## **2025-26 VAO ANNUAL REPORT**
**Building a more confident, connected and resilient third sector for Orkney**
The Yard Plant Nursery Sanday Men’s Shed
www.vaorkney.org.uk enquiries@vaorkney.org.uk
## **CHAIR'S FOREWORD**
This year work has again demonstrated the vital role of Orkney’s voluntary and community sector in sustaining island life. Across our charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, volunteers and trustees provide practical support, local leadership and connection. Much of this work happens quietly, but its impact is deeply felt and greatly valued.
For Voluntary Action Orkney’s (VAO) Board, 2025–26 has been a year of careful stewardship through organisational change. Directors have worked closely with the Chief Executive and staff team as VAO restructured, planned ahead and enhanced the arrangements needed to support our communities effectively.
During this period of transition, the Board has maintained a strong focus on governance, financial oversight and long-term sustainability, while also considering future Board development, succession planning and the skills needed to guide VAO with confidence.
I would like to thank the VAO staff team for their dedication, professionalism and resilience throughout the year. I am also grateful to my fellow Directors for the time, care and judgement they bring to their roles. Their collective contribution has helped steer VAO through an important period of development.
Above all, I want to recognise VAO’s members, volunteers, partners and community organisations across Orkney. Your commitment strengthens our communities and helps ensure people access support when they need it most.
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce this Annual Report and to acknowledge the progress made during a demanding and purposeful year.
Katherine McKerrell
Katherine McKerrell
Interim Chair Voluntary Action Orkney
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## **CEO INTRODUCTION A Year of Change**
This Annual Report covers a year of change, challenge and renewed focus for VAO and the wider third sector.
Across Orkney, organisations have dealt with rising costs, uncertain funding, increasing demand, new legislation and more complex community needs. Despite these pressures, they have continued to adapt and deliver the services, opportunities and support that local people rely on.
Within VAO, we have used this year to strengthen how we work. We reviewed our structure, clarified roles and developed new ways to connect with members and partners. The purpose has been practical: to make sure VAO can offer timely advice, trusted information, effective partnerships and a clear voice for Orkney’s voluntary and community sector.
Over the year, our work has ranged from helping organisations understand legislative and governance changes to supporting volunteering, youth participation, membership development, communications and partnership activity. We have also created more opportunities for the sector to come together, share experience and influence local decision-making.
At the centre of all this work are people: trustees, volunteers, staff, young people, community groups, partners and members. Their knowledge, care and commitment are what give the sector its strength. VAO’s role is to help that contribution be supported, recognised and sustained.
I am proud of how VAO staff, Directors, members and partners have worked through this period of transition. The year has tested capacity, but it has also sharpened our focus. As we look ahead, VAO will continue to support a confident, connected and resilient third sector for Orkney.
Morven Brooks
## Morven Brooks
Chief Executive Officer Voluntary Action Orkney
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## **STRENGTHENING VAO FOR THE FUTURE**
## **Building Resilience Through Change**
New organisational structure implemented across VAO New Strategic Plan and Operational Workplan approved Strengthened Board recruitment, succession planning and risk oversight arrangements 153 member organisations, 9 individual members and a further 15 provisional members approved by the Board in March 2026
The year 2025–26 was a year of significant organisational change for Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO). As the voluntary and community sectors faced economic pressures and changing expectations, VAO strengthened its own foundations to ensure it could continue to provide effective leadership and support to communities across Orkney.
A major milestone this year was the implementation of a new organisational structure. Clearer roles and responsibilities and reinforced management arrangements improved the alignment between strategic priorities and operational delivery. The introduction of new and revised posts also increased organisational capacity in areas, including communications and partnerships, creating a stronger platform for future activity.
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This year we also highlighted the importance of strong governance during periods of organisational change. Directors provided strategic leadership while supporting the organisation through transition and succession planning. Continued focus on risk management and organisational sustainability helped ensure that VAO is well positioned to respond to future opportunities and challenges.
