Meeting of the Parliament 16 June 2026 [Draft]
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests: I am chair of Moving On Inverclyde and I am also an ambassador for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.
Long before my election to the Parliament, I had a firm belief that the state cannot fix everything. Sometimes, the state is the bearer of the problems in the first instance, so it is crucial that we have a strong third sector in our communities. The third sector can be more flexible and act more quickly in dealing with events, which often makes it more efficient. It can also take a more person-centred approach, in contrast with some public sector services, where impact is measured by how many people can be seen. Safe Harbour Inverclyde is a prime example of that person-centred approach.
Having both public and third sector organisations working together in our communities is essential. I have previously spoken in the Parliament of my involvement with Moving On Inverclyde. Over the past decade, the organisation has changed immeasurably. It is now engaging with many more people locally, has a stronger reputation locally, will be expanding into new premises in Port Glasgow and has a partnership agreement with Your Voice, which is another third sector organisation, to deliver a particular project for the Inverclyde alcohol and drug recovery service. Flexibility and improved outcomes for people who need those services are important, irrespective of who delivers them.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought trauma and pain for many people. It also resulted in some remarkable activity in all our communities. The public sector pivoted practically overnight in many cases; the number of people volunteering was remarkable, and the third sector pulled together like nothing I have seen before. Fundamentally, the partnership between the public and third sectors was imperative. Neither could have supported my community alone. I have given just a couple of local examples of why the third sector is absolutely crucial to the nation.
On a national scale, I welcome the SNP Government’s delivery of multiyear funding and its commitment to develop an agreement with the third sector to strengthen its voice and improve lives. This third sector partnership, as the cabinet secretary touched on, will set out how the Scottish Government and the third sector can work together to enhance services. That includes protecting the sector’s future and independence with fairer funding, focusing on shared goals to improve outcomes for people and communities, and providing greater opportunity to contribute to policy and service design.