Supporting the people and communities of Edinburgh since 1868.
We are delighted to publish our new 5-year strategic plan, outlining our vision to contribute to an equitable, sustainable and resilient Edinburgh, supported by a thriving third sector.
The new plan is structured around three areas – advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration – underpinned by data gathering and research that will inform policy and decision-making. We will also use data and research to make on-the-ground decisions with and for third sector organisations in the city.
A new digital platform, the Governance Wiki, has officially launched to support Scotland’s voluntary sector in navigating governance challenges. Developed by Midlothian Community Action (MCA) in collaboration with third sector experts, the Wiki was unveiled during Small Charities Week 2025 and is now freely accessible to charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations across the country.
Following the EIJB Board Meeting on Fri 1 Nov, we are delighted to share an update on behalf of Edinburgh’s third Sector Interface (TSI) – EVOC, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, and Volunteer Edinburgh. We plan to share a timeline of key dates next week (w/c 2 Dec) and will continue to keep you updated as things progress.
Diarmaid Lawlor (TSI Chair) has written to the Chair of the EIJB, the leader of the Council, the City of Edinburgh Council Chief Executive, and the NHS Lothian Chief Executive. He has emphasised the need for:
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Convenor to our Board. Diarmaid Lawlor, an Associate Director at Scottish Futures Trust, has stepped in to the voluntary role, leading on governance for EVOC.
Diarmaid is a designer, educator, and communicator. He has a multidisciplinary background, and over 20 years’ experience working across sectors in the UK and Europe. He champions collaborative approaches to making better places to live well locally. On taking up the role Diarmaid commented:
“It is a huge privilege to be invited to be the Convenor of EVOC. I commit to work with voluntary and community organisations, the Third Sector, with communities, city and government partners across Edinburgh to make this city a fairer, better, place for everyone to thrive. And in this ambition, the EVOC board, staff, and myself want to ensure the Community and Third Sector itself in Edinburgh is an equal partner, shaping collaborative and sustainable structures to support community led futures.
We want to hear your thoughts on how people from Edinburgh’s voluntary sector could come together to discuss strategic issues and explore options to influence and make change.
This has historically been done through the Third Sector Strategy Group, but we are exploring a new platform/format for leaders from across the voluntary sector – charities, social enterprises and community groups – to have the opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas.
Please take a few minutes to complete an online survey by Fri 19 Jun so that together we can find an active way to make forward.
We would really appreciate all of our members, partners and colleagues taking a few minutes to complete our annual survey by Fri 19 Jun.
It is mostly multiple choice questions, so should only take a few minutes, but your answers are really important.
They will help to inform our plans for the future and measure the impact of the support we have provided in the last year.
THRE (Third Sector Human Rights & Equalities) is working with Scotland’s Third Sector Interface organisations (TSIs) to develop resources, training and networks which support third sector organisations towards taking a human rights and equalities first approach to their organisational development and delivery.
The project will also be helping to equip organisations and individuals with the skills to champion human rights and equalities, allowing the sector as a whole to challenge inequality and make a positive difference.