Throughout the year, the organisation also began developing new approaches to understanding and engaging with its membership. Consultation and relationshipbuilding activity have provided valuable insight into the changing needs of the sector and will help shape future services and support.
These developments represent an investment not only in VAO as an organisation, but in the communities and organisations it exists to support. By strengthening its own foundations, VAO is bolstering its capacity to build partnerships and respond effectively to the changing needs of Orkney's third sector.
While much of this work took place behind the scenes, its purpose was simple: to optimise VAO's ability to serve Orkney's voluntary and community sector.
A stronger VAO means better support for our members, volunteers, partners and communities. The changes we have made this year have been about strengthening our foundations, improving how we work, and making sure we are better placed to respond to the needs of Orkney’s third sector. Change is not always easy, but it has helped us build resilience, improve our focus and **Integrity** prepare for the future.
Morven Brooks Chief Executive Officer
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## **SUPPORTING A SECTOR IN TRANSITION**
This year, VAO provided direct support to 223 organisations and 64 individuals across Orkney, excluding volunteering enquiries and volunteer support activity. This support ranged from one-off guidance to more involved help with governance, constitutions, funding, policy development and legislative change.
**223 Organisations supported**
**64 Individuals supported (non- volunteering)**
The voluntary and community sector continues to operate in an increasingly complex environment. During 2025–26, organisations across Orkney faced new legislative requirements, evolving governance expectations, financial uncertainty and increasing demand for services. In response, VAO worked alongside organisations to help them understand their responsibilities, adapt to change and maintain effective governance
One of the most significant areas of change was the evolving legislative and regulatory environment. Changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, developments arising from the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act and preparations for wider governance and reporting requirements created new responsibilities for many organisations. For smaller groups in particular, understanding what these changes meant in practice could be challenging.
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Annual Community Halls Event
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VAO provided information, guidance, and individual support to help organisations understand their responsibilities and respond confidently. By translating complex legislative requirements into practical advice, organisations were better able to maintain compliance, develop governance arrangements and ultimately continue delivering services with confidence.
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**Case Study: Strengthening Governance for the Future**
## **Supporting the Orkney Youth Café to refresh its governance**
When the Orkney Youth Café approached VAO for support to update its constitution, the work quickly became about much more than rewriting a governing document. Through discussions with trustees, it became clear that the existing constitution no longer reflected how the organisation was operating. For example, trustees were increasingly attending meetings virtually, and quorum requirements made it difficult to conduct business effectively.
Working closely with the Board, VAO supported trustees to review their governance arrangements, draft a revised constitution and understand the reasons behind the proposed changes. Rather than simply producing a new document, the process encouraged discussion, built trustees' confidence and increased understanding of their legal responsibilities.
The revised constitution introduced greater flexibility by recognising virtual meetings and establishing governance arrangements that better reflected the organisation's day-to-day operation. VAO also guided trustees through the formal approval process, including preparing for an Extraordinary General Meeting and meeting the requirements of OSCR and Companies House.
As a result, the Orkney Youth Café now has governance arrangements that are more practical and better aligned with the way the organisation works today. Perhaps more importantly, trustees developed a stronger understanding of their responsibilities and greater certainty in leading the organisation into the future.
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One area that generated significant interest was the implementation of changes to the PVG scheme. From 1 April 2025, PVG scheme membership became a legal requirement in Scotland for individuals carrying out regulated roles with children, protected adults, or both.
VAO provided direct support to groups and organisations, helping them consider their individual circumstances and identify the correct way forward. This included signposting and connecting organisations with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Service for further guidance and support with PVG checks, and the Disclosure Scotland Online Result Service. This work reflects VAO’s role as a trusted source of knowledge and practical support point for the sector, particularly where legislative changes affect local volunteer-involving organisations.
This year also saw the continuation of approaches that support longer-term sustainability. In 2025/26 the Scottish Government included the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in their Fairer Funding Pilot. This allowed VAO to highlight the importance of moving beyond short-term project funding towards models that provide greater financial security. This allowed organisations to plan further ahead and focus on delivering impact rather than continually seeking resources.
