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Cabinet meets Third Sector
09/06/2009
The Scottish Cabinet today welcomed Third Sector organisations to Bute House in Edinburgh to discuss working together to ensure that Scotland is well equipped to make a strong economic recovery.
Representatives who delivered a pre-Cabinet presentation to Government Ministers included:
- Lucy McTernan, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Affairs Scottish Council Voluntary Organisations
- Steven Marwick, Director of Evaluation Support Scotland
- Patricia Armstrong, Executive Director of Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations
- Antonia Swinson, Chief Executive of Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition
- Bill Howat, Chairman of Volunteer Development Scotland
- Rhonda Kelly, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations
- Nigel Henderson, Chief Executive of PENUMBRA and Convener of Community Care Providers Scotland
The meeting is the fourth in a series of Cabinet discussions with social partners. Business organisations, Lifelong Learning stakeholders, the STUC, local government, the third sector and Scotland's Faith Groups, and the Secretary of State have been invited to share their views directly in the form of a presentation.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"As we drive forward work to develop and expand programmes to strengthen Scotland's economy it's important we listen and consider the views of our social partners.
"The Scottish Government is doing all we can to ensure a strong economic recovery and fully recognises the valuable contribution the third sector plays in Scottish life and to the Scottish economy.
"We are committed to working together with all our community partners. From local volunteers to large social enterprises, we want to fully utilise their ability to support groups and communities that are difficult to reach.
"The Third Sector plays an important role in empowering Scotland's communities, helping people of all backgrounds and ages to realise their potential and improving quality of life.
"I am delighted to welcome Third Sector organisations to Bute House to present their ideas to the Scottish Ministerial team. Working together we can identify opportunities to deliver real change for families and individuals through these challenging economic times."
Lucy McTernan said:
"SCVO welcomes the opportunity for third sector representatives to brief the Cabinet directly on the contribution we can make in helping Scotland out of the recession. The third sector plays a vital role in providing opportunities like employment and training as well as services like debt advice to help ensure Scotland's communities have the resilience to get through the tough times ahead."