Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) exists to support, represent and strengthen the third sector in Orkney. Our membership is at the heart of that role, and we want to make sure that what we offer continues to be relevant, fair and sustainable.
VAO supports and develops the voluntary and community sector in Orkney. As a Third Sector Interface (TSI), we provide a single point of access for support, information, and representation, helping local organisations to thrive.
We provide:
VAO supports and develops the voluntary and community sector in Orkney. As a Third Sector Interface (TSI), we provide a single point of access for support, information, and representation, helping local organisations to thrive.
We provide:
- Practical support for voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises
- Volunteer development and placement
- Partnership working with public, private and third sectors
- Advocacy for sector interests at local and national levels
We also deliver projects and services that meet community need beyond core TSI functions.
Over time, the needs of voluntary & community organisations have changed – as have the expectations of what support, representation and services a Third Sector Interface (TSI - Organisations that help support groups) can provide. At the same time, funding pressures across the sector mean that we need to think carefully about how we balance accessibility with long-term sustainability.
That’s why we’re taking this opportunity to review our membership offer.
What this consultation is about
We want to better understand:
- What members value most about VAO
- Which aspects of our work are seen as core to membership
- What additional services or support organisations find useful
- Whether there is appetite for a different membership structure in the future
- What would encourage groups to be a member
In particular, we are exploring whether a tiered membership structure, based on organisational income (similar to other Third Sector Interfaces), could be a fair and transparent way to reflect the diversity of organisations in Orkney’s third sector.
No decisions have been made. This consultation is about gathering evidence and views before any proposals are developed.
What this consultation is not
We want to be clear that this consultation is not:
No decisions have been made. This consultation is about gathering evidence and views before any proposals are developed.
What this consultation is not
We want to be clear that this consultation is not:
- a decision to increase fees
- a move to restrict access to basic support
- a shift away from supporting small or volunteer-led groups
- Any future changes would aim to protect inclusivity, ensure fairness, and reflect what members tell us they genuinely value.
Why your input matters
VAO’s membership includes organisations of very different sizes, purposes and capacities. We know that a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always work.
Your responses will help us to:
VAO’s membership includes organisations of very different sizes, purposes and capacities. We know that a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always work.
Your responses will help us to:
- shape a membership offer that reflects real priorities
- understand where organisations feel stretched, and where they may be willing to contribute more
- ensure that any future model is transparent and evidence-based
The findings from this consultation will directly inform any future proposals brought to our Board.
There are 19 questions and the survey should only take 5 minutes to complete.
The survey will close on Wednesday 23 March 2026.