FOCUS ON

Time is running out to book your place at the annual Third Sector Leadership Conference being held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel on Thursday 4th June 2026. Comprising a series of morning plenary sessions and post lunch workshops, this will be an ideal opportunity to catch up with sector colleagues to discuss 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 You can see our Conference Agenda here and book your place here 

Opportunities that Attract
Tuesday 9^th June from 10am until 12pm
This session is aimed at developing your volunteer opportunities to appeal to more volunteers and bring them to your organisation, we will look at how to identify the key information that you need to make your opportunity more attractive to potential volunteers

Creating and Reviewing Volunteer Policy
Wednesday 17^th June from 10am until 12pm
This session looks at your organisations Volunteer Policy, whether you have one and need to review it or you don’t have a formal one and want to create one. Your volunteer policy is unlikely to be the same as another, an individual policy reflects your size, types of volunteers and the activities you do.  

Both Sessions are open to West Dunbartonshire based organisations for free. If you would like to book a place contact David on david@wdcvs.com or call 0141 941 0886

Climate breakdown is a human rights issue
Cornell Hanxomphou of the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS) explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture: Environmental damage and human suffering are two sides of the same coin. Globally, we are facing a triple planetary crisis of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and increasing pollution of our air, land and water. In July 2022, the United Nations General Assembly recognised a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal human right, and that environmental damage has negative implications for the effective enjoyment of all human rights for present and future generations. Read more here

Small Charity Crisis – Vital and Under Threat
Research suggests that meaningful fundraising recovery in the near term is unlikely and there is now a high risk of another crisis. Small charities are increasingly struggling to survive in a worsening funding environment, according to a new report published by Charity Excellence. The report brings together six months of reviews and sector surveys and it finds that despite their recognised and vital contribution – they make up around 95% of the UK charity sector – small charities are being disproportionately harmed by a system that prioritises organisational scale over social impact. Read the report here

Social Enterprise Awards
Launched by Social Enterprise Scotland, the 2026 Awards is now open for entries. Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “Each year, the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland shine a light on the organisations and individuals using business as a force for good across Scotland. “We know there are brilliant stories in every part of Scotland. Whether you’re a grassroots organisation working in your local community, or a larger social enterprise operating nationally, we want to hear from you.” Applications close July 6th, with social enterprises of all types and sizes encouraged to apply and share their stories and achievements. Register here

Your Duty to Refer
If your organisation has volunteers or staff in a regulated role, there is an important legal responsibility you must take seriously. You must report harmful behaviour to Disclosure Scotland — this is known as ‘Duty to Refer’. Understanding when and how to act is essential, not just for compliance, but for safeguarding others. Their latest learning resource, the ‘Duty to Refer Process Learning Byte‘ provides info on:
– The background behind Duty to Refer
– What your responsibilities are
– The actions you need to take
– Practical tips to help you manage this duty confidently
Please take a few minutes to stay informed and ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations.