In the Scottish Borders, the Third Sector Interface (TSI) was originally a partnership between four organisations - Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service, the Bridge, Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber and Volunteer Centre Borders.
Borders Community Action was launched on 1 April 2023 as the new TSI for the Scottish Borders. We are now the one-stop point for the third sector. Working with charities, social enterprises, community groups and volunteers, we aim to promote and develop a vibrant local third sector.
We will be bold in how we represent the third sector and the communities we serve.
We will always be open and honest with you.
We will share our knowledge and nurture the knowledge and skills in others.
Borders Community Action is committed to the Scottish Government's Fair Work First principles, promoting a workplace built on respect, opportunity, inclusion and wellbeing. Alongside our commitment to fair work practices, we maintain a range of accreditations and awards that reflect our dedication to supporting our people, protecting information, and delivering high-quality services to the communities we serve.
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer and are committed to paying staff at least the real Living Wage.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and supporting disabled people through recruitment, retention and career development.
This award recognises our commitment to wellbeing and creating supportive environments that help people and communities thrive.
Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates our commitment to keeping data secure and maintaining effective cyber security practices.
Third Sector Interfaces act as an important force for change in Scotland’s communities by occupying a significant role in the local third sector landscape. The Scottish Government asks that Third Sector Interfaces perform four key functions in their communities: to act as a source of local intelligence; to enable voices to be heard; to connect leadership, vision and coordination; to build capacity needs.
We provide support, learning and development opportunities for individuals and organisations. Our newsletters and regular news alerts on this website also provide updates relevant to the sector.
We are a channel of communication between third sector organisations and statutory bodies. We are a point of consultation on community and voluntary sector issues and regularly attend strategic meetings at all levels, where many different organisations work together to benefit local communities.
We can facilitate individuals and organisations to make connections by acting as a link between the ‘boots on the ground’ and statutory bodies and decision-makers.
We provide development and management assistance to third sector organisations to help develop their capacity to provide services within the community and achieve positive change. Examples are: help with setting up a new organisation, funding bids, drafting a constitution or other governing document, and developing volunteering capacity.