## **Supporting Community Wellbeing**
From a two year fund of £166,675, VAO awarded £140,430.33 during 2025-2026, supporting twelve, two-year projects and 7 one-year projects focussed on community mental health and wellbeing.
**£140,430.33 12 two-year projects Awarded 7 one- year projects**
Alongside legislative change and rising costs, workforce pressures created additional challenges for many groups. Through community development support, including governance advice, funding guidance and capacity-building work, VAO helped organisations progress and plan for the future.
Overall, while each organisation's circumstances were different, common themes emerged: the need for stability and support in navigating a rapidly changing environment. The collective impact of the work that VAO does extends beyond individual organisations and contributes to a more resilient voluntary and community sector, capable of responding to the needs of communities across Orkney.
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## **OPENING MORE PATHWAYS INTO PARTICIPATION**
113 new volunteer enquiries 30 new volunteers registered
64 volunteer-involving organisations supported 4 supported volunteers matched with a mentor 105 young people volunteering including 30 new Saltire volunteers
76 Saltire Awards amounting to 3870 hours of volunteering were given out at the Orkney Youth Awards 24 Challenge Awards and 3 Summit Awards were also presented at the Orkney Youth Awards
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Hamnavoe House
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Participation remains at the heart of strong and connected communities. Throughout **Inovation** 2025–26, VAO supported people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with volunteering.
There is a growing recognition of the personal, professional and social benefits that volunteering can offer and we saw encouraging growth in volunteering activity across Orkney.
More people came forward seeking opportunities to volunteer, with enquiries increasing significantly compared to previous years. The increase in participation locally follows the national trend with evidence demonstrating that volunteer participation is beginning to recover following the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.
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Many people engaging with volunteering were looking for opportunities that aligned with their interests and circumstances. Young adults aged between 16-34 were the largest group taking up volunteering opportunities. Those aged 35-59 were the second largest group and those aged 60 and over were the smallest. In response, VAO worked closely with individuals and organisations to create meaningful matches and support positive volunteering experiences. This included helping people explore career pathways, gain relevant work experience and improve their connections within the community.
Volunteering has helped to boost my CV as well as my sense of purpose and satisfaction - I feel very positive about helping the organisation and the people involved. Having the opportunity to build confidence in interacting with people through volunteering has been really beneficial for boosting my experience and helping with applying for jobs.
Alongside mainstream volunteering activity, significant progress was made in developing supported volunteering opportunities. Through building relationships with local organisations and community groups, and increasing our communities’ awareness of the service we were able to identify a range of suitable volunteering opportunities for our supported volunteers.
Through the provision of referral pathways and mentor support, the service has created new routes into volunteering for individuals who may previously have found participation difficult or inaccessible.
Our local partnerships have been essential in developing inclusive placements and continuing to promote the value of supported volunteering across the local community.
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‘Bite and Blether’ at the Cromarty Hall
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Inovation
Sanday Community Garden
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Although many supported volunteer placements were still in their early stages by the end of the reporting year, initial feedback demonstrated the immediate difference that the right support can make.
Before I started, I was really quite nervous and anxious, but I’ve definitely been feeling happier since I started volunteering because it gives me a purpose to get up in the morning and to meet new folks.
I would say I feel more confident now and having my mentor with me has been great... and I can really connect and relate with him.
I enjoy the job satisfaction that I get from it and I’m learning things too – how to follow instructions and stay focused on what I’m doing right until I’ve finished the task.
It feels good to be putting something back into the community, and it’s opened my eyes to what is out there.
## **Young People Participating and Leading**
79 young people engaged through school drop-ins 248 young people participated in YPI across five schools 83 YPI finalists presented their ideas for local third sector organisations 12 young people participated in ROAR 6 young people participated in YLAG
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Youth development initiatives also created practical opportunities for young people to participate in community decision-making and support local organisations. Over the past year, 248 young people took part in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative across five schools, with 83 finalists presenting on behalf of third sector organisations. Alongside this, 12 young people participated in ROAR, 6 in the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG), and 79 young people engaged through school drop-ins.
