Third Sector Interface: outcome framework

Our view of TSIs

TSIs play an important role in the third sector landscape. They are a key point of intelligence about local third sector organisations and volunteering. They understand the local landscape and how it effects the third sector's ability to contribute to local outcomes and national strategies (such as health and social care, community empowerment). They are well positioned to identify support needs for local community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and around volunteering. TSIs can identify third sector issues and perspectives that can feed into both local and national policy.

The TSI role is complex, they support people and the general sector as well as member organisations. They provide support across all policy areas and client groups. They must understand both the local and national context. The local sector itself is very diverse with different needs and different perspectives. Whilst this is challenging it does mean that TSIs occupy a unique and important place.

TSI's are working in very diverse contexts with differences in relation to:

• Needs and priorities
• Geography and demographics

• Infrastructure support to local third sector organisations from both statutory and other third sector agencies
• The extent to which the third sector are recognised, valued and involved in planning and delivery of services

TSIs need to respond to these different contexts and will look different in different parts of the country.

Contribution to government strategies

National Performance Framework

Particular pieces of work may contribute to any one of the eleven national outcomes, but of particular relevance to TSIs are the following outcomes:

• We respect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination
• We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally
• We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered , resilient and safe
• We are healthy and active
• We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society

Social Enterprise Strategy

Within the Social Enterprise Strategy, TSI's (working alongside others) have an important role to play in:

• stimulating local development (priority 1);
• in enabling the development of stronger organisations (priority 2)
• in helping realise market opportunities (priority 3).

Volunteering Outcomes Framework

Once developed, TSIs will play an important role in promoting and supporting volunteering at a local level, including through the ongoing delivery and promotion of Saltire Awards.