Leading the Way for an Inclusive Voluntary Sector

In 2021 ACOSVO launched a survey that explored the diversity of leaders within the Scottish voluntary sector. It found that over 90% of respondents were white British/Scottish, 84% heterosexual and 89% do not consider themselves to have a disability. Whilst this report provides just a snapshot of the sector, it leads us to ask how do we increase diversity at a leadership level so the sector reflects the communities we serve?

Why is a sector rooted in values and social purpose struggling to reflect equality and diversity in leadership? Not only is a pipeline of diverse and life experienced future leaders key to the success of the sector, but as the leaders it starts with us to create truly inclusive organisations.

This full day, in-person training event will be led by CEO and founder of Diversity Scotland, Tony McCaffery and Dilraj Sokhi-Watson, Director of Equate Scotland with the aim to increase your awareness, knowledge and skills around diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity Scotland’s topics include:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: What’s it about?
• Examining privilege
• An overview of non-inclusive behaviour
• Best practice to foster equity and inclusion

This will also be a unique opportunity to learn from other sectors as Equate Scotland partners with employers and educators to create inclusive working and learning environments within STEM organisations. Equate Scotland will focus on practical ways in which you, as the leader of your organisation, can create a more inclusive and diverse workplace. With many years’ experience working as a CEO of a Scottish charity, Dilraj will also take a look at diversity and inclusion within the sector itself, identifying areas in which we can all improve.

We are delighted to announce that ACOSVO and the Scottish Government will be launching the ACOSVO 2023 Equality & Diversity Report which takes a much more in-depth look at the diversity of the Scottish voluntary sector leadership than any other report. ACOSVO board member and founder of Resonate Together, Angela Watt alongside Jo Wright and Calum Irving from the Third Sector Unit within the Scottish Government, will explain why this research was undertaken and what actions will be implemented. You will also receive a copy of this report to take home with you!

We do hope you’ll take the time to join us for this unmissable event.

Book Ticket here

Tickets: £0 – £90