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YPI ROAR
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A particular focus this year was improving accessibility and inclusion. Changes to youth engagement activities enabled more young people to participate in ways that reflected their individual needs and circumstances. Expanded opportunities for involvement created stronger pathways into volunteering, leadership and civic participation, helping young people become active contributors to community life.
During the reporting year, youth development initiatives channelled £19,422 to third sector organisations in Orkney, including £12,000 through Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), £4,870 through YLAG and £2,552 through ROAR. This demonstrates the practical contribution young people make to local organisations, while developing confidence, leadership and community decision-making skills. The impact of this work extends beyond the individuals directly involved. Volunteers strengthen organisations, support community services and contribute to social connection across Orkney. Young people who develop self-confidence and leadership skills today become the community leaders of the future.
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YLAG
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Together, these developments demonstrate the value of creating accessible pathways into participation. By reducing barriers and supporting people to contribute in ways that work for them, VAO is helping to build stronger, more connected and more inclusive communities.
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**STRENGTHENING VOICE, RELATIONSHIPS AND INFLUENCE** Strong communities depend on strong relationships. Across the year, Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) reinforced the connections between organisations, communities, statutory partners and decision-makers, helping ensure that information, opportunities and ideas were shared more effectively across Orkney.
A significant organisational change was the creation of a dedicated Partnerships and Engagement Team, including increased communications capacity. This provided a stronger foundation for improving engagement with members and ensuring that the sector had access to timely information, opportunities and support.
Membership remains at the heart of VAO's role as Orkney's Third Sector Interface.
At year end, VAO had 153 member organisations and 9 individual members, with a further 15 provisional members approved by the Board in March 2026. This provided a strong foundation for continuing work to review and modernise VAO’s membership offer, recognising that organisations have different needs depending on their size, stage of development and capacity.
Communications also underwent significant development. A redesigned website became the central hub for information, training, funding opportunities and volunteering, supported by the introduction of Mailchimp used to enhance newsletters and improve audience engagement. These changes have provided a more reliable, accessible and data-informed approach to communication, ensuring organisations and communities can find up-to-date information more easily.
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the website attracted 4,118 users across 9,246 sessions Increase in revenue VAO content was displayed 133,700 times on Facebook 664 interactions were generated on Facebook
Improving accessibility was another important milestone. VAO introduced an Easy Read service, enabling organisations to present information in formats that are easier to understand for people with learning disabilities and others who benefit from accessible communication. Early commissions included Easy Read materials for Orkney Health and Care’s Selfdirected Support information, improving access to important services and leading to further commissioned work .
Beyond communications and membership development VAO continued to bring organisations together to address issues affecting communities. Through events, consultations and partnership activity, organisations were able to build relationships, exchange learning and contribute to discussions affecting communities across Orkney.
The Third Sector Working Group continued to evolve as a stronger mechanism for identifying shared priorities, gathering sector views and influencing strategic discussions.
This proved particularly valuable at a time of increasing pressure on organisations facing funding challenges, rising demand and complex reporting requirements. Through the group, organisations were able to raise common concerns and strengthen dialogue with statutory partners.
By creating opportunities for organisations to come together, share experiences and learn from one another, VAO has a more informed and confident voluntary and community sector.
As Orkney continues to navigate change, a strong sector voice, underpinned by trust and shared understanding, is essential for ensuring that communities continue to be heard and supported in local planning and decision-making.
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**Case Study: Bringing Partners Together to Prevent Homelessness**
Preventing homelessness requires organisations to work together long before someone reaches crisis point.
