Sustainable third sector can help lead input into public service reform

The TSI Scotland Network is calling on Government to ensure communities and a sustainably funded third sector are at the heart of public service reform. 

In advance of the Scottish budget on 4th December, the Network has four asks:-

Ask 1: Invest in collaborative third sector delivery models to support public sector reform

Ask 2: Fairer funding to enable the systems change the Scottish Government seeks

Ask 3: Direct funding to communities that is shaped by local people and groups

Ask 4: Support the TSI Scotland Network to lead on change and fund it to do so.

The TSI Scotland Network, a body that represents the 32 expert local Third Sector Interfaces across the country who work to support charities, local organisations and social enterprises, said the Scottish budget was an incredible opportunity to invest in a public service reform that would create long-term sustainability – a reform that was designed for and by people in communities.

On the ground, the third sector was a “crucial change delivery partner” who worked locally with people, places and public services.

A spokesperson said, “Our sector is the third largest and across Scotland employs 133,000 people who are committed to improving our communities.  It is a cornerstone in helping keep our society compassionate, equal and just.”

Long-term fair funding would help ensure the sector could offer fair work and security to its employees, be proactively involved in needed local change, and deliver sustainable impact into the future.

“Whether it be running foodbanks, managing advice services or providing invaluable health and social care services, the sector is struggling with the impact of successive budget cuts and a failure to fund them properly,” the spokesperson said.

“Now is the time to invest in multi-year funding agreements as well as a funding increase that reflects cumulative inflationary pressures and the forthcoming increases to National Insurance Contributions.”

A bank of knowledge, experience and trusted relationships within communities could see the third sector better inform the redesign and reform of public services and in turn deliver “renewed, high quality, locally available public services designed with communities”.

“The TSI Network Scotland on behalf of our members believes in the Scottish Government’s ambitions but we need the funding and policy environment to help make these ambitions a reality,” the spokesperson added.

In TSI Scotland Network’s submission to the Finance Secretary, the Cabinet Secretary Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, it was acknowledged that the recent increase in the Scottish Government’s budget would not undo 14 years of cuts and disinvestment but it could be accompanied by a renewed focus on devolving budgets to local communities so they could directly shape the services they wanted and needed. 

The document detailing the asks from the TSI Scotland Network ahead of the Scottish budget can be read here.