The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government 2026–2031, setting out its priorities for the next five years and its ambitions for Scotland.
The programme focuses on some of the biggest challenges facing our communities, including tackling child poverty, growing the economy, responding to the climate emergency and delivering high-quality, sustainable public services.
Here in West Lothian, our voluntary and community sector has an important role to play in helping turn these national ambitions into meaningful change at a local level.
Every day, charities, community groups, social enterprises and volunteers across West Lothian provide essential support, strengthen communities and respond directly to the needs of local people.
Whether it is supporting families experiencing financial hardship, tackling social isolation, improving health and wellbeing, providing opportunities for young people, developing skills and employability, or taking action on climate change, the contribution of our third sector is significant.
At Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (The Gateway), our role is to support and strengthen that sector. We connect organisations, people and resources; encourage and support volunteering; build the capacity and resilience of local organisations; and work with partners across the public, private and third sectors.
The Programme for Government also places a strong emphasis on improving public services and ensuring resources reach frontline services. As Scotland considers how services can be delivered differently, it is vital that the experience, knowledge and voice of the third sector are part of those conversations.
Our local organisations understand their communities and are often uniquely placed to identify emerging needs, build trusted relationships and develop solutions that work for local people.
Achieving Scotland’s ambitions cannot be the responsibility of government or public services alone. It requires strong partnership working and a voluntary sector that has the resources, capacity and resilience to continue delivering for our communities.
The Gateway will continue to champion the contribution of West Lothian’s third sector and work alongside our partners to ensure local organisations and communities have a strong voice in the decisions that affect them.
By working together, we can help build stronger, fairer and more resilient communities across West Lothian.
Alan McCloskey
Chief Executive Officer
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian
Read the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026–2031:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/programme-government-2026-2031/