VAO was commissioned by Orkney Housing Association to provide event planning, third sector engagement and communications support for The Big Ask – Acting to Prevent Homelessness in Orkney. Delivered in partnership with Orkney Housing
Association, Orkney Blide Trust and Women's Aid Orkney, the conference introduced Scotland's new 'Ask and Act' approach to homelessness prevention and brought together organisations from across the public and voluntary sectors to explore how earlier intervention can prevent homelessness.
More than 61 participants attended the event, hearing from national experts, people with lived experience and frontline practitioners. The conference increased awareness of the new homelessness prevention duties, enhanced understanding of early intervention and created opportunities for organisations to build relationships and develop a shared approach to supporting people before situations reach crisis point.
The event demonstrated VAO's role as a trusted connector, bringing together organisations with different expertise to learn and develop collaborative responses to complex community challenges.
I could not have done it without VAO engaging and connecting to the voluntary sector and the wider community across Orkney. The team were professional, responsive and committed to achieving the best outcomes.
Orkney Housing Association
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## **SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGH CHALLENGE AND CHANGE**
Throughout Orkney, many people face challenges that cannot be addressed through a single service or simple solution. Poor mental wellbeing, isolation, caring responsibilities, disability, and limited access to support can combine to create significant barriers to participation and wellbeing.
Over the past year, VAO provided person-centred support through both the Community Link Practitioner service and the Connect project. While each service works with different groups of people, both share a common approach: building trusted relationships, understanding individual circumstances and helping people identify positive steps forward.
## **Community Link Practitioner Service**
The Community Link Practitioner service provides vital support to people whose health and wellbeing are affected by social, emotional and practical challenges.
Working alongside GP practices, Community Link Practitioners support people experiencing issues such as loneliness, bereavement, financial difficulties, housing concerns, caring responsibilities and poor mental wellbeing. Often, these are challenges that cannot be addressed through clinical interventions alone.
The service provides people with time, space and support to identify what matters most to them and explore practical solutions. This may involve connecting people with community groups, specialist services, financial support, advocacy organisations or opportunities to build social connections.
A key strength of the service is its preventative approach. By supporting people before difficulties escalate, Community Link Practitioners help individuals access support earlier, improve their wellbeing and feel more able to manage challenging circumstances.
The service also plays an important role deepening collaboration between primary care and the voluntary and community sector. Through close partnership working with local organisations, individuals are able to access a broader range of support that reflects the wider factors affecting their health and wellbeing.
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Feedback from service users, families and partner organisations continues to demonstrate the value of this approach. People have described feeling listened to, supported and less alone, while families have valued the reassurance of knowing that someone is helping their loved one navigate complex situations and access appropriate support.
## **Case Study: Rebuilding Independence**
## **Helping one person reconnect with their community**
When Magnus* moved from Kirkwall to live with his daughter due to declining health, he found the transition difficult. No longer able to drive, he became increasingly isolated, missing friends and the independence he had previously enjoyed. His daughter, while providing significant support alongside working fulltime, was finding the caring role increasingly demanding.
Working alongside Magnus and his family, the Community Link Practitioner helped him access the practical support he was entitled to. This included successful applications for Attendance Allowance, a Blue Badge and Dial-a-Bus membership. Magnus’ daughter was also supported to access Carer's Credits in recognition of the care she was providing.
These practical interventions had a significant impact. Magnus was once again able to travel independently into Kirkwall to meet friends, reducing his isolation and improving his confidence. His daughter gained additional support in her caring role, and together they found it easier to adapt to their new circumstances.
Magnus gained some independence and reduced his social isolation. His mood improved greatly and he settled well into living with his daughter.
The link worker role doesn't just care for that single person referred – it extends out to their friends, families and professionals too
Age Scotland Orkney
* The name has been changed to protect the client’s privacy
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**Supporting Young People Through Connect**
26 young people took part in the main Connect programme
4 young adults who had previously been part of Connect, returned for support when they needed it 3 young people moved into further education 2 young people secured full-time work 2 young people took on part-time work
This year, Connect supported young people facing increasingly complex challenges. Many of the young people engaging with the project were experiencing multiple barriers simultaneously, including poor mental health, autism, disability, social isolation, family pressures and difficulties engaging with education, training or employment.
