SLCVO Blog 27 March

This week’s blog explores why members are so important for community groups, and how third sector organisations can benefit from being active members of local networks and forums. We also share an update on what the SLCVO team has been working on and take a closer look at Michelle’s work with SLCVO members.

Team Update

This week, third sector support has seen Michelle begin work with someone exploring the idea of starting a new social enterprise. She spent time understanding what stage they were at in their feasibility research and offered guidance on the next steps before they move on to considering governance structures. She also stared to work with a local village hall that had enquired about changing from an unincorporated structure to an appropriate legal entity. Alongside Michelle, Jo‑Anne also provided organisational support this week, working with a group on a policy review and assisting another organisation to explain proposed changes to their constitution to their membership, ahead of passing a special resolution at their EGM.

On Wednesday, Jo‑Anne was promoting the work of the local third sector at the Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Community Partnership, where she delivered a presentation on third sector health and social care provision and provided an update on the progress of the Skye and Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing, Welfare and Social Care (HWWS) Collaboration. A key observation from the presentation was that, of the 38 groups delivering health and social care services locally, 17 are run entirely by volunteers, and 13 are organisations based outwith the area—operating at Highland, Scotland-wide, or UK-wide levels. With increasing reliance on community‑led groups to provide social care, the presentation highlighted the growing need for capacity building and stronger, more secure funding foundations to support these organisations.

Matt’s week focused on finalising the details for the Community Hubs, which will begin in Dunvegan on 23 April, and meeting with several people on the waiting list for our Befrienders Service. He also began exploring how we can respond to a number of social media posts in which SLCVO and its staff were tagged as a source of help, particularly from people seeking information about social care support in their communities or looking to start local support groups for carers. These community conversations link closely with the Skye and Lochalsh Social Care and Wellbeing Forum, as well as the work of the Hubs and the HWWS Collaboration. Next week, we will reach out to those who engaged online to explore how they can be involved in the ongoing social care discussions and the changes we are seeing at both local and regional levels.

Understanding the role of Members in Third Sector Organisations

Another part of Michelle's work this week involved reviewing our membership. This links closely with Jo-Anne’s support for a local EGM, so we decided it was a good time to take a closer look at the role of members within community groups.

When people picture a third sector organisation, they often think about trustees, directors, or front-line volunteers. But there’s another group who are as important: - the members.

Members act as the organisation’s collective voice and  hold key powers that shape the long‑term direction of the charity, community group, or social enterprise.

Members can come from a wide range of groups, including volunteers, service users or beneficiaries, community members or supporters, local residents, and subscribers. For unincorporated bodies, membership is often broad and can be less formal. For incorporated groups there will be a membership application process. In some organisations this is open, meaning anyone in the community has the automatic right to become a member. In others, applications are reviewed by the trustees, who have constitutional powers to approve or reject membership requests.

Regardless of how members are appointed, every group’s membership holds important powers set out in its governing document. These usually relate to accountability and transparency, including the ability to appoint (and remove) trustees/directors, and to approve changes to the group's governing document. Members also provide invaluable grassroots insight and demonstrate strong community representation, both of which help strengthen the organisation’s credibility with funders.

From a group’s point of view, having members also introduces important processes required under legislation these include:

• Data Protection (UK GDPR & DPA 2018): Groups must lawfully collect, store and manage members’ personal information. See our blog from 13th March.

• Charity Law (OSCR): Charities must keep accurate member records and follow constitutional rules when members make key decisions.

• Company Law (Companies Act 2006): Incorporated organisations must maintain a formal member register and follow strict rules for meetings and resolutions.

• Governing Document Compliance: Membership must be managed exactly as set out in the constitution.

If you would like to review whether your organisation is compliant with these regulations, we can arrange a membership process review. Please email michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk to discuss this further.

Why SLCVO Membership Matters

This week Michelle has been connecting with our members across Skye, Lochalsh, Raasay and Wester Ross. As part of our membership review, we’ve been reaching out to groups and individuals across the area to confirm contact details, renew memberships, and invite everyone to take part in a short survey that helps us shape our work for the year ahead.

So far, tailored emails have been sent to:

• 18 groups in Lochalsh

• 6 regional/national groups

• 2 groups based in Raasay

• 10 groups in Wester Ross

• 7 individual members

• 31 Skye‑based groups

Next week, we’ll continue by contacting the remaining 61 Skye‑based groups.

