1. Since its inception, the EIJB has operated with a massive and unsustainable financial deficit of £32m;
2. Third sector partners and their volunteers make an invaluable contribution to our communities and are pivotal in keeping our citizens safe, well and active;
3. The proposal for in-year cuts would make a minimal saving in comparison to the overall in-year deficit but would have devastating impact on the residents who rely on these services;
4. Proposals around a potential future model for funding the third sector is due to come to the December board meeting for discussion;
5. Both the previous strategic plan, and the proposed new strategic plan for the IJB centre prevention, early intervention, community resilience and protecting our most vulnerable;
6. Limited engagement has taken place with the third sector to co-produce solutions to the funding shortfall;

1. Agrees to retain the grants programme to at least the end of the financial year;
2. Agrees to note the report and refer it to CEC and NHSL for their consideration on how we can address the in-year financial deficit while protecting services and third sector organisations;
3. Agrees to hold discussions as soon as possible with NHS Lothian, the Council, and third sector organisations to consider alternative proposals for the long-term future of thirdsector funding, mindful of the current financial position across the Scottish public sector and the need to meet EIJB objectives;
4. Agrees that budget discussions comply as far as possible with the Audit Scotland recommendation for “clear and open conversations with IJB partners, workforce, people who use services and other stakeholders around the difficult choices required to achieve financial sustainability”.

Full proposals paper can be found here.

Edinburgh’s Third Sector is vital to the wellbeing of our city and communities. However, sustainability is significantly challenged by funding cuts, rising demands and increasing operating costs. Across the Sector, organisations and groups are making painful choices to survive and thrive. As a partner in Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface, EVOC is here to help you manage these challenges.

Since we announced that EVOC was undertaking a strategic review in June 2024, we have been working hard to secure the long-term future of the organisation. Like other groups and organisations in our sector, we’ve had to make some really difficult decisions to rapidly reduce EVOC’s running costs. We’ve also recognised the need to adapt our strategic approach in response to the needs of the sector in Edinburgh.

We’ve taken the time to get this right. Our focus has been to ensure EVOC can remain relevant and resilient to meet Sector needs. It has been a complicated and humbling process. We have found it difficult. We have also learned a lot about managing challenging change. We are happy to learn more from you and share learning as we take our next steps.

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Following a fire at the Gorgie Farm site on the evening of 24 July, we have issued a joint statement with the City of Edinburgh Council

The work of Edinburgh’s Community Link Worker Network was recognised at this year’s Social Prescribing Awards.

The Network won the Award for the Best Local Social Prescribing Link Worker Team/Service. The judges noted that the team showed clear strategic and evidenced commitment to tackling health inequalities.

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We are announcing a strategic review that puts a renewed commitment to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh at its heart. The ongoing cost of living crisis is hitting groups and organisations hard and this is a chance to refocus on creating a strong sector for a strong city.

An engagement programme will take place in the coming months, involving the sector in shaping a new EVOC strategy, and to ensure stakeholders are fully briefed on the changes.

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Monthly Just Transition Co-labs

Dr Shelly-Ann Brown

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Shelly-Ann Brown, who has taken over from Charlie as our new Climate Forum Coordinator. With a background in Economics, Shelly-Ann is enthusiastic about tailoring the role to meet the evolving needs of Edinburgh’s community and voluntary Sector.

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After an extensive search to find a new home we are currently in final negotiations to lease a space on the first floor of the Vega Building (Clocktower, South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh).

This choice of venue is based on research into multiple potential office spaces, in-person visits to over 10 locations and in-depth analysis visits to the top locations, for key criteria, public transport, and well-being.

The Vega Building lease not only matches the needs of the EVOC staff team, but will provide a base from where we can continue to support the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh. It is a building owned by the City of Edinburgh Council. It also matches our budgetary constraints, and provides good value for money in an increasingly expensive property market.

More details to follow once the lease and move in date has been confirmed.