Living in a rural and island community can create additional challenges for young people. Transport, distance and limited access to specialist services can make it harder to access support, build relationships and participate fully in community life.
In response, Connect provided flexible, relationship-based support tailored to the needs of each individual. Rather than expecting young people to fit within a predetermined programme, support was built around trust, safety and personal progression. For many participants, the most important first steps were developing confidence, building relationships and recognising their own strengths.
Volunteering played an important role within the project. Through opportunities such as intergenerational activities, community gardening and volunteering with local organisations, young people were able to contribute positively to their communities while developing communication skills and a sense of purpose.
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Connect Gardening Group
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Connect at Aalfiredup
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Connect geology
beachcombing
Connect at
Soulisquoy Printmakers
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The impact of this support can be seen in the progress made by many of the young people involved. During the year, participants moved into further education, entered employment and became more active within their communities. Others reduced feelings of isolation and built stronger social connections.
Alongside supporting individual young people, we marked an important stage in the future development of the project. Preparations began for Connect's transition from a VAO project to an independent charitable organisation. This transition reflects both the maturity of the project and a commitment to ensuring that support for young people can continue to develop and grow in response to local need.
## **Building Confidence and Connections**
Although the Community Link Practitioner service and Connect project support different The link worker role doesn't just care for that single groups of people, both demonstrate the value of community-based, relationship-focusedperson referred – it extends out to their friends, families support. They have provided practical examples of how person-centred support can help and professionals too people navigate challenges, realise their strengths and move forward with greater selfassurance.
Both services recognise that lasting change rarely happens overnight. Independence and wellbeing are often built through small steps, supported by trusted relationships over time.
By helping people overcome barriers, bolster social connections and access the support they need, these services contribute to healthier communities and improved wellbeing across Orkney.
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## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **For the Year Ended 31 March 2026**
## **Income and Expenditure**
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2026 2025
Income
Donations and legacies £678,819 £620,455
Charitable activities £106,045 £89,534
Other trading activities £42,255 £40,370
Investments £46,504 £66,938
Total Income £873,623 £817,297
Expenditure
Raising funds £37,368 £40,118
Charitable activities £974,901 £1,163,149
-
Other expenditure £56
£1,012,325 £1,203,267
Total expenditure
(£138,702) (£385,970)
Deficit for the year
Funds Held at 31 March 2026
2026 2025
Restricted funds £71,623 £138,126
Designated funds £34,984 £44,296
General unrestricted funds £151,953 £214,840
Total unrestricted funds £186,937 £259,136
Total funds £258,560 £397,262
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-26
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These figures are extracted from VAO’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
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## **Financial Summary**
During 2025–26, Voluntary Action Orkney received total income of £873,623, compared with £817,297 in the previous year.
Total expenditure was £1,012,325, compared with £1,203,267 in 2024–25. Expenditure therefore exceeded income by £138,702, compared with a deficit of £385,970 in the previous year.
Scottish Government At 31 March 2026, VAO held total funds of £258,560, compared with £397,262 at 31 Social Investment Scotland March 2025. This included £71,623 of restricted funds and £186,937 of unrestricted funds. The National Lottery
The Robertson Trust Of the unrestricted funds, £34,984 had been designated by the Board for specific The Wood Foundation purposes, with £151,953 held as general unrestricted funds.
The Board continues to monitor VAO’s financial position closely, including funding risks, future sustainability and the level of unrestricted reserves against the agreed reserves policy.
## **Our funders**
- Children in Need Community Alcohol Partnerships CIC Crown Estate Liam MacArthur MSP Neo Next NHS Orkney Orkney Islands Council Robert Gordon University Scottish Government Social Investment Scotland The National Lottery The Robertson Trust The Wood Foundation
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## **GOVERNANCE AND TRUSTEES**
VAO is a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 143208) and a registered charity (Scottish Charity No. SCO10691), governed by a Board of Directors. The Board provides strategic leadership and oversight, helping to ensure that VAO is well managed, financially responsible and compliant with its legal and regulatory duties.
