Services
Voluntary Groups Sutherland (VGS) supports voluntary organisations, volunteers, and communities across Sutherland
What we do
Voluntary Groups Sutherland are the Third Sector Interface (TSI) for Sutherland, and part of the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) network.
Third sector interfaces (TSIs) provide a single point of access for support and advice for the third sector within local areas. There is a TSI in each local authority area in Scotland. You can find out more about TSIs on TSI Scotland’s website.
The Scottish Government has a contract with HTSI for the delivery of four core functions:
1) Knowledge
Be a central source of knowledge of the third sector.
2) Voice
Ensure a strong third sector voice.
3) Build
Build capacity of community groups to achieve positive change.
4) Connect
Help local third sector better respond to local priorities by providing partnership and collaboration.
How we support the voluntary sector in Sutherland
To achieve a thriving and connected voluntary sector, VGS focuses on the following:
- Representation of the sector, especially to enable its participation in decision making processes that inform community planning
- Dissemination of information
- Networking and working in partnership with other agencies
- Advice on good practice governance in the voluntary sector
- Advice and support on sources of funding, fundraising, constitutions, memorandum and articles of association, charitable status and charity regulation
- Support to emerging new groups
- Surveys of need
- Training
Third Sector Support
Practical support for groups across Sutherland — from compliance support to peer networks where groups can share practice and learn from each other.
Independent Examination (IE)
We can act as Independent Examiner for small charity and non-charity accounts. Charities must be either unincorporated or SCIOs, with an income of up to £250k.
PVG Countersignatory
Support to help access PVG scheme information
Sutherland Village Halls Network
A peer support forum open to Village Halls, Community Spaces and committee members across Sutherland. Meet online or in person to network, support, share practice and learn from each other.
Regular informal meetings discuss current topics such as legislation, risk assessments and funding.
Sutherland Governance Forum (coming soon)
A peer support network for third sector organisations interested in improving governance, sharing good practice and learning from each other.
- Build knowledge of good governance across Sutherland
- Build strong, resilient, well-connected community groups
- Build a peer-support network
The forum meets quarterly (or as required) and is open to any community group, charity or third sector organisation in Sutherland.
To find out more about Third Sector Support, please email contact@vgs.scot or call 01408 633001.
Office services
Practical support and equipment available through our office.
Printing & admin
- Typing and computer printing for posters and leaflets
- Scanning
- Comb-binder and laminating (A4, A3, ID card size)
- Secure paper shredding
- Events promoted on social media
- Digital projector & screen
- Tri-fold display boards
- Regular e-mail bulletins
Compliance
- PVG: support to access PVG applications
- Independent Examination (IE) for small charity and non-charity accounts (eligibility applies)