Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire

Third Sector Forum

Third Sector Forum

What is the Third Sector Forum?

The Third Sector Forum (TSF) operates as an informal group of voluntary, community and social enterprise groups and organisations. The Forum exists to strengthen the collective voice of the sector in local and national decision making, and to improve communication within the sector and with public sector partners.

TSF Meeting

The TSF is the mechanism by which VA can facilitate the flow of information between East Renfrewshire Council, Community Planning Partnership and the third sector organisations.

The TSF will enable VA to offer training, information sharing, networking and participation opportunities to all partners involved in the development and growth of the Third Sector in East Renfrewshire.

There are also two key sub-groups of the Third Sector Forum: the Volunteer Manager's Network and the Social Enterprise Network.

What is the Third Sector?

The third sector is made up of organisations which are constituted for social purpose, principally non-profit distributing and independent of Government.

It consists of voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises alongside some mutuals and co-operatives.”
Professor Ian Diamond
AcSS Chief Executive, Economic and Social Research Council

Get Involved with the TSF

The Third Sector Forum meets once a month to discuss a themed topic and respond to any current developments in legislation or policy.

There is also a chance for members to share information and build relationships with other third sector colleagues. Members may decide only to attend meetings that relate closely to their area of work, or attend all meetings.

Members also have access to a virtual network to keep informed between meetings and to respond to consultation or other issues that may arise.