Action to support local voluntary sector

Biggest ever survey of voluntary and charity sector in the Borders and Penicuik conducted by Jeremy

The report into a constituency wide survey into voluntary and not for profit organisations concluded that more support needs to be given to this vital sector in the region.

Responses from Jeremy’s survey were received from a high number of local voluntary and non profit organisations including community councils and village hall associations, health and community care organisations, music and arts related clubs and groups, sports clubs, housing associations, rotary clubs, festival committees, advice centres, charity shops, churches, and many hobby based clubs and organisations.

The survey looked primarily into the issue of funding; how much funding is received, how much is required, how funding is applied for and if there is enough security of funding. The survey also asked questions relating to training and reviews of volunteers, as well as issues relating to any payroll or HR service operated by organisations.

At the launch Jeremy commented: “Respondents were concerned about funding; lack of funding, securing and maintaining funding – even applying for funding is problematic with a lot of red tape and confusion.

Over half of respondents were not confident or pessimistic of securing future funding over the next 2 to 3 years. I am working with them to seek improvements.”