For Organisations

The #IWill movement in Scotland aims to encourage and empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change within their communities, the environment and broader society through activities such as volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, campaigning and activism. #IWill partners are working together across Scotland to deliver a cross-sector approach that will transform the role and perception of young people in society. We are calling on organisations to come forward and support the young people of today make a difference for the world of tomorrow! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the #IWill Movement in Scotland beyond and support more young people to take action, make a difference & influence change! Since 2013 over 1000 organisations across the UK pledged to think about what they can do to involve young people in social action. On top of that there are over 350 young #IWill Ambassadors across the UK, promoting and celebrating the voices of young people! But there is still more that needs to be done to grow the Movement and we need you to join us to help continue to grow the #PowerOfYouth! Find out more on how to get involved and start spreading the word about the #PowerOfYouth and Join the Movement! Youth Action: UK Youth Charity Empowering 10-25 Year Olds What is the Charter? The #PowerOfYouth Charter provides a framework for your organisation to empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change. Organisations are encouraged to commit to five key principles: 1. Prioritise empowering young people to volunteer and take social action 2. Open up your decision-making structures 3. Work in partnership 4. Evidence the benefits of youth social action 5. Recognise and celebrate young people Find out more about the charter here ! Sign up for the #PowerOfYouth Charter here ! How can you get involved? 1. Sign up to the Charter Sign up through a senior leader from your organisation such as the Chief Executive or Chair. Ideally you will have endorsement for the Charter from your Board. Your organisation will outline specific actions it will take to deliver on the Charter commitments. 2. Shout about it. Publicise your adoption of the Charter through your communication channels. 3. Follow through. Your organisation will hold itself accountable to young people and track its development by sharing your progress towards the Charter commitments annually with #IWill Scotland partners, ambassadors and your networks.

As of 1 April 2025, significant changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme came into effect across Scotland. Here are some key resources to help keep you informed about what’s needed from your organisation and ensure you’re meeting the current legal requirements. What is Changing? The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is becoming a legal requirement as part of the implementation of the Disclosure Act 2020. This legislation is here to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and prevent unsuitable individuals from holding regulated roles. This means that from today, all individuals in regulated roles are required to be members of the PVG scheme. There is a three-month grace period, but after 1 July it will be a criminal offense for: Individuals to carry out a regulated role if they are not a member of the PVG scheme Organisations to offer a regulated role to an individual who is not a member of the PVG scheme For further information about these changes, here is a summary from Disclosure Scotland . What is a Regulated Role? Regulated roles can be both paid and volunteering positions. This category includes people working directly with both children and vulnerable adults and others who hold a position of responsibility, such as charity trustees and Board Members. This helpful guidance from Volunteer Scotland can help you determine whether your Board members, Committee members and trustees need to be members of the PVG scheme. Volunteer Scotland are also offering information sessions to help you get accustomed to these changes. How Will This Affect the Third Sector? These changes are complex, and third sector organisations may feel some confusion about what is required of them. We’re here to help make sense of these changes and ensure you are compliant by 1 July. We’ll be keeping abreast of the latest guidance and sharing resources to help you navigate the new PVG scheme. We’re also here to support if you have any individual questions or concerns. Please let us know what you think of these changes. As the Third Sector Interface for Perth & Kinross, we are here to help organisations boost their resilience and navigate the fast-moving landscape of our sector. Additional Resources PVG scheme – Regulated roles guidance – mygov.scot

To ensure volunteering is a great experience for all, Volunteer Scotland has set out a Volunteer Charter identifying ten key principles for organisations to follow. These principles relate to: Ensuring volunteering is voluntary, not compulsory. Keeping volunteering accessible for all. Offering training and development opportunities to volunteers. Maintaining a clear distinction between paid staff and volunteers. At Be the Change, our aim is for all of our organisations and opportunities listed to understand and follow these principles to the best of their ability. We invite individuals and organisations across sectors to become Charter Champions , signalling a commitment to these values. The Third Sector Interface, Perth and Kinross is already a Charter Champion! Are you next? Have any questions, concerns or compliments? Email us at info@bethechangepk.org.uk.

We are so excited to share the Perth and Kinross Volunteering Strategy 2024-2027. In the words of our Chief Officer, Melanie Devlin: ‘We feel truly proud to have been able to co-create this document and now work to drive forward its vision for our communities. While this work has been guided by national outcomes and trends, volunteer-involving organisations will see that our pledge to improve volunteering for all across the region is based on your perspectives and in response to the local needs you have identified. Our vision is to deliver this strategy collaboratively and in partnership across all sectors. As the Third Sector Interface for Perth and Kinross, we are especially interested in empowering voluntary organisations to embrace and implement the goals of this strategy.’ Read the strategy by following the link below, and please be in touch to discuss how we can work together to drive forward this vision of volunteering in Perth and Kinross.