New research highlights the vital role and growing pressures facing Argyll and Bute’s third sector

20 May 2026

Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (ABTSI) is pleased to introduce a new draft State of the Sector research report for Argyll and Bute’s third, social enterprise and community sector, supported by detailed appendices.

The research has been produced for ABTSI by consultants SKS and draws together a range of evidence, including secondary research, survey findings and focus group discussions with organisations and stakeholders across Argyll and Bute.

Taken together, the report presents a clear picture of a sector that is highly valued, deeply rooted in local communities and making an essential contribution to community wellbeing, volunteering, social connection, local services and the wider local economy. At the same time, it highlights the significant pressures many organisations face, including short-term and insecure funding, increasing demand, volunteer and trustee fatigue, governance and capacity challenges, and the added complexity of delivering services across rural and island communities.

The research also points to a number of important themes for the future. These include the need for a stronger third sector voice in strategic planning and decision making; better shared data and evidence about the sector’s impact; more opportunities for networking, collaboration and partnership; stronger support for organisational resilience and capacity building; and a clearer, more visible understanding of the third sector’s role as an essential part of Argyll and Bute’s social and economic infrastructure.

• State of the Sector report (V3 draft)
• Appendix 1 – focus group planning and guidance
• Appendix 2 – secondary research summary
• Appendix 3 – Survey report
• Appendix 4 – Focus group SWOT analysis
• Appendix 5 – Thematic online focus groups

For ABTSI, the draft State of the Sector report is an important milestone. It provides an evidence base not only for understanding the current position of the sector, but also for shaping future priorities and ensuring that the experiences, challenges and ambitions of local organisations are reflected in our own planning.

“This report shows both the strength and the strain within Argyll and Bute’s third sector. It highlights a sector that is essential to our communities, but under real pressure. It also gives us a strong evidence base for the future. Over the next week or so, ABTSI will publish a combined draft sector and TSI strategy for comment, and we look forward to hearing views from organisations and partners across Argyll and Bute.” Takki Sulaiman, CEO, Argyll and Bute TSI

What next?

This draft State of the Sector report will now help inform the next stage of ABTSI’s strategic development. Over the next two weeks, ABTSI will also publish a combined draft sector and TSI strategy for comment, giving partners, stakeholders and organisations across Argyll and Bute the opportunity to review and respond to the proposed direction of travel.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the research process, including those who took part in the survey, focus groups and wider conversations. Your insight has been invaluable in helping to build a clearer picture of the strengths, pressures and opportunities across the sector.

To comment on the research and draft State of the Sector report, please add your views below.