Community groups to share views on building ‘fairer Scotland’

Community groups and other organisations which have helped vulnerable people during the pandemic are being invited to share their views on how to build a “fairer Scotland”.

The Scottish Government’s advisory board on social renewal is seeking evidence from groups based on their responses to coronavirus.

The board is tasked with doing “the ‘big thinking’ that can help bring about a fairer Scotland” in the aftermath of the virus.

Its members are interested in speaking to groups helping people deal with poverty and inequality, learning how good practice can continue into the future.

A report summarising the board’s work will be published later this year.

Social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the health, wealth and emotional wellbeing of our communities is vital to inform our response to and recovery from the pandemic.

We also know particular groups have been disproportionately impacted by the crisis.

“That’s why we established the social renewal advisory board to focus on reducing poverty and disadvantage, and advancing equality, across a range of issues.

“We now want to hear from the many organisations and community groups working on social renewal that will have adapted, changed and repurposed in light of Covid-19.

“There is significant learning on this to be shared and we want to capture that expertise.”

She added: “Our call for ideas and evidence will help us drive forward our ambitions on creating a fairer, more equal society and ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard.”