Edinburgh Napier University

  This research report outlines the findings from the first year of a three year longitudinal study examining the opportunities and challenges facing third sector organisations ( TSOs) in Scotland in the delivery of public services. The first year of the research aimed to establish a 'baseline' by which subsequent years of research could be compared. As part of that, specific objectives for the first year of research are summarised below:

identify the role and distinctive added value of TSOs delivering public services;
identify features of effective partnership-working between the public sector and TSOs;
assess the impact of Scottish Government and local government policy and budget priorities on TSOs' changing practice and management;
track the impact of the economic downturn and budget limitations on TSOs' roles in public service delivery;
describe how TSOs contribute to progress on the Scottish Government's national priorities and national outcomes;
describe how TSOs contribute to progress on Single Outcome Agreements and the work of Community Planning Partnerships;
enable TSOs to articulate views on the appropriateness of funders' oversight, evaluation and management procedures.