The Health and Sport Committee’s call for evidence is looking into the engagement between Integration Authorities and third sector, patients and carers. Our response is based on roundtable events we are holding with Audit Scotland and a number of third sector organisations, since October 2015. The … [Read more...] about VHS Response to Health and Sport Committee Call for Evidence
Key Messages: Loneliness Seminar, The Gathering 2017
On the 23rd February VHS held an interactive seminar with keynote speaker Trevor Owen, and a panel of four third sector organisations; Befriending Networks, Age Scotland, British Red Cross, and the Scottish Volunteering Forum. The aim of the seminar was to discuss what the National Social Isolation … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Loneliness Seminar, The Gathering 2017
Summary Briefing: The Lobbying Act for a Third Sector Audience
The Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014, better known as the ‘Lobbying Act’, has been the focus of much speculation and has caused immense confusion for a range of third sector organisations. This summary briefing provides information about: what … [Read more...] about Summary Briefing: The Lobbying Act for a Third Sector Audience
Help complete picture of third sector volunteering in health
Can you spare five minutes to tell us how you involve volunteers in NHS settings in Scotland? You can help us to complete our data collection for Clear Pathway by completing our short Survey Monkey. This invitation is to any charity, voluntary or community organisation, social enterprise or housing … [Read more...] about Help complete picture of third sector volunteering in health
VHS response to National Health and Social Care Standards Consultation
During October 2016 and January 2017 the Scottish Government consulted on the New National Health and Social Care Standards. VHS's response focused on, what worked well, how well the standards link to existing policy and legislation and what is missing or needs to be improved in the … [Read more...] about VHS response to National Health and Social Care Standards Consultation
VHS planning response to consultation on New Health and Social Care Standards
VHS are planning a response to the Scottish Government Consultation on the New Health and Social Care Standards. To help inform our response we held an information and discussion session in December. The keynote speaker was Dr Fiona Wardell from Healthcare Improvement Scotland who provided … [Read more...] about VHS planning response to consultation on New Health and Social Care Standards
Kiren’s blog: The Spirit of Kinder Communities
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Carnegie UK Trust discussion paper; ‘Kinder Communities: The Power of Everyday Relationships’ sets out some really interesting approaches to the way in which small acts of kindness can lay the ground work for cohesive communities and an enabling state. This … [Read more...] about Kiren’s blog: The Spirit of Kinder Communities
Gender and health inequalities
VHS recently contributed to an Engender round table exploring health inequalities as they affect women. Engender is a feminist organisation working to address women’s inequality in Scotland. They are developing a Gender Matters Roadmap to set out concrete steps for advancing women’s equality … [Read more...] about Gender and health inequalities
Rob’s Blog: HPON on Cross Party Groups
HPON or the Health Policy Officers Network is a peer support network of Health Policy Officers in small to medium sized organisations who meet to discuss policy issues affecting the voluntary health sector in a supportive environment. VHS and and Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland jointly administer … [Read more...] about Rob’s Blog: HPON on Cross Party Groups
Going the distance for the voluntary health sector
Just published, the VHS Annual Review 2016 gives a visual snapshot of what we've been doing this year promote and support the voluntary health sector's contribution to a fairer, healthier Scotland. We hope you like it - please let us know! If you would like to read a fuller account of our work … [Read more...] about Going the distance for the voluntary health sector
