Employability in West Lothian
Harnessing the power of the third sector to support people into work, training, and volunteering.
At Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL), we believe the third sector is vital in helping people move towards and into employment.
As the local Third Sector Interface (TSI), we connect community organisations, charities and social enterprises with local employability services, funders, and employers — ensuring no one is left behind.
Our work supports Scotland’s No One Left Behind (NOLB) approach, helping build a joined-up, person-centred employability system rooted in local communities.
West Lothian Third Sector Employability Mapping & Gapping Report 2025
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian has undertaken a mapping and gapping exercise to better understand the contribution of third sector employability services across West Lothian.
The report provides an overview of current provision, identifies strengths and gaps across the employability pipeline, and highlights opportunities to strengthen partnership working, progression pathways and system-wide collaboration. It reflects engagement with local third sector organisations, employability partners, and members of the Third Sector Employability Forum.
Key findings include:
- Third sector organisations support at least 2,600 West Lothian residents annually.
- Strong provision exists at Stages 1–3 of the employability pipeline, particularly around wellbeing, confidence-building and skills development.
- Opportunities exist to strengthen progression into employment, employer engagement and in-work support.
- Transport, childcare and referral pathway challenges continue to impact participation and progression.
Download the full report below to learn more about the role and impact of the third sector within West Lothian’s employability landscape.
Download Mapping & Gapping Report 2025
Strategic Employability Resources
No One Left Behind (NOLB) Investment Plan 2026/27
The West Lothian Local Employability Partnership (LEP) has published its No One Left Behind (NOLB) Investment Plan for 2026/27, setting out how Scottish Government employability funding will be invested across West Lothian during the year.
The plan outlines key priorities, targeted interventions and expected outcomes designed to support people facing barriers to employment, including young people, parents, individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and those who are economically inactive.
For 2026/27, West Lothian will receive £2.82 million of No One Left Behind funding across three key investment areas:
- All Age Employability Support
- Tackling Child Poverty
- Specialist Employability Support
The Investment Plan highlights the services, programmes and partnership activity that will be delivered locally to support progression into education, training, volunteering and employment, while ensuring support is tailored to local need.
Download NOLB Investment Plan 2026/27
Why the Third Sector Matters
Third sector organisations support people who are often furthest from the labour market — offering wraparound, community-based support that builds confidence, skills, and wellbeing.
They contribute to employability by providing:
- Volunteering opportunities as first steps
- Skills development and accredited training
- Youth work, mentoring and positive role models.
- Health, wellbeing, and family support
- Advice, debt, and money guidance
- Digital and ESOL learning
- Supported work placements and sessional roles.
This early, holistic support complements statutory services like Access2Employment and Supported Employment, ensuring people get the help they need, when they need it.
West Lothian Third Sector Employability Forum
VSGWL coordinates the Third Sector Employability Forum to bring together local third sector organisations involved in employability and community support.
The forum provides space to:
- Share updates, resources, and good practice.
- Build relationships and referral routes.
- Identify gaps and opportunities.
- Feed into local and national employability strategy.
The Forum is currently chaired by Liyan Adnan.
Join the Forum
If your organisation supports people into work, volunteering, or training, we’d love you to join us.
Volunteering and Employability
Volunteering is more than an act of service — it is also a pathway to professional growth. By taking part in volunteer opportunities, individuals gain valuable experience, strengthen transferable skills, and build networks that directly enhance employability.
Skills gained through volunteering — such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving — are highly regarded by employers across all sectors.
See the Latest Volunteering Opportunities
Useful Links
Local Employability Partnership (LEP)
The West Lothian LEP brings together local partners from the council, business, education, health, and the third sector to shape the area’s employability landscape. They meet every two months to put their shared vision into action.
West Lothian Council – Employability Information
Employment advice services available including Access2Employment
A2E Vacancy Bulletin – Local Job Opportunities
Access2Employment’s fortnightly Vacancy Bulletin shares local jobs, training, workshops, and employment support.
Get in Touch
For more information, please contact our Employability Officer, Liyan Adnan.
Last reviewed: 14 July 2026
