VolunteerHub has created a guide providing 10 essential volunteer satisfaction survey questions designed to help groups and organisations collect meaningful feedback and enhance their volunteers’ experience. The guide also highlights why volunteer satisfaction surveys are essential for volunteer engagement and retention, and how responses can be used to enhance volunteer programmes.
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Disclosure Scotland Update: 5 Year Memberships
As many will be aware, the majority of the provisions in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 were put into action on Tuesday 1 April 2025. Looking ahead, starting from Wednesday 1 April 2026, individuals joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme will automatically be enrolled in a 5 year membership tailored to their specific regulated role, replacing the previous lifetime membership model.
“Volunteering: A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach”
Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities (THRE) is holding an online training session on Monday 24 November 2025, 1pm – 4pm, via Zoom. “Volunteering – A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach” is a free course for anyone working in Scotland’s third sector, who is responsible for (or involved with) a volunteering programme and is interested in learning why and how to take a human rights and equalities to your work.
Alpkit Foundation Grants to Promote Outdoor Engagement
The Alpkit Foundation offers grants of up to £500 to individuals, community groups, schools, and not-for-profit organisations across the UK to promote outdoor engagement. Priority is given to initiatives which encourage responsible outdoor behaviour, have lasting impact, introduce new participants to nature, and demonstrate value for money. Grants are intended to supplement, not fully fund, projects. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed bi-monthly.
Sport Facilities Fund
SportScotland is currently inviting applications to its Sport Facilities Fund, a strategic funding programme aimed at enhancing access to sport and physical activity across Scotland. The fund supports capital projects which deliver long-term benefits to communities by improving the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of local sports infrastructure. Eligible applicants include registered charities, schools, area sports associations, sports trusts, and local authorities. The next closing date for small grant applications is Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Earth Raise Match-Funding Initiative Applications Open
Applications are now open for Earth Raise, a UK-wide match funding initiative supporting charities with environmental missions. Running Saturday 18 April 2026 – Saturday 25 April 2026 (and including the annual Earth Day on Wednesday 22 April), the campaign matches public donations made via the Big Give website, up to a pre-allocated amount per charity. Match funding is provided entirely by donors, with no pledges required from participating organisations. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 16 January 2026.
Digital Inclusion Fund for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Applications are now open for the Digital Inclusion Fund, which aims to improve employment access for blind and vision-impaired people across the UK by supporting digital literacy and workplace readiness. Provided by First for Sight, the fund is designed to address the gap for those preparing for work, seeking jobs, or adapting to changes in vision. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
Rapid Rehousing and Prevention Fund
Falkirk Council is inviting applications from third sector organisations for funding to deliver innovative, person-centred projects which prevent homelessness, promote rapid rehousing, and support tenancy sustainment across the Falkirk area. The deadline for applications is Monday 1 December 2025.
Pride in Place Online Community Survey
The office of Brian Leishman MP has launched an online community survey for the communities which fall into the Falkirk Council, and Alloa and Grangemouth UK constituency areas, regarding the Pride in Place Programme, and how local people would spend £20 million of funding in their neighbourhood.
Safer and Empowered Communities Forum: December 2025 Meeting
CVS Falkirk & District invites local third sector members to join the final Safer and Empowered Communities Forum of 2025, taking place online via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 3 December 2025, 10am – 12pm. The session will feature Sarah Rogers (National Throughcare Manager, Upside) and Alex Collop (Head of Operations, Circles), who will share insights on the National Throughcare Project and the Upside model operating across Fife and Forth Valley.
