Setting up, running and support for local groups 

These organisations and resources offer guidance and support in the day to day running of groups and organisations.  

SCVO support page – The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland’s charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. This page included guides to setting up and running your organisation, as well as useful templates, model policies, and checklists.  

DTAS resource page – The Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) represents the network of development trusts across Scotland, and their resources has guides to setting up and running a local development trust.  

Community Enterprise Scotland – Community Enterprise Scotland provides development support to social enterprises, charities and voluntary groups to help make ideas a reality. 

Transition Network Essentials Guides – The Transition Network supports the Transition movement, community-led groups working for a low-carbon, socially just future with resilient communities, more active participation in society, and caring culture focused on supporting each other. Their suite of resources on running a healthy and effective group – from meetings to decisions making and more – is a helpful and available to all, whether you are part of the network or not. 

Guide to running a charity or social enterprise – This Third Force News (TFN) guide includes vital topics such as funding and charity finances, tacking inequalities, and developing confidence in incorporating climate action in your organisation.  

Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN) – An organisation that supports community-led action in Scotland to address the climate and nature emergency and work. They are a membership organisation that is free to join for groups and individuals, and offers events, learning & resources, and networking across Scotland.  

The Ethnic Minority Environmental Network (EMEN) – An organisation that creates connections between ethnic minority groups and individuals, and mainstream organisations addressing climate change and climate justice in Scotland. EMEN promotes local and national actions that address climate change while being more inclusive of ethnic minority voices.