SVA is a programme to strengthen local support for the voluntary sector in Scotland. The BIG Lottery Fund is investing £8 million in the programme, which runs from April 2007 to March 2012.

The programme aims to:

“bring sustainable improvement, build capacity and increase effectiveness through engagement and collaboration between local voluntary sector support networks including Councils for Voluntary Service, local equalities networks, and with local and national statutory bodies”.

How does SVA work?

SVA is a programme including five inter-connecting projects which focus on key themes identified by stakeholders across Scotland. The five key themes are:

Quality Matters
Managing Intelligence
Collaboration & Connectivity
Leading in Change
Developing Organisations

The programme also delivers two cross-cutting initiatives, which address all five themes. These are:

Change Champions
Think Tanks

What’s in it for..

Communities
Effective voluntary organisations are a key building block of dynamic and inclusive communities. SVA will deliver improved local access for voluntary organisations to high quality support services that meet a range of developmental needs.

Local Voluntary Action Support Networks
Member organisations within these networks will be able to access training, support and collaborative systems to help improve the quality and cost effectiveness of their work. This will enable them to deliver more, more effectively, to voluntary organisations and communities locally.

Other Networks
Local voluntary action support networks are at the heart of the SVA programme. However improving collaboration between them and other voluntary action support providers is a key consideration. All SVA activities are designed with this in mind.

Other important information
The BIG Lottery Fund is investing £8 million. Key strategic decisions for the programme are taken by the SVA Management Group. This group brings together members from local voluntary action support networks with their national counterparts, local government and the Scottish Government. Stakeholders also guide programme development and implementation through a range of project advisory groups. SCVO provides the day-to-day support and management for all the projects.