Borders TSI Re-Imagined’ project- Update

We are delighted to be able to provide an update on progress within the ‘Borders TSI Re-Imagined’ project. May was a month of significant progress with the Boards of Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS), The Bridge, and Volunteer Centre Borders coming together for a day of information-sharing and discussion. The Board Development Day was held in the Council Chambers and led by the Change team. Our focus is to deliver the best outcome for the future of the Borders TSI and all Boards have agreed to implement some immediate actions and progress towards others.

We have agreed a draft strategy and we are actively engaging with the leaders and partners at local and national level to keep them informed of our progress, we are engaging with Third Sector organisations in our areas too about what they think of the draft strategy.

A key decision reached with all the partner boards was to establish a new, distinct and separate legal entity for the Borders TSI, to enable improved accountability, visibility, and accessibility. The details of this are still being discussed and to be agreed.

Another important agreement has been to appoint a Board of Directors for the new organisation and this will comprise some new and independent voices, as well as existing partners, we will also appoint an independent Chair.

We know that it will be necessary to appoint some dedicated staff on an interim basis to support the further steps on our journey to creating a distinctive TSI. This will ensure a properly led and managed transition to any new arrangements, making sure there is continuity of provision.  We intend to update the Scottish Government about our plans later this month, and subject their view, we will press ahead with our plans for full implementation by 1 April 2023.