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Third Sector Leadership Conference
Our Third Sector Leadership Conference returns to Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel on Thursday 4th June 2026. Comprising a series of morning plenary sessions and post lunch workshops, the day will offer opportunities for sector colleagues to connect with each other and some of the significant social and policy issues facing West Dunbartonshire. If you want to know more, call us on 0141 941 0886 or email us at info@wdcvs.com See our Conference Agenda here

Accessing 2022 Census Data
Join VHS for a practical workshop led by the National Records of Scotland on 26^th May – 10-11.30am on Teams. There has been a census in Scotland every 10 years since 1801, except 1941. The answers people give help build up a picture of the population and present a unique opportunity to explore trends. This session will provide hints and tips to make the most from the Census Table-builder and introduce a range of other tools and datasets available through NRS. Register Here

Roadmap away from fossil fuels
Around 60 nations will meet in Colombia to discuss a global move away from fossil fuels. This follows a failure to gain consensus at COP30 in Brazil. Read more here  
Developing both solar and wind projects is essential to ensure that we have a strong, stable and clean power system year-round. Read the analysis from Ember Energy 

National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month, encouraging people across Scotland to take a step towards feeling happier, healthier and creating a greener Scotland. Walk to work, the shops or get outside for some fresh air, every walk or wheel can make a difference. For free resources go to Walking Scotland’s website You can also visit WDCVS website for more local information.

ASH Scotland – Whole Household Approach (WHA)
ASH Scotland is seeking third sector partners to help explore its new Whole Household Approach recognising smoking behaviours are shaped within households. Potential partner agencies include:
– family and early years services
– housing and tenancy support
– money and debt advice services
– community wellbeing organisations 
Contact the Engagement Team to explore how you can get involved by emailing engagement@ashscotland.org.uk

ICO publishes ‘soft opt-in’ guidance for charities, with fundraising boost expected
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published guidance for charities using new legal powers to contact supporters, which is predicted to enhance the sector’s fundraising capabilities. Updated recently, the ICO’s guidance on direct marketing using electronic mail now includes a new section on how to use “the charitable purposes soft opt-in”, introduced as part of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 on 5 February. Full details here