During 2025–26, good governance remained especially important as VAO moved through a period of organisational change. Directors supported the Chief Executive Officer and staff team through the implementation of the new organisational structure, while maintaining focus on risk, financial sustainability, succession planning and delivery of VAO’s strategic priorities.
The Board also continued to strengthen its own membership and oversight arrangements, ensuring that VAO has the skills, experience and scrutiny needed to support effective decision-making. This included welcoming new Directors during the year and recognising the contribution of those who stepped down.
Strong governance helps VAO operate with stability, transparency and accountability. It ensures that decisions are made in the best interests of the organisation, its members and Orkney’s wider third sector. As VAO continues to adapt, the Board remains committed to **50%** providing careful leadership and ensuring the organisation is well placed to respond to future challenges and opportunities.
## **VAO Board of Directors 2025-26**
- Katherine McKerrell - Interim Chair (Appointed 16 June 2024) James Temple -Treasurer (Appointed 6 March 2023) Jan Swain – Director (Appointed 30 July 2018) Willie Neish – Director (Appointed 1 August 2023) Alison Sharkey – Director (Appointed 16 October 2023) Francesca Couperwhite – Director (Appointed 29 July 2024) Neil Kermode - Director (Appointed 5 January 2026) Hayley Green - Director (Appointed 20 April 2026) Sheila Garson – Director (Appointed 6 November 2025) Gerry O’Brien – (Resigned 16 September 2025) Janice Annal – (Resigned 14 August 2025)
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## **VAO MEMBERS 2025-26**
Malawi Music Fund MS Society Orkney OIC Housing Services Orkney Archaeology Society Orkney Arts and Crafts Orkney Arts Society Orkney Athletic and Running Club SCIO Orkney Blide Trust Orkney Camerata Orkney Charitable Trust Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau Orkney Community Transport Organisation (OCTO) Orkney Creative Hub Orkney Dance and Fitness Ltd Orkney Disability Forum Orkney Drugs Dog Orkney Family History Society Orkney Field Club Orkney Folk Festival Orkney Foodbank Orkney Friends of Palestine Orkney Hearts Supporters Club Orkney Heart Support Group Orkney Heritage Society Orkney Historic Boat Society Orkney Housing Association Ltd Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association Orkney Japan Association Orkney Library and Archive Orkney Men's Shed Orkney Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Orkney Music and Culture Orkney Natural History Society Museum Trust Orkney News Ltd Orkney Pilgrimage Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service Orkney Renewable Energy Forum Orkney Riding for the Disabled Orkney Rowing Club Orkney Sailing Club Orkney Skate Trust Orkney Street Pastors Orkney Tourist Guides Association Orkney Traditional Music Project Orkney Trout Fishing Association Orkney U3A Orkney Vintage Club Orkney Wireless Museum
**Groups and Organisations**
Advocacy Orkney Age Scotland Orkney Amnesty International Birsay Heritage Trust Burray Community Association Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland CLAN Cancer Support Community Energy Scotland Cromarty Hall Trust Crossroads Orkney Cruse Scotland Bereavement Deerness Community Association Destination Orkney East Mainland Agricultural Society Eday Community Enterprises Eday Heritage Centre Association (SCIO) Eday Partnership Eday Renewable Energy Ltd Employability Orkney Firth Community Association 1st Kirkwall Company Boys' Brigade SCIO Flotta Community Association Flotta Community Council Flotta Day Club Flotta Heritage Trust Friends of Happy Valley Friends of Sanday Kirk Friends of the Hoy Kirk Girlguiding Orkney Greener Orkney Grieveship Residents Association Haey Hope Club Hamnavoe Carers Harray and Sandwick Community Council Harray Community Association (SCIO) Holm Community Heritage at St Nicholas Kirk Home-Start Orkney Hope Cohousing Ltd Hoy Youth Hub Island of Hoy Development Trust John Rae Society Kirkwall East Church Kirkwall Squash and Racketball Club
