Networks & Forums
Midlothian Community Action hosts and takes part in a variety of networks and forums in Midlothian.
Third Sector Forum
MCA convenes a regular Third Sector Forum. This is a meeting of local third sector organisations to share important information, discuss issues affecting the sector, and formulate a shared voice for the sector within the community planning process.
Volunteer Managers Forum (VMF)
The Volunteer Managers’ Forum is open to our member organisations. It is an informal group which allows volunteer managers and coordinators (paid or unpaid) to come together to share their knowledge and experience. Joining the VMF is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to network, enhance and share their volunteer management practices.
Feedback from the group is used to inform community planning, and group members collaborate on joint projects such as the ‘Big Thank You’ event for local volunteers, and an annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair. Each meeting has a discussion topic and/or a guest speaker.
Meetings are normally held on a quarterly basis. Following recent feedback from the members, we currently have two face-to-face, one hybrid, and one online meeting. If the meeting is in-person, we make attempts to meet in different Third Sector locations where members can learn first-hand from the work of the others.
Midlothian Third Sector Children Services Network (MTSCSN)
This forum is for third sector organisations involved in the provision of services for children, young people, and families in Midlothian. The network aims to maximise the contribution of Midlothian’s third sector toward the planning and delivery of children and families’ services Meetings enable participants to share knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as identifying areas for collaboration and partnership working.
Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian (SEAM) Network
SEAM provides opportunities for social enterprises based or working in Midlothian to meet, showcase their work, build business relationships, explore issues and exercise a collective voice.
We organise networking events throughout the year including thematic workshops and lunchtime gatherings. We are always keen to hear from you if you have a great idea for a workshop!
Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SENscot)
Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SENscot) run six thematic networks focused on Community Food, Culture, Employability, Health, Sport and Tourism, with regular meetings and events about each topic. It’s worth signing up for one or more of these networks, as they are great for sharing information with other social enterprise organisations.