Patricia Ferguson, Scottish minister for tourism, culture and sport, and Lucy McTernan, director of corporate affairs at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) will join the BLF Scotland director, Dharmendra Kanani to launch the consultation and outline the challenges faced by the funder.

While Phase 1, which involved 250 Scottish organisations and individuals, helped shape four proposed outcomes that “will underpin the Funds work in Scotland”, Phase 2 is to look at how best to maximise the potential of funding.

The SCVO has challenged the BLF to ensure the structures and programmes are open and accessible.
“[The programmes should] genuinely encourage groups to find creative solutions to the needs of the communities they serve”, said McTernan. “We would encourage voluntary organisations and the wider public to engage in the discussion about outcomes and priorities for the Fund at this strategic level in order to ensure we can make the most of Lottery funding over the years to come.”

The BLF’s Kanani has said he wants his organisation to use its knowledge and influence to target the needs of Scottish communities, and that he expected future funding to “come through a range of strategic programmes and more open, demand-led funding streams.”

“We are pleased that Government is planning to direct the Fund at a very high level only. We believe that this relationship provides as much shape and focus as we need while allowing us enough flexibility to respond to things that emerge from the consultation. It means that we will be able to respond flexibly to local circumstances and new ideas, and involve communities in decisions and delivery in a more meaningful way,” he added.

The Gathering is the largest voluntary sector exhibition in Scotland. Held in Glasgow, it runs from February 14-16 February. For more information visit www.gatherscotland.org.uk