The Scottish Government recognises that the current economic circumstances have created the need to establish what effect the economic downturn is having on the third sector and how the government can engage with the sector and other partners to address problems.
A roundtable discussion took place on 14 April 2009 in St Andrews House, for Ministers to discuss with third sector leaders how the sector is responding to the downturn, its longer term resilience, and how to ensure the maximum alignment between Government, the third sector, local authorities and other public bodies, in both weathering the downturn and making the most of the emerging opportunities. In attendance were third sector strategic partners, key intermediaries and umbrella organisations together with COSLA, SOLACE and the NHS. The roundtable discussion had two main parts:
- what intelligence is indicating about resilience within the sector within the economic downturn; and
- emerging opportunities within the economic downturn.
A summary note of the key issues identified at the meeting has been published.
Scottish Ministers have considered carefully the issues emerging from the roundtable discussion, and have agreed a set of actions to take forward the key issues in partnership with third sector partners, local government, the NHS and other public bodies as appropriate.
Ministers will convene a follow up roundtable meeting in the autumn to review the emerging picture and progress on the agreed actions.