellent resources:

• https://www.uk.coop/resources/community-shares-handbook-cs

• https://www.uk.coop/resources/community-shares-finance-guide

• https://plunkett.co.uk

Online Fraud and Cybercrime Awareness – Resource Hub

SLCVO’s Online Fraud and Cybercrime Awareness page is a one-stop resource hub designed to help community groups strengthen their digital security and reduce the risk of online fraud. The resources, compiled in partnership with Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Harm Prevention Unit, include:

• SCVO Tools – A cyber incident response checklist, a 10-minute digital health check, and guidance on GDPR compliance.

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) –

  • Cyber Action Plan (3–5 minutes to assess your security)

  • Top Tips for Staff training covering phishing, passwords, device security, and reporting incidents

  • Advice on 2-Step Verification, strong passwords, and data backup.

• Email Security Check – A free government service to protect against spoofing and improve email privacy.

• Cyber Essentials Knowledge Hub – Step-by-step guidance for fully remote charities.

These practical tools and tips are aimed at helping voluntary organisations spot, respond to, and prevent cybercrime, ensuring safer online practices for everyone.

Visit https://www.slcvo.org.uk/help-with-online-fraud-awareness

What is a Health Check?

A health check is a review of your group’s governance and operational processes. It helps you assess whether your organisation is following good practice and meeting legal requirements. By going through SLCVO’s Health Checklist, you can identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Why is it Important?

• Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

• Highlights gaps in policies, procedures, and governance.

• Supports better planning, risk management, and sustainability.

• Builds confidence among trustees, members, and stakeholders.

• Regular reviews help keep your group effective, transparent, and resilient.

How SLCVO Can Help

SLCVO can help you to carry out a health checks and guide you through improvements. If your group would like to explore this, contact Michelle by email michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk 

SLCVO Attends Culture and Ways of Working Sounding Board Session

On Monday, Jo Ford joined the Culture and Ways of Working across Public Services Sounding Board, chaired by Maggie Cunningham and Kate Willis on behalf of the Highland Poverty and Equality Commission.

The session explored how organisational culture and collaborative approaches influence efforts to reduce poverty across Highland. Key discussion points included:

• How decision-making is shaped by organisational culture.

• Promoting empathy and understanding of lived experiences of poverty.

• Identifying cultural barriers to innovation.

• Assessing whether current ways of working are agile enough to respond to complex challenges.

• Improving collaboration between public services and the Third Sector.

This conversation is part of ongoing work to strengthen partnerships between the Highland Council, NHS Highland, and community organisations, ensuring that frontline staff have the flexibility and resources to better support people experiencing poverty.

Jo’s Reflection:“The event was very useful for sharing the issues and challenges we see in Skye and Lochalsh at a regional level. I had the opportunity to highlight the essential work by Skye & Lochalsh CAB and was heartened by the drive in the room for change and the openness to listening to grassroots community needs.”

If you know anyone who is looking for support, the following organisations can help:

• Skye and Lochalsh CAB: https://www.slcab.org.uk/

• Skye and Lochalsh Foodbank: https://skyefoodbank.co.uk/

• Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association: https://www.lsha.co.uk/

• Highland Council Welfare Support Team: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20022/cost_of_living/1024/help_with_the_cost_of_living

Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum – Adult Services

On Wednesday, we hosted the Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum for Adult Services. The session was held online and brought together around 12 organisations working across the area. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from new Mind, Body and Menopause group at Skye and Lochalsh Meant Health Association  to the ongoing challenges around the lack of crisis support for those facing drug and alcohol issues. These discussions are vital for shaping collaborative approaches and ensuring that local voices are heard. Next week’s blog will dive deeper into the forum discussion and explore potential solutions raised.