Scottish Government website
Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations
A Charity Registered in Scotland SC013885 and Company Limited by Guarantee SC0177372
Tigh Lisigarry, Bridge Road, Portree, Isle of Skye. IV51 9ER
SLCVO provide both HTSI Funded support and specialist support services that are funded separately.
HTSI-Funded Support from SLCVO (Free Services)
SLCVO receives funding from the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) to deliver free support to third sector organisations in Skye and Lochalsh. This funding is provided through an annual contract. Our work is primarily focused on local service provision, which is agreed each year and tailored to local priorities.
CONTACT Michelle Seviour SLCVO's Third Sector Support Officer
PHONE 01478 612921
EMAIL michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk
Support Covered by HTSI Funding
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New & Emerging Groups - We support groups that are just starting out by offering:
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Help to identify and clearly describe local needs and priorities
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Guidance on how the third sector works across Highland
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Advice on choosing the right legal structure
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Access to key templates (e.g. constitutions and policies)
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Support to explore funding and resource opportunities
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Governance Support - We help boards and trustees build confidence and good practice:
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1:1 advice and coaching on governance
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Support with roles, responsibilities, and compliance
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Guidance on managing conflicts of interest
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Board skills reviews and strategic planning support
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Crisis Support (we do not mediate or intervene in disputes, but can refer you to appropriate services)
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Organisation Support - We provide practical guidance to strengthen organisations:
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Organisational health checks and resilience reviews
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Support to assess risks and consider options
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Signposting to specialist or national support services
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Guidance-based support, we can help groups navigate available guidance offering advice on what’s most relevant to your situation
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Funding Readiness (Not Bid Writing) -We help you get ready to apply for funding:
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Advice on preparing for funding applications
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Help identifying suitable funders
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Support to develop ideas, outcomes, and project focus
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Feedback on draft applications (“critical friend” support)
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Guidance on strengthening user involvement
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Signposting to specialist funding support where needed
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Connection, Voice & Partnership - We strengthen collaboration and representation:
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Supporting partnerships and joint working
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Facilitating local networks and forums
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Enabling participation in consultations
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Sharing local views into regional and national policy
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Supporting the Third Sector Representation Pathway
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Information & Communication - We keep you informed and connected:
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Updates on funding, policy, and opportunities
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Local bulletins, website, and social media
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Contribution to regional knowledge and insight through HTSI
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Volunteering services are delivered separately by HTSI through the Volunteer Academy.
Looking for more in-depth, tailored support?
SLCVO offers enhanced services including community profiling, engagement, and funding application development to help you move from ideas to action.
These bespoke services are available on a commissioned basis.
Get in touch to explore what we can do together. info@slcvo.org.uk
Support at your pace
Our Community Toolkit guides are practical, easy‑to‑use resources designed to support your organisation as you learn and grow.
Each guide is downloadable and self-directed, giving you the flexibility to build knowledge, develop skills, and tackle challenges in your own time.
Train your way
SLCVO offers both bespoke and general training to support local organisations. Twice a year, we run free training sessions across the area, delivered both online and in person. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming sessions.
If your group — or a number of groups — would benefit from tailored support, we can design and deliver bespoke training on any aspect of setting up and running your organisation. We can also work with you to engage external specialists to deliver training specific to your community’s needs, from social care to governance and beyond.
Contact info@slcvo.org.uk to discuss your training needs.
Tell us how we are doing
If your group has received support from SLCVO. We would really value your feedback on the support you received, the difference it made, and what further support would be helpful going forward.
Your views will help us understand what is working well and where we can improve.