Voluntary Sector Network
What is the Voluntary Sector Network?
The Voluntary Sector Network (VSN) is made up of some of the largest voluntary organisations in Scotland. The VSN aims to support them in the continuous improvement activities. VSN is a network of Quality Scotland members that belong to the voluntary sector; they all strive towards organisational excellence and believe in sharing best practice. They meet quarterly to discuss quality issues in the voluntary sector and support each other throughout the year based on their personal experiences. VSN members also have access to a dedicated Account Manager for advice and expertise on Business Excellence.
The Voluntary Sector Network also explores the use of self-assessment and continuous improvement techniques in their organisations. These tools are tailored specifically for the social economy and a recent innovation includes the launch of a tailored guide to EFQM, the most widely used business improvement framework in Europe, for the voluntary sector. For further information contact Orla McDonald on 0131 556 2333 or orla.mcdonald@qualityscotland.co.uk.
Who is part of the VSN?
Voluntary Sector and the Excellence Model
The Excellence Model is being increasingly used within the voluntary sector in Scotland. To find out how the Excellence Model can be adapted to maximise efficiencies within your organisation, view our guide to implementing the Excellence Model. Furthermore, the Voluntary Sector Network (VSN) has produced a tailored guide to EFQM for the voluntary sector which can be purchased from Quality Scotland. For more information on the Excellence Model or to purchase your copy of the tailored guide to EFQM for the voluntary sector please contact Claire Ford or Orla McDonald on 0131 556 2333.
VSN - Affiliate Membership
Quality Scotland is pleased to introduce a new opportunity for smaller voluntary sector organisations to join as members and benefit from a wide range of products and serivces. This opportunity is only available to voluntary organisations with a turnover of less than £1 million. For more information or to become a member, view our VSN Affiliate Membership flyer and fill out the attached application form. Alternatively please do not hestitate to contact Orla McDonald on 0131 556 2333.
Recent news within the Voluntary Sector Network
Over recent months the VSN has continued to grow and Quality Scotland would like to welcome our newest additions Penumbra, The Rock Trust, Epilepsy Scotland and Inspire.
At Quality Scotland’s recent Annual Awards for Business Excellence, Quarriers National Epilepsy Assessment Centre, Cornerstone and Alzheimer Scotland were all awarded ‘Committed to Excellence’ in recognition of their dedication to continuous improvement.
Quality Scotland also presented the inaugural ‘Ambassador for Excellence’ award. This is presented to an individual, organisation or group who consistently support excellence in Scotland, sharing their learning and providing mentoring support to other organisations as well as actively promoting quality within their own organisation. Quality Scotland were delighted that the VSN were awarded this for their work as a network throughout the past decade.
The fifth annual VSN conference will be held this autumn in Glasgow and we hope to build on the success of last year’s event and provide a useful learning opportunity for the wider voluntary sector.
How do I join?
To join the VSN, organisations should become members of Quality Scotland. Find out more about Becoming a Member here or click here to apply today. If you would like to discuss the VSN or membership please contact Orla McDonald on 0131 556 2333 or email orla.mcdonald@qualityscotland.co.uk.
Downloads
