Charities & Third Sector

Background / Overview – Scotland

Background / Overview – UK

Strategy Policy, Legislation

Listed Authorities

Race Equality Framework (REF)

Charities & Third Sector – Race Equality Framework

Link	Description
REF 05: Overaching Work – Support of the Voluntary Sector	Scotland’s minority ethnic voluntary sector is stronger, more effective and sustainable
REF 05a: Review Funding Approach	Review Scottish Government’s approach to funding work on race equality to drive forward the actions within the Race Equality Framework and to meet Ministerial priorities for equality
REF 05b: Build Understanding	Build on our understanding of the contribution that minority ethnic voluntary organisations make to communities and public services in Scotland to support our Race Equality Framework and to inform future funding processes
REF 11b: Review Role of Third-Sector in Planning	Review the role of third sector interfaces in linking minority ethnic community groups into community planning structures, with recommendations for improvements based on the findings of the review, to inform future development
REF 12a: Research to Inform Understanding of Community Action	Consider whether there is a need for a programme of research into informal minority ethnic led approaches to community action that identifies the benefits and impact of this work for individuals, communities and wider society

Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP)

Other Accountability Mechanisms

Equity Reports

Mainstreaming Report

Charities & Third Sector – Mainstreaming Report – 2023 to 2025

Link	Description
Equality Outcomes 2023 to 2025: Spotlight – The Volunteer Support Fund	The Volunteer Support Fund is a procured fund that is delivered by Impact Funding Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. The funding is for local community grass-roots organisations to support and promote volunteering among a variety of groups who experience disadvantage or barriers to volunteering. This includes supporting more volunteers who are Black and Minority Ethnic, disabled or with a long-term health condition. There is excellent evidence of positive impact from the Fund, particularly in relation to equality and diversity. The VSF has recruited a total of 11,655 volunteers over the 2021-2024 funded period which including 8,223 from targeted priority groups and 3,423 from non-priority groups. The largest priority group consisted of individuals with low incomes. The second largest priority group was people with mental health conditions and third was people from minority ethnic backgrounds. However many volunteers belong to more than one priority group reflecting their intersectional experiences and identities. The Fund plays a crucial role in mainstreaming equality and human rights across Scotland’s volunteer sector by ensuring that volunteering is accessible, inclusive, and representative of diverse communities. By supporting grassroots organisations, the Fund promotes equal opportunities and actively works to remove structural and societal barriers that often prevent participation. The Fund encourages organisations to embed inclusive policies, develop targeted outreach strategies, and adopt an intersectional approach to recruitment and volunteer management. This ensures that individuals who are marginalised, including those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with long-term health conditions, are supported and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Furthermore, by fostering an environment where diverse volunteers and organisations can thrive, the Fund advances a rights-based approach to volunteering, aligning with Scotland’s broader commitments to equality, diversity, and human rights. Many of the volunteers recruited and involved face intersectional disadvantages and other barriers that may make it harder for them to volunteer. Supported volunteering opportunities and the recruitment of a mix of key priority group volunteers and others that generally don’t face disadvantages has helped to increase diversity, skills, opportunity and experience within Scotland’s volunteering pool.

Link

Description

Equality Outcomes 2023 to 2025: Spotlight – The Volunteer Support Fund

The Volunteer Support Fund is a procured fund that is delivered by Impact Funding Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. The funding is for local community grass-roots organisations to support and promote volunteering among a variety of groups who experience disadvantage or barriers to volunteering. This includes supporting more volunteers who are Black and Minority Ethnic, disabled or with a long-term health condition. There is excellent evidence of positive impact from the Fund, particularly in relation to equality and diversity. The VSF has recruited a total of 11,655 volunteers over the 2021-2024 funded period which including 8,223 from targeted priority groups and 3,423 from non-priority groups. The largest priority group consisted of individuals with low incomes. The second largest priority group was people with mental health conditions and third was people from minority ethnic backgrounds. However many volunteers belong to more than one priority group reflecting their intersectional experiences and identities. The Fund plays a crucial role in mainstreaming equality and human rights across Scotland’s volunteer sector by ensuring that volunteering is accessible, inclusive, and representative of diverse communities. By supporting grassroots organisations, the Fund promotes equal opportunities and actively works to remove structural and societal barriers that often prevent participation. The Fund encourages organisations to embed inclusive policies, develop targeted outreach strategies, and adopt an intersectional approach to recruitment and volunteer management. This ensures that individuals who are marginalised, including those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with long-term health conditions, are supported and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Furthermore, by fostering an environment where diverse volunteers and organisations can thrive, the Fund advances a rights-based approach to volunteering, aligning with Scotland’s broader commitments to equality, diversity, and human rights. Many of the volunteers recruited and involved face intersectional disadvantages and other barriers that may make it harder for them to volunteer. Supported volunteering opportunities and the recruitment of a mix of key priority group volunteers and others that generally don’t face disadvantages has helped to increase diversity, skills, opportunity and experience within Scotland’s volunteering pool.

Dr Addy's – Scottish Anti-Racism Resource Library (ARRL)