Have your say on ABTSI’s new five-year strategy

21 July 2026

Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface is inviting comments on our draft Strategy 2026–2031: A Stronger Third Sector for Argyll and Bute.

This strategy is the culmination of almost two years of consultation, co-production, analysis, workshops, surveys and conversations with charities, community groups, volunteers, social enterprises, public sector partners and local communities. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, experience and ideas so far.

In May we published the evidence base for the draft strategy which you review again here.

The draft strategy sets out how ABTSI will support, connect and champion the third sector over the next five years. It is also a sector-facing strategy, reflecting the wider ambitions, challenges and contribution of voluntary and community organisations across Argyll and Bute.

At its heart is a simple aim: to help people and communities thrive through a strong, connected, influential and sustainable third sector.

The strategy is built around the four key roles all TSIs have been given by the Scottish Government. These are Knowledge, Voice, Build Capacity and Connect. These describe how ABTSI will help improve evidence about the sector, strengthen sector voice in decision-making, support organisations and volunteers, and create spaces for collaboration.

However, woven through the strategy are the issues we have heard most clearly from the sector: the need for fairer funding, stronger partnership working, better support for volunteering, improved evidence of impact, and a more preventative, community-rooted approach to wellbeing. It recognises the realities of delivering in rural, remote and island communities, and the importance of local organisations in shaping a fairer, healthier and more resilient Argyll and Bute.

Read the document here.

We now want to hear from you. Does the draft strategy reflect your experience? Are the priorities right? Is there anything missing?

Please send us your comments by 18 August – you can post below or email [email protected].

Your feedback will help us finalise the strategy and ensure it reflects the voices, strengths and ambitions of Argyll and Bute’s third sector.