On Monday 16 September, the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee published an inquiry report regarding Scotland's commissioner landscape which called for a moratorium on the creation of any new commissioner-style bodies in Scotland. The committee noted that once the … [Read more...] about Ian’s blog: Parliamentary Scrutiny of the Commissioner Landscape
Emma’s Blog: The voluntary sector: champions for hope and change
What’s in a name? Why are there so many different terms for the ‘voluntary sector’? It is also called the third, community, charity, or civic sector… with its actors often considered as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not-for-profits, associations, foundations, co-operatives, or even … [Read more...] about Emma’s Blog: The voluntary sector: champions for hope and change
VHS have responded to the Human Rights Bill exclusion from the Programme of Government
After signing a joint letter back in May to the First Minister, John Swinney, VHS joins many organisations who are extremely frustrated by this decision. There is helpful background information at the Human Rights Consortium Scotland. View the letter here. … [Read more...] about VHS have responded to the Human Rights Bill exclusion from the Programme of Government
VHS September e-Newsletter
The VHS September 2024 e-Newsletter is out now. Packed with news, events and updates. We hope you enjoy! Read it here. If you’d like to receive the e:Newsletter please sign up here. … [Read more...] about VHS September e-Newsletter
Richard’s Blog: There’s never been a greater need for the voluntary sector
Never has there been a greater need for the voluntary sector in Scotland’s struggle to eradicate health inequalities Health inequities are getting larger and sadly seem likely to grow greater still in the coming years, particularly as we see greater pressures on our public services and … [Read more...] about Richard’s Blog: There’s never been a greater need for the voluntary sector
VHS Response to 2024-25 Programme for Government
This week the Scottish Government announced their Programme of Government for 2024-2025. “It is reassuring that the First Minister fully understands the detrimental impact of poverty in Scotland and has shown a clear commitment to eradicate the unacceptable levels of child poverty experienced … [Read more...] about VHS Response to 2024-25 Programme for Government
Nicola’s Blog: Volunteering with the charity I work for!
“Why do you volunteer with the charity that you work for?” That is a question that I am often asked – it can seem a crazy thing on top of what is a very full time job. I am not alone in this craziness! Our 200 strong team of volunteer colleagues have all kinds of other responsibilities - paid … [Read more...] about Nicola’s Blog: Volunteering with the charity I work for!
VHS August e-Newsletter
The VHS August 2024 e-Newsletter is out now. Packed with news, events and updates. We hope you enjoy! Read it here. If you’d like to receive the e:Newsletter please sign up here. … [Read more...] about VHS August e-Newsletter
Ahmed’s Blog: Closing the Gap – Addressing Oral Health Inequities in Scotland
Health inequalities, particularly in oral health, remain a pressing yet often overlooked issue for local marginalised communities and ethnic minorities in Scotland. These communities face unique challenges, such as language barriers, difficulty accessing dentists, a lack of easily understandable … [Read more...] about Ahmed’s Blog: Closing the Gap – Addressing Oral Health Inequities in Scotland
Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland
Living in a cold damp home negatively impacts physical and mental health. Scottish Government analysis has shown that it’s 15% more likely for someone living in an energy inefficient household experiencing fuel poverty to have a long-term illness or disability than someone not in fuel poverty. It’s … [Read more...] about Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland









