Evaluation of Third Sector Interface network model and Voluntary Action Scotland: executive summary

Context for the evaluation

The policy and operational environment has changed significantly since the TSI network model was established in 2011 because of: The Christie Commission report on the future delivery of public services in June 2011; the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( COSLA) shared Statement of Ambition in 2012; the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 which sets out the legislative framework for integrating health and social care; and most recently the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act, all of which emphasise the Government's commitment to involving the Third Sector as a strategic partner. These changes are a real opportunity for TSIs to further consolidate their position, but also present a challenge in terms of the demands on TSIs to take on new roles in developing and supporting new collaborative approaches. It is important to note too that the TSIs are still at a relatively early stage in their development, compared with other pre-existing support organisations.

This evaluation sought to establish the extent to which the intended role of TSIs has developed to date, and whether the current model is fit for purpose going forward.