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Orkney Yole Association Orkney Youth Café Orkney Zerowaste Papay Community Co-operative Ltd Papay Development Trust Peedie Kirk United Reformed Church Relationships Scotland Orkney Rendall Community Association Right There (Orkney) Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust Royal Voluntary Service RSPB Scotland Samaritans of Orkney Sanday Afternoon Club Sanday Community Council Sanday Community Craft Hub Ltd Sanday Development Trust Sandwick Community Association Scottish Autism Shapinsay Community Association Shapinsay Development Trust Shapinsay Heritage Arts and Crafts Shapinsay Lunch Club Shapinsay Renewables Ltd Skerries Toddler Group Somas Light Soulisquoy Printmakers Ltd South Ronaldsay Community Association South Ronaldsay Golf Club St Andrew's Community Association St John's Kirk - Walls Heritage St Magnus International Festival Stromness Community Council Stromness Community Garden Society Stromness Royal British Legion Pipe Band Stromness Shopping Week Stronsay Moncur Memorial Church Stronsay Renewable Energy Ltd Swandro-Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust THAW Orkney The Crafthub SCIO The Hoy Trust SCIO The Peedie Retreat The Pickaquoy Centre Trust The Pier Arts Centre Therapy Through Horses The Workshop Loft and Gallery The Yard Plant Nursery Victim Support Scotland Vital Talk Orkney Counselling Service Westray Community Association Westray Development Trust Westray Fairtrade Steering Group Westray Golf Club Westray Heritage Trust
Westray Parish Kirk Westray Sailing Club West Side Cinema Who Cares? Scotland Women's Aid Orkney Writing Orkney YM Empower
## **Individuals**
Alistair Carmichael MP Ian Carse Francesca Jane Couperwhite Sheila Garson Elaine Grieve George Hannah Keith Johnson Alison Sharkey James Temple of Stowe (James Temple)
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## **LOOKING AHEAD**
Looking ahead, VAO will continue to build support for Orkney’s third sector. The coming year will include further work to support organisations with legislative, funding, volunteering and governance-related developments, while also improving how VAO uses data and insight to understand sector needs.
A key priority will be to support groups and organisations with implementing the PVG legislative changes. Following local queries about regulated roles and PVG requirements, Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Service has been invited to attend an online meeting with Community Association members. This will provide an opportunity for groups to ask questions directly, improve their understanding of the requirements, and feel more confident in deciding which roles require PVG membership.
Youth and volunteer development will also remain a focus. VAO will continue exploring its role supporting Employer Supported Volunteering, alongside work to streamline volunteer matching processes. Plans are being developed for further Get Ready to Volunteer activity, including work with Kirkwall Grammar School and a future Open to All programme. Within youth development, the Youth Local Action Group has generated a number of ideas for next year, including the potential for a residential visit to Shetland, while further work is being considered around intergenerational activity in Stromness.
Community Development activity will continue to support wider sector resilience and connection. This includes progressing the Digital Inclusion Alliance project, working with Firstport to develop a learning exchange and partner awareness sessions. VAO will also be contributing third sector insight to the Heritage Places of Focus programme.
Membership development will be another important area of work. The membership survey provides a stronger evidence base for understanding members’ needs, priorities and expectations, and will help inform future service development. Continued work to improve the Community Directory will also help VAO better understand the reach and representativeness of its membership and identify any gaps in engagement.
Communications reporting will be strengthened by tracking key website actions and linking communications activity more clearly to service development and sector support, for example. This will help VAO evidence its role as a Central Source of Knowledge and better understand how people use VAO information in practice.
Overall, the year ahead provides an opportunity to build on the changes made during 2025–26, embedding new ways of working while continuing to support a strong, connected and informed voluntary and community sector in Orkney.
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