About us
The Borders Third Sector Interface works to promote and develop a vibrant third sector. It is one of 32 Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) in Scotland, with one for each local authority area.
What is a Third Sector Interface (TSI)?
Scotland's network of Third Sector Interfaces was established in 2011. Funded by the Scottish Government, TSIs aid the development of voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and volunteering. TSIs provide a vital link between the third sector and community planning. In 2020 the national TSI network published its Manifesto for Change outlining a vision for "resilient and empowered communities" and "a stronger, fairer and more equitable Scotland with a thriving third sector at its heart."
In the Scottish Borders the local TSI is formed of a partnership between four organisations, each specialists in their own area. They are Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service, The Bridge, Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber and Volunteer Centre Borders. For more on the partners see below or visit the What We Do section to learn about the TSI.
Borders TSI partnership
In the Scottish Borders our TSI is formed of a partnership between Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service, The Bridge, Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber and Volunteer Centre Borders.
Within the Third Sector Interface the four partners complement each other by taking responsibility for their own unique strands of work.
Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS)
Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS) is an independent voluntary organisation supporting, informing, representing and providing services to community and voluntary groups in the Berwickshire District Area of the Scottish Borders.
The Bridge
The Bridge provides a wide range of development support to the Third Sector and communities in the localities of Eildon, Cheviot, Teviot & Liddesdale and Tweeddale. Staff at three local offices help to build capacity, deliver services and represent the interests of Borders organisations.
The Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber (SBSEC)
The Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber (SBSEC) promotes and supports the development and growth of social enterprises across the Scottish Borders. SBSEC acts as a collective, lobbying voice for social enterprise ensuring the voice of the sector is heard at a community planning level and beyond.
Volunteer Centre Borders (VCB)
Volunteer Centre Borders works to develop and promote volunteering for all, improve volunteering opportunities and remove barriers to participation. VCB works in partnership with a range of volunteer-involving organisations and projects to promote good practice, recruit and place volunteers and to raise the awareness of the importance of volunteering.