Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum
Representation
Background
Each of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland has a Third Sector Interface to support, promote, develop and represent the third
sector. The Scottish Borders Third Sector Interface represents all voluntary groups/organisations through the Third Sector Forum
and is the vital connection between the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and the third sector.
Community Planning is the process through which agencies in the area (mainly public sector) agree the joint priorities for
development and come together to share knowledge, planning and resources to deliver on those priorities. This includes the
development of a Single Outcome Agreement i.e., one agreement signed up to by all partners focusing on the local priorities. The
partners are currently:
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Berwickshire Housing Association
Borders College
Eildon Housing Association
NHS Borders
Police Scotland
Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Housing Association
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
SESTRAN
South of Scotland Scottish Enterprise
Third Sector
Waverly Housing Association
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The Community Planning Partnership is structured to effectively support joint working aimed at maximising the energies of public
agencies, communities and the voluntary sector, businesses and individuals to address the three priorities identified for the
Scottish Borders (see Figure A). These are:
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Maximising the Economy
Low Carbon Agenda
Reducing Inequalities
Each priority is assigned to programme group which covers a series of work programmes that deliver on these priorities.
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Figure A: Scottish Borders Community Planning Structure
Community Planning Strategic Board
(Elected Members and Chairs)
Community Planning Joint Delivery Team
Chief Executives and Senior Officers
(meets 4/6 times per year)
3 Programme Groups
Economy and Low
Carbon
Reducing Inequalities
Public Sector Reform
Work across policy strands when required
Embed equalities & diversity, sustainability, rural proofing, community
engagement & health impact in project work
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It is essential for the benefit of the Scottish Borders and the effectiveness of the third sector that the Scottish Borders Third Sector
Forum is represented effectively across Community Planning Partnership structure:
Partnership
Strategic Board
Joint Delivery Team
Economy & Low Carbon Programme
Group
Reducing Inequalities Programme Group
Public Sector Reform
Current third sector attendees
Marjory Hume, Chair Volunteer Centre
Borders
Morag Walker, Executive Officer The
Bridge
tbc
tbc
tbc
Principles of Representation
It is anticipated that the Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum should expect the following from representatives of the sector:
Clarity of Role
Individuals who take part in these partnerships should be aware that they represent the sector, not their own organisation. The
individual will be employed by or be part of an individual organisation however, their role within the partnership should reflect the
wider voice that they bring. It is recognised that the role of representative could have potential benefits for the individual’s own
organisation and this is considered to be unavoidable and reasonable as the time given to this role could otherwise be used to
benefit their organisation. It is also essential that the individual considers the potential for a conflict of interest. Duties of third
sector representatives:
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Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum should be used during introductions and in minutes, to ensure that other partners
understand the role of the representative.
Representatives will often use their own organisation as an example in discussion; however they should endeavour to
demonstrate a robust knowledge of the wider sector.
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Information gathered during partnerships is shared openly. Where information is shared on a confidential basis within
partnerships, the chair of the meeting should be advised that the representative has a duty to share this information with
the nominated Third Sector Representative on the Joint Delivery Team.
Contributions to discussions should reflect the view of the Third Sector Forum or networks or be consistent with the
principles and values agreed by them. Where the representative is unaware of an agreed position, their contribution should
reflect this.
Where a realistic chance of conflict of interest is likely in advance of a meeting, this should be communicated to Interface
staff in advance of the meeting. This will enable a solution to be sought to ensure that a conflict of interest is dealt with
appropriately.
Behaviour
Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum has an opportunity to engage effectively as an equal partner in Community Planning. This
will require a culture change in thinking by both parties as historically the third sector has been seen as an influencer rather than a
partner. To be seen as an effective partner, the representative must ensure that their contribution is informed, articulate and
constructive. It is expected that:
 The representative engages in the process in a constructive fashion. Partnership work can be frustrating but an aggressive
approach is often counter-productive to the intended outcome.
 Representatives will show dedication and commitment to the process. This includes attending meetings, providing
apologies well in advance (copying in CVS so alternative arrangements can be made), making useful contributions, paying
attention during meetings, reading papers in advance, contributing to activities in between meetings, etc.
Connections
The value of the Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum comes from sector wide engagement, not from the attendance of a single
third sector voice at meetings. Accordingly it is essential that in addition to attending the relevant partnership, the representative
will engage effectively with the rest of the sector. This will ensure that the sector is able to engage effectively as a partner and
contribute to the delivery of SOA Outcomes. Representatives will be expected to:
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Provide a short summary of key activity within the Partnership to Interface; for circulation to the network, and the wider
sector
Take part in Scottish Borders Third Sector Forum events and networks regularly to share information
Take part in the Representatives Group
The Role of Scottish Borders Third Sector Interface
One of the key functions of the Interface is to deliver on connection between the Community Planning Partnership and the third
sector and responsibility for this function rests with the four organisations making up the Interface partnership. Representation is
a major requirement for delivery of this function. Therefore, the Interface will provide support to representatives as follows:
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Facilitating a series of networks to engage with the wider third sector
Facilitating election of third sector representatives
Notification of partnership meetings and circulation of any relevant documentation
Deputising for representatives where possible, when they are not available to attend meetings
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