BORDERS THIRD SECTOR INTERFACE RE-IMAGINED

BORDERS THIRD SECTOR INTERFACE RE-IMAGINED
Update 29th April 2022
We are delighted to write to you to update you on the work that the Borders TSI (Third
Sector Interface) partners have been doing to review how we work together and how we
might strengthen those arrangements. This has been prompted by feedback from Scottish
Government and others that the Borders TSI could be more effective in carrying out the
functions expected of a TSI.
The partners have had access to an external facilitator, Beverley Francis, from Animate
Consulting, and she and associates will be helping us to re-imagine what Borders TSI could
be like, thinking afresh about our purpose, and how we carry out the role of the TSI.
We have been asked by the Scottish Government, our funder for the Third Sector Interface
work, to report to them with our final thinking and future by the end of June 2022. This work
is important to secure ongoing funding, and to make sure that we are being an effective
voice for the third sector and communities in the Borders. We have spent some time
working together to think about the environment and challenges that the third sector face in
Scotland and in the Borders in particular. This is helping us to frame a new strategy for the
TSI work, as distinct from the important work we do as independent charities.
Following detailed discussions, the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber (SBSEC)
has decided to continue its work with the BTSI as a contractor, rather than continue as a
partner. The remaining partners: The Bridge, The Berwickshire Association for Voluntary
Service (BAVS) and Volunteer Centre Borders (VCB) are pleased to retain the expertise of
the SBSEC in the work under this new arrangement. A service level agreement is close to
being agreed.
We are also doing some thinking about what we need to deliver and how best to organise
our collective resources to do that, to ensure that we do things well, and are seen as
credible with all our partners. As the work unfolds, there will be opportunities for staff and
stakeholders to be involved in offering views and making sure we listen to what people
need from us, whether they are a charity, social enterprise, community group, or a member
of the public.
We intend to write to you monthly to let you know what has been happening. As we enter a
period of change, we ask for your patience and understanding as we evolve and navigate
new arrangements.
Morag Walker, Executive Officer, The Bridge
Juliana Amaral, Executive Officer, BAVS
Chris Lau, Chief Officer, VCB
Margaret Simpson MBE FRSA, Director/Chair, SBSEC