At SLCVO, every member matters. Whether your group is a village hall, a development trust, a mother and toddler group, a wellbeing project or a peer support group, your work forms part of the lifeblood of community life here. Membership is one of the most important ways your contribution to our communities is represented, championed and heard.

Five reasons to join SLCVO:

Membership is FREE - There is no charge to become a member. Any eligible group or individual can join at no cost (full details on our website). Being part of SLCVO is accessible to everyone in our community.

Be informed - Members can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates on:

• local and national funding opportunities

• changes in legislation and compliance

• third sector news

• community projects and events

It’s a simple way to stay connected with what matters.

Reach a wider audience - We help shine a spotlight on your work. Members can promote:

• services

• activities and events

• volunteering opportunities

• employment vacancies

We share through our newsletter, social media channels and events—helping your group connect with the people who need you.

Amplify your voice - Your voice influences local decision‑making. SLCVO represents the third sector in Community Planning through:

• the SLWR Highland Council  Community Planning Partnership (SLWRCPP)

• The SLWR NHS Highland District Partnership

• the Highland Third Sector Interface, feeding into Highland-wide discussions

By being a member, you help shape priorities and ensure community-led groups are heard at local, regional and national levels.

Guide the future of SLCVO - Members help keep us accountable and on track. They:

• attend our AGM and any general meetings

• vote on the election of directors

• participate in decisions about changes to our governing documents

• influences how SLCVO develops and responds to community needs.

Become a Member of SLCVO

Apply online here:https://www.slcvo.org.uk/slcvo-membership-application-form

Membership of Local Forums and Networks

Across Skye and Lochalsh, third sector organisations are facing increasing pressures, rising demand, tightening budgets, and complex community needs. In times like these, being part of local forums and networks isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. These spaces bring together charities, community groups, social enterprises, public services, and partners to share, collaborate, and strengthen the collective voice of the sector.

Here’s why joining your local forums and networks can make a real difference to your organisation and the communities you support.

• Stronger Voice and Influence - When organisations come together, their collective voice becomes stronger. Being part of local networks ensures your group contributes to important discussions about services, priorities, funding and policy. It helps you highlight issues, influence decisions and make sure the needs of your service users are represented. Working collectively often has greater impact than acting alone.

• Better Partnership Working - Local forums also open doors to partnership opportunities. Many collaborations only happen when people meet, share ideas and understand each other’s work. Networks help you build relationships, find complementary services and develop joint projects, reducing duplication and strengthening support for communities.

• Access to Up‑to‑Date Information - Membership provides access to current information in a fast‑changing sector, from funding opportunities to policy updates and training. Staying connected keeps your organisation informed and better prepared to respond to change.

• Increased Visibility and Credibility - Being part of these networks also increases your visibility. It shows funders, partners and the community that your organisation is engaged and committed to working collaboratively, improving trust and referral pathways.

• Peer Support and Problem‑Solving - For smaller or volunteer‑run groups, forums offer valuable peer support. They create a space to share experiences, solve problems together and learn from others, helping organisations stay resilient and confident.

• A Better Understanding of Community Needs - Networks also broaden your understanding of local needs. Hearing from others gives insight into trends, gaps and emerging issues, helping you shape services that remain relevant and responsive.

• A Stronger, More Connected Sector - Ultimately, when organisations connect through local networks, the whole sector becomes stronger. Information flows more easily, collaboration grows and communities benefit from more coordinated and effective support.

Key Forums and Networks

In the Skye and Lochalsh area, key forums and networks include:

The Skye and Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing, Welfare and Social Care (HWWS) Collaboration facilitated by SLCVO with the aim of reshaping how health and social care services are developed and delivered across our communities.https://www.slcvo.org.uk/hwws-collaboration

Skye & Lochalsh Community Sport Hub supports and empowers all sections of the community to take part in sport and physical activity, with links to local groups and events. https://www.highlifehighland.com/community-sport/clubs-and-community

The Parent Hub Highland (Planet Youth) a connected network for parents and carers that brings people together through interactive features designed to share support, ideas and local knowledge. https://nhsh.uk.engagementhq.com/planet-youth-highland?tool=qanda

Community Councils are a local, voluntary bodies established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Their core purpose is to represent the views of their communities and act as the local voice in discussions with Highland Council and other public bodies. https://www.highland.gov.uk/community-living/community-councils

There are also regular consultations that seek the input of the third sector and local communities, covering everything from planning and service design to wellbeing, transport and local priorities. To stay informed and make sure your organisation never misses an opportunity to have its voice heard, keep up to date by following SLCVO on Facebook.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SLCVO