The document discusses trends impacting the social sector in a changing world. It notes that 23% of organizations reported a difficult year in 2018, with medium-sized organizations facing the most challenges. Opportunities for growth, collaboration, and demonstrating impact were identified. Political and economic uncertainties like Brexit, austerity measures, and slow wage growth were highlighted as factors. An aging population and rising social needs, changing communities, and issues like populism were also discussed. The document concludes that organizations must adapt to changing consumer behavior and new technologies to survive in this environment.

1. State of the sector: trends and insights
in a changing world
David McNeill
Director, SCVO
@david_mcneill

2. “The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will
never be this slow again.”
Justin Trudeau, 2018World Economic Forum

3. It’s not all bad news…
… and we’ll keep the Brexit chat to a minimum
And look at the political, economic, social and
technological trends that impact on the sector as well
as some more specific challenges and opportunities.

4. 23% of organisations reported having a difficult year
(up from 17% in 2016)
Growing number of smaller organisations but medium-sized
organisations find it most difficult
Confidence and optimism only slightly down – although realistic about
worsening financial situation
Opportunities identified for growth and collaboration, and
demonstrating impact as crucial
What people said…

5. Uncertainty (and potential election?)
No EU Funding… unclear on what will replace it
Staff and volunteers
Imports and exports (medicines?)
Regulations
Limited bandwidth for other issues
Political factors (Brexit)

6. Sector has an influence and mostly positive policies
New Programme for Government – focus on climate change
Social security and devolution of powers
National Performance Framework – not just focused on economic growth?
Challenge is in implementation of policy
And in resourcing, particularly with local authorities
2021 elections?
Political factors (Scotland)

7. 20 years of influence
Smoke Free Public Places
Continue to Care
Saving Marine Life
Free Personal Care for Older People
Abolition ofTuition Fees
ScottishWelfare Fund
Climate Change
Free School Meals
Minimum Alcohol Pricing
HumanTrafficking and Exploitation
Justice forVictims of Asbestos Related
Diseases
Social Security
Organ Donation Opt Out
Equal Marriage
Debt Arrangement Schemes
Right to Roam
Making Renting Right
Repealing Ban on Discussing
Homosexuality in Schools
Affordable Homes

8. Limited economic growth
Low unemployment – but wages aren’t rising & jobs insecure
Austerity and impact on public services – and knock on impact on
the sector
Does the sector ‘walk the talk’ on the living wage and employees?
Tax and business rates
Social enterprise / ‘good’ business
Economic factors

9. An ageing population
Rising health and social care needs
Changing communities – online & offline
The need for ‘IRL’ social connections
Populism / fragmentation / mistrust / alienation
People want to ‘do good’ but have become more protective of their time
– are the private sector doing more to maximise this?
Social factors

10. Changing consumer behaviour (and impact on towns) and cashless
society
Higher expectations of service
Social media – a force for good or bad?
Access to information, advice and support – starts online
New tools and opportunities to be more effective and efficient, but
requires organisations to adapt and evolve
Beware of those talking blockchain, AI and automation
Technological factors

11. Trust, transparency and openness
Safeguarding
Governance
Charity law
Diversity
Funding
Sector specific change

12. It’s not the strongest of
the species that
survive, nor the most
intelligent, but the one
most responsive to
change
- Charles Darwin

13. Are we responsive to change?
“As good as we think many of our services are, almost all
of them are in the same shape they were in when we first
set them up decades years ago.
Actually, that sounds awful. Don’t write that down.”
Shift (2017) Driving continuous improvement - Insights from funding social tech

14. The failure to adapt…

16. New strategy, new team
Support, promote &
develop the sector
Review of membership
Following our principles
and living our values
We’re changing

17. Get in touch!
www.scvo.org.uk
david.mcneill@scvo.org.uk
@david_mcneill