Over 120 voluntary support groups across Scotland are to benefit from a £1.2 million cash injection. The Scottish Government’s Voluntary Sector Development Fund grants will help the organisations increase staff skills and professionalism through training - helping them to improve the service they offer to clients. Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram said: “We believe that the key to Scotland’s success lies with investment in our biggest asset - our people. The Scottish Government is committed to helping people develop their skills and knowledge - especially during these tough economic times - and we know the huge impact that workers in the voluntary sector have on people and communities across Scotland. We have a duty to ensure help is in place for the most vulnerable people in our society and voluntary care groups play a central role. That’s why investment in their training is so important and, to strengthen that support, we are making almost £1.2 million available to Scottish voluntary organisations this year.” The fund targets support at small and medium sized voluntary organisations which will help their staff meet standards for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). The Voluntary Sector Development Fund has made over £7 million available to voluntary care organisations since 2001. This year £1,187,060 will be made available to 122 organisations. All care workers, including those in the voluntary sector, are expected to meet the standards for SSSC registration.

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30 December 2008
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