March 2022 VHS responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the need for future legislative change of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). We shared our draft response for comment with our membership ahead of submitting our final thoughts on the potential implications … [Read more...] about Consultation Responses: Freedom of Information Reform
Has community planning made a difference?
On 30th January 2023 the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee joined with 37 representatives from community and third sector organisations to hear about their experiences of community planning. The event was co-produced and co-facilitated by the Committee, Voluntary … [Read more...] about Has community planning made a difference?
Strengthening Audit Scotland and third sector engagement
In September 2022 VHS met with Audit Scotland, with a view to strengthening opportunities for our members to understand and engage with the review work of Audit Scotland over the coming 12 months and beyond. We learned that Audit Scotland has agreed the scope of its NHS in Scotland 2022 report … [Read more...] about Strengthening Audit Scotland and third sector engagement
Arts Culture Health Wellbeing + Climate
This is an Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland Event with support from VHS. Many health crises are also environment crises. Obesity and diabetes are directly related to industrial processed food and monocultural farming. Poor mental health is related to individualism and consumerism. … [Read more...] about Arts Culture Health Wellbeing + Climate
Kitchen Table discussion on equality, diversity and inclusion
VHS is hosting a Kitchen Table discussion, in person, at our office in Edinburgh on Tuesday 22 March. We have invited selected members, challengers and critical friends to join us at the Kitchen Table, and are now opening up remaining places more widely. Why a Kitchen Table? As Scotland’s … [Read more...] about Kitchen Table discussion on equality, diversity and inclusion
Bella’s Blog: Building an Intergenerational Nation
Building an Intergenerational Nation 2022 is proving to be an exciting year for Generations Working Together (GWT) who are leading the Excellence Awards which offers recognition for intergenerational activities / projects across Scotland. The Awards will be presented at GWT’s International … [Read more...] about Bella’s Blog: Building an Intergenerational Nation
Ageing well with The Open University: A knowledge exchange
Over the course of 2020 and in January 2021, VHS ran a series of events on ageing well with the Open University. Led by Dr Jitka Vsecteckova, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Care with the Open University, with discussion and input from third sector staff, volunteers and older … [Read more...] about Ageing well with The Open University: A knowledge exchange
National Planning Framework (NPF4) consultation with Scottish Parliament
On Monday 7th February the Scottish Parliament is holding an engagement event on the draft National Planning Framework (NPF4) consultation. VHS are hosting a break-out session we’d like to invite members to take part in. The Parliament will confirm the start and running times early in January, but … [Read more...] about National Planning Framework (NPF4) consultation with Scottish Parliament
Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID
The pandemic has shone a light on the vast health inequalities which exist in Scotland. Looking beyond COVID there are a number of policy areas, including NHS recovery, which are already taking centre stage. Although the Scottish Parliament’s committees have officially formed, they are still in the … [Read more...] about Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID