National intermediaries and networks play a vital role within Scotland’s ecosystem. They connect grassroots organisations to policy processes, amplify community voice, support collaboration, and build capacity across the sector. Much of this work is often unseen but fundamental. Without strong infrastructure bodies, smaller organisations struggle to influence decisions, learning is fragmented or collective responses to emerging challenges are weakened. This work relies on continuity, trusted relationships, and the ability to plan beyond a single financial year.

Yet, the majority of current funding practices undermine this role. Short-term project-restricted funding constrains strategic planning, late decisions create operational uncertainty, and insufficient core, flexible investment undermines workforce sustainability. While steps towards multi-year commitments are welcome, they remain inconsistent and under resourcing continues to limit the impact intermediaries can achieve on behalf of their members and communities.

A genuine shift to fair funding is necessary. Multi-year settlements, realistic inflationary uplifts, and proportionate accountability would provide the stability for long-term change. Predictable funding would enable intermediaries to invest in people, deepen partnerships, and contribute consistently to policy development rather than reacting to short-term pressures.

Without meaningful reform, the risk is to weaken the very infrastructure that enables community voice and democratic participation. Continued instability will reduce coordination, drive out expertise, and narrow community representation in national decision-making. The consequences of which would be felt most acutely in the communities already facing the greatest challenges.

SCVO’s Fair Funding campaign directly reflects these concerns. It calls for multi-year settlements, proportionate reporting, and respectful funding relationships, which mirror the needs expressed by Scottish Community Alliance. Together we are clear, sustainable community impact requires sustainable investment in the infrastructure that supports it.

The role of intermediaries – SCVO